Page 23 of Stay for Forever

“Because you’re a big, fat cheater.”

“You say cheater, I say smart.”

“Whatever.”

Once she flounces away, Mav leans close to whisper, “Is the egg hunt a contest?”

I ignore the quiver of excitement that runs through my body at the feel of his breath on my skin. “You bet it is. Whoever collects the most eggs wins dinner at the brewery for two.” I shake my finger at him. “Don’t be getting any ideas. I’m going to finally win this year.”

“Maybe we could work together.”

I should know better, but I ask anyway, “What do you have in mind?”

He winks. “You gather the eggs. I got this.”

I shrug. “Whatever.”

Forest blows a whistle. “One minute.”

Mav kisses my forehead. “Off I go.”

While I watch his ass as he saunters away, I can feel my skin tingle where his lips touched it. Sigh. Too bad he’s not to be trusted because his lips and that ass… I push those thoughts out of my mind. Now’s not the time to reminisce about biting those juicy muscles, Juniper. It’s time to finally beat Ashlyn in the egg hunt.

Forest begins the countdown. “Five, four, three, two, one!”

At one, everyone rushes off. I lift up my skirts and realize this outfit isn’t so bad after all. You’re not allowed to carry a basket during the egg hunt. Not after one too many people ended up getting bashed over the head with one. My skirt is the perfect place to gather my eggs. This is my year to win. Mine!

While the rest of the participants scurry around the basketball area, I make my way to the tennis court. I gather up several eggs before anyone joins me. I search the area for signs of my sister and notice Mav whispering to her. I don’t know what they’re whispering about, but I do know she’s not gathering eggs. Go, Mav!

After five minutes my skirt is weighed down with green, yellow, and purple eggs – the colors representing Oestre. I carefully make my way to the counting station where everyone places their eggs. I notice the other piles and how small they are. Yes! There’s no need to count this year. I’m clearly the winner.

Mav joins me. “I guess we’ll be going out for a dinner at the brewery.”

I narrow my eyes at him. “Who said you’d be joining me?”

His eyes flash with hurt. Damn. I’ve become a shrew.

“I’m—”

Before I have the chance to apologize, the other participants join us. Love Hill sidles up to Mav.

“Hi, handsome,” she breathes out. My nostrils flare as I glare at her. Love Hill is a hussy who chases after all the men. Ask me sometime about how she tried to ruin Aspen and Lyric’s relationship.

“How you doing, sweetheart?” Mav responds and flashes her his Hollywood smile.

My mouth snaps shut. Was I seriously going to apologize for the hurt I caused him? Ha! No need for apologizing. Maverick is the same player he’s been all along. I had a temporary lapse of judgment due to his shirtless situation is all. I won’t have another one.

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