Page 77 of IOU

I do.

Not only do I press the button on the wall, signaling to the staff that we’re ready to go, but I pick “Legend” by Atlas to play over the loudspeakers. It’s a catchy and kick-ass kind of tune that you can destroy stuff to.

“I’m surprised,” says Maverick, his fingers grazing over one of the aluminum bats. “I felt sure we’d be listening to Beyoncé or some kind of girl power song.”

My heart flutters just thinking he would be willing to endure girl power music if I wanted.

“Nope,” I say with a smile. “This trip is all for you.”

And me. Sort of.

I’ve wanted to try this place for a while, and well, now was the perfect opportunity. Maverick and I both have demons we need to work out of our system.

“How thoughtful,” he muses right before rearing back and leveling an old fax machine on the table. Pieces of plastic and metal fly everywhere, sliding along the concrete floor.

“You’re right,” he says, rolling his shoulders with a stupid grin on his face. “This feels incredible.”

He takes another swing at a glass vase, shattering it with a victory yell that pops a silly smile on my face.

Then he takes another swing. And another.

I’m watching in awe as the uptight man I know lets loose and enjoys himself like a big kid gone rogue in a toy store.

His swings are strong, and his form is impeccable, but that just might be me. I don’t think I’ve ever really sat back and enjoyed the view that is Maverick.

Sure, I’ve noticed sexy qualities here and there. Especially his dark, messy hair and tattoos. But he always has a shield up. That shield keeps you from enjoying the hottest things about him, like his smile. His quick-witted personality. And his beautiful broken heart.

I think even if Maverick were on the lower end of the hot spectrum, I would still want to stare at him for hours because I know that underneath all the rumors and masks is a good guy with a caring heart.

“Ainsley, stop standing there and hit something!” he yells between panting breaths.

I grin. “I’m not sure you’re going to leave me anything to destroy.”

Those broad shoulders stop mid-swing before turning and leveling me with a look that saysI willbreak some shit before we leave.

“Come here. Now.”

Yep, that tone he just used tingled below my belt line.

I clench the bat and walk over to where Maverick waits impatiently, one hand tucked halfway into his pocket. “Look at this old TV and tell me what you see.”

I cock my head to the side, looking for a hidden image or something.

“Uh ...”

I can hear his sigh over the music.

“Ahh!”

He snags me around the waist and places me in front of him roughly, his bat clattering to the floor. Warm and strong, his hands grip my hips. “You want to know what I think you see?”

Gah, his breath tickles along my neck. I should not have put my hair up. This outing is destined for a mistake.

“I think you see the woman Fuckface and his wannabe girlfriend kicked out of her apartment.”

It’s like he threw an ice-cold bucket of water over me. I try wrenching out of his hold, but he keeps going. “Look at the TV, Ainsley. Tell me whatyousee.”

I swallow. “I don’t want to do this anymore.”

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