Page 108 of Wicked Little Secret

Olivia: Let’s talk when I pick him up this evening?

What was there to talk about? He didn’t think two or three nights was unreasonable.

Maverick: Okay. I’ll see you later.

Olivia: Around six, okay?

Maverick: I’m flexible. You know that.

**

She rang the doorbell at five minutes after six.

He answered the door with a frown. “Why are you ringing the doorbell, and using the front door? You still have the garage door opener—use it.”

“I didn’t want to be presumptuous.”

“Olivia, you are welcome here anytime.”

“Thanks,” she said as she stepped inside. “And thank you again for this morning.”

“It’s going to be an adjustment, but he’ll get it figured out.”

“How was he today?”

“A little fussy when he first woke up, but after lunch he was his usual, happy self.”

“Once he was back here, with you.”

Maverick knew that hurt her feelings, so he didn’t gloat when he replied, “Yeah.”

He didn’t expect her to burst into tears, though, but that’s exactly what she did. He’d never seen her cry, and it took every ounce of his willpower not to pull her into his arms to try and comfort her.

Instead, he settled for rubbing her biceps. “Hey, it’ll be okay. He’s just gotta adjust, but kids are resilient. He’ll get it figured out.”

She wiped her eyes with an embarrassed laugh. “Thanks. I know you’re right; I just can’t help thinking I’m screwing this up royally and he’ll never forgive me.”

“You’re not screwing this up. You’re just exhausted and not thinking straight.”

“You’re probably right.”

“The offer stands; he can stay here tonight so you can get some sleep.”

It was on the tip of his tongue to invite her, too, but he bit that appendage and kept his mouth shut.

She replied, “I’m not going in until the afternoon tomorrow, so I’m ready for another sleepless night.”

“I’ll come by early again unless you text me otherwise.”

“Thank you. Maybe he can start staying with you a few nights next week, when I’m back to full-time again.”

He really wished she’d slowly ease back into working forty-plus hours, but they were divorcing, and therefore, he didn’t get an opinion. Not that he ever had been entitled to one. They’d never beenmarriedmarried, as she liked to call it.

Speaking of.

“My lawyer is supposed to get in touch with yours about scheduling a settlement meeting. Just wanted to give you a heads up.”

“I already told you, Mav. I don’t want your money.”

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