Page 21 of Connected By Stars
“You don’t want to know. Let’s just say he had no business talking about you that way when you were only thirteen. Or ever really.” Mav glares at Eric.
Laughing, Eric looks at the two of us. “You know, I’m surprised you guys were never together. The way Mav was so protective about you and would knock out anyone wanting to try something with you, it’s almost as if he was jealous. I always thought one day he would make you his. Guess I was wrong.” He shrugs his shoulders and smiles at someone across the room. “I’m going to go say hi to Andrew. It was nice talking to you again, Bella. Maybe we could have another conversation later by the bonfire?”
“Maybe,” I murmur, my mind too occupied by the fact that Maverick has kept guys away from me my whole life.
“Cool.” He nods at Maverick and heads over to talk to Andrew.
I cross my arms and look at Maverick. He shifts uncomfortably and meets my eyes.
“How long have you been keeping guys away from me?”
His mouth quirks up, fighting a smile. “Probably since you could walk.”
“Oh my God, you have got to be kidding me.”
“Hey, there were a few that I didn’t mind.”
“You mean, the gay ones that didn’t know it yet or the ones that were so freaking scared to try anything with me.” I laugh, remembering all my awkward high school dates.
“What? They seemed like nice guys who wouldn’t hurt you.” He tries to look innocent and fails when he starts laughing.
“You are unbelievable, you know that?” I should be mad,but for some reason, it makes me all warm and giddy inside to know he could have been jealous.
“I just don’t ever want you to get hurt. Guys want one thing with girls who are as beautiful as you.” He meets my eyes, and I see him struggling with his emotions.
Without thinking, I let my frustration with him get the better of me. “Not everyone is like you, Maverick. There are a lot of guys out there that want more than one fuck from me.”
He flinches like I slapped him, and I immediately regret what I said. I know Maverick isn’t a bad guy. He likes to sleep around, yes, but not to get what he wants and hurt the girl.
“Is that what you think? That I just want to fuck you to get what I want, then move on to the next girl?” He quietly asks me, his green eyes filled with hurt.
“No, I don’t think that. I’m sorry. I regretted saying it the moment I said it. I’m just so confused and don’t know what to think.”
“That makes two of us.” He looks away and takes a long sip of bourbon. Skye calls everyone over to get a plate of food. “We better go eat while it’s hot. Skye was in charge of the food, and I think she ordered one of everything from the caterers.” He gives a small laugh to lighten the mood.
“I’ll be over in a second. I’m going to get some more wine.” He looks at me before nodding and walking away to the table.
I feel bad for what I said. I know I hurt him, and I didn’t mean it. Well, not technically. I know we have sexual chemistry, but I’ve never let myself think past having just one night with Maverick. Would I be like all the other girls and be a one-night stand? I know he would never intentionally hurt me, but could my heart handle just one night? Would he ever want more?
I fill my plate and make my way to the back deck to eat. I sit down next to Emma, and she pulls me in for a hug.
“This is so much fun. Maverick and Skye did an amazingjob. This shrimp is to die for.” She takes another bite of the grilled shrimp.
“They really did.” I take a bite of the shrimp and moan. “You’re right. This is amazing,” I laugh.
“Told you.” She takes another bite and grins. “So, Sophia told me you have a hot date on Sunday.”
“I do. We met on Wednesday when I was filming for Maverick. He seems nice.”
“You don’t sound very excited about it,” she laughs.
“I don’t know,” I sigh. “There’s just something missing. I want what you and Noah have. I want the fireworks and the passion. Maybe it just takes time, and I’ll feel something on the date after I get to know him better.”
“You’ll have that, Bella. Have fun on your date on Sunday, but don’t try and force things if it’s not there. You deserve it all, so don’t settle. If I learned anything, it’s that life’s too short, and you have to go after what you want. Hang onto that love for as long as you’re given.”
“You’re right. I’ve told myself I would never settle, and I’m not about to start now. I’ll see how Sunday goes. I owe it to myself and him to see if there’s anything more worth pursuing.”
Noah comes up behind her and snuggles her neck. She blushes at something he whispers in her ear. Laughing, she turns to me, her eyes bright with love. “I’ll be right back. I need to help Noah with something.”
