Page 21 of You Saw the Best In Me

“How come your sister had to stay with you?” I ask, jumping up to sit on the counter.

Maverick is tall, probably over six feet, so now we’re at an even level, and he can’t stare down my shirt.

He clears his throat and looks at me as if he’s debating whether or not he can trust me.

“My grandmother went to the hospital, and I couldn’t let Harper sleep there,” he pours us both a drink, handing me mine and a slice of lime.

“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. Is she okay now?” I ask, knocking back the tequila.

“She’s fine, and so is Harper. Although she knows I snuck over here that night,” he laughs, and my eyes widen.

“She sounds like a smart kid,” I smile, and he takes a few steps closer to me.

“The smartest one I know. So what’s your story? How’d you end up in Forest Falls?” he asks, and I pour myself another drink before diving into this conversation.

“It’s a long story. My ex is crazy, and I’m never safe, no matter where I go. The last time he found me, I hid out in Rose Hills with some friends and then decided this was the town for me,” I tell him, and he never takes his eyes off me as I share my sob story.

Neither of us say anything, and I’m afraid I brought the mood down with my confession.

This was a terrible idea. I should’ve just given him a stupid, vague answer.

“What’s his name?” he asks, a darkness taking over the color in his eyes.

“Uh, Asher, why?” I shift uncomfortably, wondering what is going through his mind.

“Next time he finds you, there’s no hesitation. You call me, no questions asked, do you understand Karina?” he’s dead serious, a fire lit behind his eyes.

I nod in agreement, not sure what words can even counter that. Tears well up in my eyes, and I struggle to stop them from falling.

“I’m sorry. I don’t know what’s wrong with me,” I say, wiping my face and attempting to hide my embarrassment.

“You have nothing to apologize for. You’re the victim. Has he ever hurt you?” he’s asking a loaded question because if he knew the extent, I feel like he’d lose his mind.

“Once or twice, nothing serious,” I fidget with the string on my shorts, trying to avoid eye contact.

“He won’t lay a finger on you ever again, kitten. I promise you,” he whispers, coming another couple of steps closer to me.

I can feel the heat between us, and I suddenly feel nervous.

Him being close enough to touch makes my insides tremble.

“What are you doing, Maverick?” I whisper, taking the plunge and looking up into his sea-green eyes.

“I have no fucking idea, Karina. I can’t get you out of my head.”

He bites his bottom lip and puts his hands next to my legs on the counter, lightly brushing my thighs with his thumbs.

For a split second, I think he will kiss me, which scares me even more.

I don’t kiss anyone, it’s too intimate. The only person I’ve ever made out with was Asher, and I’ve spent the years since refusing to let anyone else get that close to me.

“Don’t. I’m too damaged,” I say, my voice barely audible over our heavy breathing.

“If you’re damaged, that must mean I’m shattered,” he tangles one hand in my hair, and I can’t stop the moan that passes my lips.

“Tell me you want this, too,” he’s looking straight into my eyes, waiting for my answer.

A million things are going through my mind, and I can’t bring myself to say yes as much as I want this.