Page 113 of Falling Stars

“I’m sorry I didn’t do it sooner. I really should’ve moved closer when we were dating, but I was a dumbass. Long distance never works, does it?”

Maverick’s eyes bore into me, and I laugh awkwardly. “I’d say everything worked out for the best.”

Sean tips his beer to Mav. “Did you know he has a really nice place in New York? It’s in a great location.”

I shrug because my boyfriend hasn’t mentioned that to me either.

Wanting to get this over as quickly as possible, I pull Leo out of his stroller. “I just need to change his diaper. Give me five minutes.”

Sean puts his hand on my arm. “Can I try it? Then you can tell me if I do something wrong?”

“Sure. That’s a great idea.” I glance at Maverick. Jaw tight, body rigid, he’s staring down at the island. He looks pissed. I’m not sure why he’s upset, since he’s the one who suggested meeting here. “We’ll be right back.”

He doesn’t say anything.

When Sean and I get to the nursery, he blows out a breath. “Can I just admit now that I’m jealous you’re dating a first-round draft pick?”

I put Leo on the changing table. “Mav and I grew up together. I don’t see him that way. I mean, I know he’s an incredible player, but he means more to me than that.”

He unsnaps Leo’s onesie, and his voice softens. “It’s easier on my ego this way.”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re turning me down to date Maverick Walker. Kinda hard to beat that.”

“You’re an idiot.” I laugh and he smiles.

When he finishes changing Leo’s diaper, I pat his shoulder. “Good job.”

We head back to the living room where Maverick is sitting at the bar, still looking butthurt. I’m not sure why, though.

I lean over him and kiss his cheek. “Did you have a good day?”

“Yeah. I had PT this morning, took an ice bath, ran some errands. Stopped by the high school to talk to Coach one more time.” I wait for him to mention Nicole. He doesn’t.

“Great.”

Sean, who’s cradling Leo, clears his throat. “So Mav, when do you head back to New York?”

“Sunday morning.”

At the reminder, my stomach drops. It feels like the world is ending in two days.

“No shit. That’s soon.”

I get a glass of water before I freak out. After I take a few sips, I turn back to the guys. “But first, he’s helping his brothers at the ranch rodeo this weekend.” And I’m taking another day off work so I can hang out with them.

I realize I still need to feed the baby and warm up a bottle, soI do that as the stilted conversation continues. Finally, the milk is warm enough to feed Leo, and I hand Sean the bottle.

He shakes it at me. “This is breast milk, right? Can I taste it?”

“Sean.”

“What? If we were still dating?—”

“Don’t fucking finish that sentence,” Maverick growls.

I jolt at the anger in his voice. “Okay, guys, let’s not do this.” I maneuver Sean over to the couch. “Can you sit here to feed Leo? I need a minute.”

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