Page 54 of Face Off

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“I think I might walk and get some fresh air. I’m only a few blocks up the road.”

“Will you let me know when you get home?”

I roll my eyes, but a smile sneaks out of me too. It’s nice to have someone looking out for me. “Yeah. I will.”

Later, after I take another shower and climb into bed with a book, I pull up my text message thread with Maverick.

Me

Home

Bane of my Existence

Excellent.

You good?

Me

I’m good. See you at practice.

Bane of my Existence

Chin up, buttercup (I can say that now because you aren’t here to beat me in arm wrestling). The sun will come out tomorrow.

Me

Thanks, Annie.

Bane of my Existence

That’s you, Hartwell.

Maybe I should save you in my phone as that from now on.

Me

What am I right now?

Bane of my Existence

Redheaded Assassin. LOL.

Me

At least you find yourself funny.

Better sleep with one eye open, Miller.

Bane of my Existence

Can’t wait.

I’ll leave the window unlocked.

I don’t remember the last time I fell asleep with a smile on my face, but leave it to Maverick goddamn Miller to be the one to do it.

SIXTEEN

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