Page 96 of Falling Stars

Mav’s eyes light up when he sees me, and it takes everything in me not to run to him. I’m dying to talk through things. Though… I guess I can’t do that in the middle of a packed restaurant.

He and Jace get up, and Jace sits behind the piano.

Is Jace’s band performing tonight?

I freeze when Mav picks up a microphone and says, “This is for my girl, Baylee,” and starts singing “You’ve Lost that Loving Feeling.”

What’s he doing?

I can’t seem to move, but then Paige is there, pushing me closer to the guys.

Because not only is Maverick singing, but Jace, Rhett, and Beau jump in on the chorus.

Mav grabs my hand as he belts the song like he’s Tom Cruise inTop Gun, which he and I watched a million times when we were kids. It’s a little off-key, but he’s adorably charming.

Then the whole dang restaurant belts the end.

Oh my God. Laughing, I cover my face, but he pulls me in his arms as he wraps up the tune.

When the song ends, he grabs my face. Smiling, he leans down to kiss me, and everyone hoots and hollers.

I look up to him. “What was that for?” Because I’ve never known Maverick to be into huge public displays of affection.

“For two reasons. One, we needed an epic first date. And two,because I have to get something off my chest.” He grabs my hand, turns to the crowd, and raises his voice. “Just in case y’all read theGazettethis morning, I want to make my own announcement. I recently got my head outta my ass and asked my long-time best friend Baylee to be my girlfriend. She said yes.”

“It’s about damn time, Maverick!” Sheriff Reynolds shouts from the bar.

Everyone cheers except a sourpuss a few tables over whom I realize is Kira. She jumps up and gives me the finger before she storms out.

That girl needs a good therapist.

Mav doesn’t notice her, and I don’t ruin the moment by pointing her out. He holds up a hand. “The sheriff’s right. So I’ll have to pass the mantle of Wild Heart’s most eligible bachelor to my brothers, Jace and Beau.”

Some girl screams, “I love you, Jace Walker!”

He yells back, “Love you too!”

Then I remember something Paige told me about Beau, and I shout, “Don’t forget to vote for Wild Heart’s hottest firefighter contest if you want to see Beau Walker in next year’s calendar!”

That really gets the ladies going, and Beau shakes his head at me. I laugh at the droll expression on his face, which is bright red.

I’m about to join everyone at the table when Maverick tugs me to him. “Just wanted to say again I’m really sorry about last night.”

“I’m sorry too. I hate that we argued.” We don’t have a lot of time before he returns to New York. I’m sure the next three weeks are going to fly by. The thought of him leaving makes me panic, so I shove it out of my mind and fiddle with the button on his shirt. “You look nice. You dressed up.” He’s wearing a dark blue button-up with his sleeves rolled up, dark jeans, and boots.

“I also have these for you.” He hands me a huge bouquet of pink roses.

“They’re beautiful.”

Mav cups my face and rubs his nose against mine. “I should’ve taken you,” he says quietly.

“To what?”

“To homecoming.”

My throat tightens, and I blink quickly. I don’t know what to say.

Someone starts chanting, “Kiss her! Kiss her!” And everyone joins in.

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