Page 104 of Falling Stars

I grin around a bite of bacon. “You’ve made my day.”

A few hours later, after we’ve dropped off Leo at Paige’s, Mav and I are walking hand in hand through the mall a few towns over. I keep stealing glances at him. He hasn’t told me why we’re here. Just that he needs to pick up a few things.

I assume it’s for his trip back to New York.

My stomach sinks when I try to imagine what life will be like when he leaves. Having Maverick is the only reason I’ve gotten any sleep at all since that break-in.

“Bay, do you have any early mornings next week? Since I’ll be stopping by the high school, I want to make sure I get everywhere on time.”

“You don’t have to open the salon for me.” Because now, not only does he insist on walking me to work, he does a walkthrough before he lets me and Leo in. It’s a little overboard, but terribly sweet.

That gets me a scowl. “Your safety comes first.” I can’t seem to talk him out of being my personal bodyguard. “Here we are.” We pause in front of my favorite department store.

“Do you need some clothes?”

“No. But you do. This is something I should’ve done sooner.”

I glance down at my t-shirt and jeans. “Are you saying you don’t like what I’m wearing?” I tease.

“Shut up.” He laughs and presses a kiss to my forehead. “You know I think you’re perfect. But I also want to replace the clothes that got destroyed at your house.”

“So this is why you asked Paige to babysit? So you could take me shopping?”

“Surprise.” He glances around at the different shops. “I thought we’d start here, but we can go wherever you want.”

I sigh. Maverick’s so damn sweet. I love him so much, my heart hurts. “Thank you, baby, but you don’t need to spend any more…” I trail off, feeling like a broken record.

He pulls me close and wraps his arms around me. “If I can’t treat my favorite girl, what’s the point? Please enjoy today. Get what you need. If it really bothers you, consider it an early birthday present.”

“My birthday isn’t until the fall.”

“Areallyearly birthday present.”

Reaching up, I grab his handsome face. “This isn’t fair. What will I ever be able to give you to show you how much I love you?”

His returning smile dazzles me. “Just be with me. You and Leo are all I need.”

I kiss him and try to memorize how good it feels to be in his arms. How sweet his lips taste. How sexy he smells.

He steps back and adjusts himself with a chuckle. “I can’t take you anywhere.”

We both laugh, and he tugs me into the store. When I don’t know where to start, he takes me to get jeans and shirts and dresses. Then he makes me try on boots and accessories.

“This would look great on you,” he says, dangling a gold necklace and earrings in front of me.

I shake my head. “That’s too much.”

“You’re a stylist. You have to look good. Think of this as an investment in your salon.”

Damn, he’s good. I growl, and he chuckles.

I get a few outfits and a beautiful pair of black boots, but when I get to the cashier, Maverick points to the smoothie shop across the way. “Why don’t you go get us a snack, and I’ll meet up with you in a few minutes.”

“Why don’t we go together?”

“Because I need to make a quick call.”

“Oh. Okay. Then I’ll meet you over there.” I point out the spot. “You want a banana strawberry smoothie?”

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