Page 63 of Falling Stars

Laughing, I open the fridge and grab us both some iced tea. “I would’ve given you an A.” When I turn around, she places her hand on my arm.

“Thanks for looking out for me. I’m glad you called the sheriff. Sean and I aren’t in a good place right now. I can’t imagine him acting like a freaking lunatic, but I suppose anything is possible.”

I let out a relieved breath and make a mental note not to make decisions on her behalf. I motion to the counter. “I also got you a few things. Beau and I were out running errands, and we stopped off at Target. You mentioned wanting to try a bottle with Leo. I figure that way, I can help a little more, especially at night.”

I explain what Paige told me, that we can exchange whatever Baylee doesn’t think will work for other items Leo might need. I pull everything out of the bags, and she stares at them so long that I brace myself for her to get irritated with me again. Instead, she starts blinking quickly. “Tha-thank you. You didn’t have to do that.”

Pulling her to me, I hug her, relishing when her arms wrap around me. I kiss the top of her head. “I know, but I like taking care of you and the kid. You’re my two favorite people.” I close my eyes and breathe in her sweet peach scent. Damn, she smells good. We stare at each other, and without thinking, I lean down. She starts to lean up, but just before our mouths touch, someone bangs on the front door, and we jump apart.

“Son of a bitch.” I laugh, annoyed. “Whoever that is has terrible timing.”

Baylee’s face flushes. “The worst.”

She was gonna let me kiss her, though, right? This is good. I can work with this.

I’m feeling optimistic.

Until I open my door, and Kira charges in.

22

BAYLEE

“Why haven’tyou returned my calls?” Kira cries out before she sees me and freezes. Her eyes narrow into slits. “What areyoudoing here?”

That’s not the friendliest greeting. “Hi, Kira. I see you’re still working on your personality. Don’t feel bad. Change takes time.”

Turning to Maverick, she sputters. “Has she been here this whole time? Is she why you left New York?”

I really don’t understand why she thinks I’m part of his equation. “Sorry for the dumb question, but didn’t you two break up?”

She pushes her long blonde hair out of her face. “Maverick suggested taking a break. He never said we were breaking up.”

He laughs coldly. “Kira, I haven’t seen you in months. Why would you think barging in here is okay? How did you even know where to find me?”

“My sister is a realtor, and she told me you bought this condo.”

“That’s not creepy,” I mutter.

She looks around the living room, pausing on my stuff. “Is Baylee living here?” she shrieks, startling Leo.

I pick him up and move farther away because she’s obviously unhinged.

Maverick scrubs his face. “Trust me when I say I’m not trying to be an asshole, but who I live with is none of your business.”

“I’ve always known you had a thing for her. You denied it, but you always smiled when she’d text!” She glances back and forth between me and Mav. “Did you sleep with her when you were with me?”

He rolls his eyes. “I’m a lot of things, but a cheater isn’t one of them.” He motions toward the door. “You need to go.”

One second, she’s yelling, and the next, she’s plastered herself to his body, sobbing. “We can’t be over. This can’t be the end! I love you.”

Sighing, he stands there stick straight, staring up at the ceiling.

I look away, hating that I’m jealous. But I also feel bad for Kira because I know what it’s like to be in love with Maverick and watch him move on.

Maybe I’m the one who should go. With Leo in one arm, I grab his diaper bag and my purse in my other. “I’m going to give you two some privacy.”

Alarmed, he shakes his head and mouths, “Don’t go.”

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