Chapter Nineteen

I've been hauled up in bed because I still haven't figured out what to say to Maverick after he stormed away the other night. I lied to Joey about being unwell for work and Emalyn didn't press me for answers when she had to pick up the extra shift.

I would pick Mav, but part of me hates that I would. It's a tangle between girl code and boyfriend code; how to have all I want without hurting anyone.

The longer I stue over the situation, the more unsettling it becomes because I don't know how to walk the fine line of getting things right. If I wait long enough, Emalyn might realise she's okay with us being together because our relationship is serious, and if I wait too long, she will be devastated I kept this massive secret from her.

So, when is the right time? And how long can I make Maverick wait?

I curl further under my duvet until it's just my eyes peering over the blanket. I picked my comfort tv show to watch in hopes it'll cheer me up, but nothing seems to hold my attention long enough to cause a distraction.

The door swings open and I peer over my shoulder, only to find Maverick strolling through the door.

"I bought soup," he comments, holding up a bag. "Joey said you weren't feeling well, so he made his special soup for you."

"Thank you both, you didn't have to."

"Can I join?" Mav has lifted up the blanket and kicked off his shoes before I muster up a reply.

Maverick takes up most of the space with his wide frame. I move the laptop to the end of the bed and he opens his arms for me to rest against his chest. I fall into his arms and he kisses the top of my head.

"I'm sorry," he whispers. "I shouldn't have spoken to you like that. I was caught up in my emotions and I shouldn't have taken it out on you. I knew the limits when I decided to pursue you."

"I don't want to upset you, Mav. I don't want to upset anyone."

"I just want you." He sighs. "Spending those few days apart and not talking to you, it made me realise how much I really need you."

"I need you too."

"Joey is covering the bar, so we have time to spend together."

"Do you want to watch a movie with me? We can pick something else," I say.

"Just press play, we'll watch whatever you're watching."

We remain curled up in bed, my head on his chest and his fingers delicately sliding through my hair. It's enough to lull me to sleep.

* * * * *

As I bolt upright and look around, arms circle around me and tug me back. I rest against his chest and he kisses the side of my head.

"You're so comfy," I mumble.

"I would love to stay here with you, but Emalyn will be finished work soon."

"Ah, that's right." I pout.

"Come to mine tonight, we can tell Emalyn that we're planning her birthday surprise. She won't care how long you're gone then," he says.

"You're right." I laugh.

I lean up and press my lips against his, he deepens the kiss and grips the back of my head. His kiss makes my head spin.

The phone rings and he groans. He fishes his phone from his pocket and presses it to his ear.

"Hey Joey, yes, I can come to the bar."

He kisses my lips and my forehead before climbing out of bed.

"Swing by the bar around eight thirty, have a drink and then I'm off at nine."

"Okay." I nod.

"Are we okay now?" Mav asks.

I shuffle to the side of the bed and lean up, wrap my arms around his neck and kiss him long and hard.

"We're good now." I smile.

Mav sighs with relief as he wanders out of the dorm.

* * * * *

Maverick joins me upstairs with a bottle of wine to share. He fills two wine glasses and hands me one of them.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Joey needed extra help."

"It's okay, you bought wine with you." I chuckle.

"Do you want anything to eat? I can prepare snacks."

"Sure." I nod.

Soon enough, Mav joins with his wine and a snack plate filled with various crackers and cheese. Oh this man knows the direct path to my heart. Mav sits beside the coffee table and opens his laptop.

"You were right about Emalyn. She didn't bat an eyelid when I told her the plan for tonight."

"Who wouldn't want a surprise get away planned by us?" Mav chuckles.

"Are we actually planning something?"

"Yes, and we're going to drag the process out for as long as we can." He smirks.

"You're so naughty."

"And if we invite enough people and activities, there should be enough distraction that we can spend some alone time. It'll require good planning, hence why we are here."

I take a sip of wine and lean against Mav. He opens the booking website and we scroll through some holiday options available for rent.

"Should we get a house with a spa?" he asks.

"Yes, of course!"

He adjusts the search filter and we select some options.

I can't wait to get spend time with him.