Page 75 of IOU

“Where did you get that book?”

How did I not notice he had my book in his hand? You know the one I bought yesterday after my mom gave me that horrific lecture about knowing how to please yourself before expecting a man to know. How did I not remember to hide it? Oh, that’s right, because he was dying!

“Well,” he drawls, a stupid grin on his face. “I was looking for my laptop—”

Eww. Yeah, I hid that before I left. He needed to rest, that’s what the doctor told him. I knew he wouldn’t do it, so I took matters into my own hands and helped.

“And found this.” His eyes dance with curiosity. “Do you read these types of books regularly?”

I grab a stupid apple and close the fridge. Might as well be honest. Maverick has seen me at some pretty low points in my life, just add this one to the list. “No, but ever since I broke up with Tucker, I’ve decided that I was going to do me.”

Dammit.

“Literally, huh?” He grins.

“That’s not what I meant! I just meant that I’m going to find the woman I once was. The one before Tucker.”

“And finding your G-spot helps you with that?”

I stand taller, fighting a grin. I love all this push and pull we have. “Learning to scream out my own name helps, yes.”

That wipes the smug smile off his face.

He swallows and places the book on the table like it burned him.

“Where’s my laptop?” he asks, suddenly serious.

I take a bite of the apple. Maverick Lexington does not scare me. “It’s safe.”

How exciting is this? I’m nearly shaking with anticipation. Bantering with Maverick has always been fun, but now, seeing the fire burn in his eyes ... this is fun.

“I’ll only ask you once. Where is it?”

His steps are calculated and strong. Gone is the weak man from last night. This man is formidable as he forces me against the counter.

“Give it to me. Now.”

His breath is on my face, fresh and minty like it hasn’t been long since he brushed his teeth.

Standing firm, I smile, forcing out a, “Later. And only if you’re a good boy.”

He shoves me slightly, taking my shoulders in his hands, his mouth going to my neck as my hair drapes around his face like a shield. I can feel his watch vibrating with notifications.

“You better slow your heart down,” I tease, forcing out a breath. Yep, that’s my lady bits throbbing this early in the morning.

He takes a deep breath, and I feel it all the way to my toes.

“Don’t play with me.”

I scoff, grinning triumphantly. “That’s exactly what I plan to do.” I lean my head into his face, forcing his lips to my neck. “I know my opponent now.”

Maverick’s hands clench against me once more before he pulls back, his hot body leaving mine cool in its wake.

His eyes burn with anticipation. “All right, James. I’ll see your bet and raise.”

“This is stupid. I’m not doing it. I thought you meant a game of Millionaire or poker to help with the stress, not this.”

Maverick really is cute when he's being all awkward, looking around like he’s scared someone will recognize him at Crush It, a place where you can literally smash anything. The internet claims it’s all the rage and is known to alleviate stress. Yes, I took Luke’s advice, somewhat. I’m fairly certain Luke was insinuating that Maverick needed to get laid, but relief is relief, right? Either way, at Crush It, Maverick can release some tension and still let loose some testosterone should he need it.

---