Page 45 of Falling Stars

“The truth is that I have no idea what will happen when I go see my doctor in New York. Will I play if given the chance? I’m not sure. Maybe? One doctor already told me flat out that I shouldn’t return to the game, but that feels like a cop-out. What if I can do it? What if I have what it takes?”

She grabs my hand. “You don’t have to prove anything. Play or don’t play. I just don’t want you thinking you’re only good enough if you’re in the NFL.”

I swallow. “Why… what makes you think that?”

Her eyes study mine. “I don’t know. It’s just a feeling I get. That you think you have something to prove.”

“I did have a shitty season, which is embarrassing. Wish I’ddone better. What if that one season is the only thing people will remember me by?”

She squeezes my hand. “I don’t mean to be rude, but you’re on a shit team. You can’t be a one-man show out there. That’s not how you win football games.”

“You have a point.”

“Besides, who cares what randos think of you? You’re Maverick fucking Walker. You’re a freaking star in Texas. You can’t walk down the streets of Charming or Wild Heart without getting mobbed by college football fans.”

I wouldn’t describe ESPN commentators as “randos,” but I get what she’s saying.

Baylee’s beautiful when she’s flustered. “You’re just being sweet.”

“The hell I am. I’m being honest. You have a whole life ahead of you. If my mom was here, she’d tell you to be grateful you’re alive and can walk. That you have your health.”

Nodding, I glance down. “Your mom is a wise woman.”

She leans in until our eyes connect. “Would you feel better if I made you some puppy chow tomorrow?”

Chuckling, I tug her into a hug. “Careful, or I’m never gonna let you move out.”

16

BAYLEE

Why doesMaverick have to smell so dang good? And, ugh, I love how I fit against him. How we nestle perfectly together. How his chin rests on the top of my head. And how his arms wrap around me.

Leo lets out a cry, and I jump away from my roommate. “I’d better get him.”

As I rush into the living room, Mav calls out, “I need to talk to you about something.”

I slide to a stop when I see a big bed instead of the couch. Leo wails from the opposite side, so I rush over to pick him up. Then I turn back to Mav, who’s rubbing his neck. “Paige had Jace drop off some bedding while you were in the shower. You, uh, you should take the bed. I can sleep on the floor.”

I huff in annoyance. “Maverick, you broke your damn neck. Guess what that means?Youget the bed.”

“You just had a baby. I would be the biggest asshole on the planet if I made you sleep on the floor. What kind of jerk do you think I am?”

We glare at each other until Leo wails. Mav points at the baby. “He just agreed with me.”

“My son did no such thing.”

Leo’s little face gets red and pinched, which means he needs a diaper change. After I get rid of the stink bomb, I sit on the edge of the bed and grab the light cotton blanket. I toss it over Leo and whip out my boob. As he eats, I glance back at the big mattress. “This is dumb, Mav. You have a huge bed. There’s space for both of us. You sleep on your side, and I’ll sleep on mine. No biggie.”

My heart races as I wait for his response.

“Only if you’re sure you don’t mind sleeping with me,” he says slowly.

I ignore the way his gruff voice sends a zap of electricity through me. “I’m… I’m sure. Though maybe you’ll change your mind after you get a whiff of this diaper.”

He smiles. “It’s not so bad, but I don’t wanna make you do something you’re not comfortable with.”

“It’s not a big deal. It’s not like you’re sneaking through my bedroom window for a sleepover like you did when we were eight.”

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