Page 33 of You Owe Me

“Only my pride. And possibly my elbow.” I examine a fresh scrape with a wince. “And definitely my theory that you possess basic human empathy.”

He spins the paddle again, a nervous tic I’ve come to recognize. Something’s bothering him. Mav’s movements are stiffer than usual, his focus too intense even for him. When he’s just being competitive, there’s usually a glint of amusement in his eyes. Today, there’s something darker there.

“Let’s go again.” He’s already moving back into position.

I should be annoyed. Actually, I am annoyed. But I’m also worried. This isn’t just Maverick being Maverick. This is Maverick working something out the only way he knows how: through controlled physical exertion, where he sets the rules and dictates the outcome.

“One more point,” I agree, getting back into position. “And then we’re taking a break before I pass out and you have to explain to Bostic why you killed me with a plastic ball and a glorified ping-pong paddle.”

His serve is even more aggressive than before, barely giving me time to react. I manage to return it by some miracle, only for him to slam it back so hard that the ball practically disintegrates on impact with my court.

“That’s game,” he announces, his voice tight.

“That’s attempted murder,” I counter, dropping my paddle and collapsing dramatically onto the court. “Death by pickleball. Not how I pictured going out.”

But Maverick isn’t laughing. He’s not even doing his almost-smile thing. He’s staring at the paddle in his hand like it personally offended him, his knuckles white with tension. My theatrics fade as I recognize the signs: the tightness around his eyes, the controlled breathing, the subtle check of his watch where his heart monitor displays numbers I can’t see but can guess are too high.

I get to my feet, abandoning my dramatics. “Hey,” I say softly, approaching him. “What’s going on in that complicated head of yours?”

“Nothing.” The response is automatic, dismissive.

“Right. And I’m secretly a mermaid who just enjoys biology research as a cover.” I step closer, into his space. “Talk to me, Mav.”

He turns to me suddenly, his eyes flashing with something dangerous. “When were you going to tell me?”

“Tell you what?” I’m genuinely confused by his abrupt shift.

“About Carter Mills.” The words come out like ice chips. “About him approaching you. Repeatedly.”

Oh. Shit.

“How did you?—”

“I know everything that happens on this campus, Ainsley.” His voice rises, an unusual occurrence for the typically controlled Maverick. “Did you think I wouldn’t find out that he’s been cornering you after classes? That he followed you to the café? That he sat with you under the oak tree on East Quad?”

I blink, taken aback by the precision of his knowledge. Of course, he knows. This is Maverick we’re talking about.

“It’s nothing,” I say, waving a dismissive hand. “I’m handling it.”

“Handling it?” He practically spits the words. “He’s been stalking you, and you didn’t think to mention it?”

“I was going to tell you if I couldn’t handle it,” I explain, trying to sound casual despite the hammering of my heart. “It’s nothing for you to stress over. Just another entitled rich kid with boundary issues and a problem with the word no.”

His jaw clenches so tight I’m worried he might crack a tooth. “Nothing to stress over?” Maverick rarely raises his voice, but he’s close now. “He’s hitting on my girlfriend, and you kept it from me.”

“He’s not hitting on me,” I say, meeting his gaze. “He’s testing the waters. Trying to see if I’ll be faithful to you, and I am.”

“But you didn’t tell me about it.” His voice is dangerously low.

“Because I can handle it!” I push back. “I’m not some helpless damsel who can’t handle a preppy guy in khakis asking me out. And using pickleball as an outlet for murderous rage isn’t going to help,” I point out gently. “Your heart, remember?”

He gives me a sharp look. “I’m fine.”

“Show me your watch.”

“Ainsley—”

“Show me the watch, Maverick, or I swear I will tackle you right here on this court and cause a scene that will live in campus legend for decades.”

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