Page 48 of Falling Stars

A harsh laugh bubbles from my chest. “You were a huge flirt in high school, but you were ten times worse in college. You forget that I came to some of your Lone Star State games. I saw you flirt with every girl in a ten-mile radius, Maverick. Every girl.” I punch my pillow with a huff. “You might not have known what you were doing in high school, but you sure as hell did in college.”

“Baylee, look at me.”

“Go to bed, Maverick.”

“Baylee.”

Turning, I glare at him. “Are you going to pretend you haven’t slept with anyone since we were in high school?” That shuts him up. “Thought so.” I turn away from him and scoot as close to the edge of the bed as possible.

Tomorrow, I’m finding another place to live.

17

BAYLEE

My phone buzzesfrom the counter.

Maverick: I fucked up. I’m sorry.

Sure did, asshole.

Maverick: I never meant to hurt you.

Too late for that.

By the fifth text, I’ve had enough. I set down my brush and tell Daisy Dickson that I need a minute. This is so unprofessional, but I can’t handle this anymore.

Me: Stop bothering me at work. I’ll find someplace else to stay. I’m not your problem anymore.

Before I can get back to work, I get a text from my ex.

Sean: Sorry I bailed last weekend. Something cameup. I feel bad.

Me: You should feel bad!

That asshole waited an entire week to apologize. At least Leo doesn’t know Sean’s a shitty father. Not yet, anyway.

Fuming, I pick up my brush and try to get perspective—at least I didn’t get another hang-up call.

Shortly after I’m done with Daisy’s hair and she leaves, Paige ducks into the salon all smiley. “Hey. Wanna grab lunch?” She balances Ella on her hip.

I don’t feel like hanging out, but maybe this is what I need. “Sure. I have to drop off some food for Maverick, but then we can get something. My next client isn’t until two.” I grab Ella’s little hand. “Hi, darling. Don’t you look adorable today in that fetching outfit.” She’s wearing a long-sleeve floral romper with matching booties and a wide pink hair band. Ella grins and babbles back at me.

I grab my purse and thank Rory for holding Leo. “Can I get you a coffee?” It’s the least I can do. She was a huge help with the baby today.

“That would be great. Thank you.”

After I wrap Leo to my chest, we stop off at Blackbird where I grab Maverick another chicken and kale sandwich to punish him. I drop off Rory’s coffee, and then Paige and I head over to the condo.

“Are you okay? You’re awfully quiet,” Paige says as we ride up the elevator.

“I’m rethinking all of my life choices at the moment.” I barely slept last night as I curled up as far away from Maverick as possible. All I could do is replay the conversation with him in my head over and over again. And I couldn’t handle him escorting me to work, so I got up early and left before he woke up.

When Paige and I get to the condo, it’s blessedly empty. I putMav’s food on the counter and turn around to leave when his voice stops me. “You’re not staying to eat with me?”

I glance back to find him freshly showered again. At least this time, he’s wearing jeans and a t-shirt. I know if I lean closer, I’ll smell that sexy sandalwood scent.No. I won’t be swayed by his hotness.“I’m having lunch with Paige, but I brought your lunch.”

Paige looks back and forth between us, and I shake my head at her. She must understand that I’m begging her not to say anything because I want to get out of here.

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