Chapter 52
fifty-two
JO
Maverick is quiet for so long that I assume he’s trying to figure out how to let me down gently.
What I don’t expect is for him to lunge across the bed and seal his lips to mine.
I kiss him back, a choked sob escaping my lips.
My heart is beating in my throat and his is fluttering under my trembling hand.
He’s kissing me. Maverick is kissing me.
His hand cups my cheek and tilts my head so he can deepen the kiss. I get so lost in the glide of his tongue against mine, his taste, the feel of his body heat, and the smell of him, that it takes me longer than it should to pull away. But I do. Because I have to. Because we need to talk.
“Wait,” I gasp, breathless. “We need to talk about this with Ezra, too.”
I wish we didn’t. I wish it was just Maverick and me, and there was never any Ezra to come between us.
But even as I think that I feel guilty. I don’t wish that.
Deep down in the depths of my soul, I wish to have them both.
I know that isn’t possible. But if I can have Maverick and keep Ezra as my friend, then that’s what I’ll do.
I’m sure we’ll find a way to coexist once my heart catches up with what my brain already knows.
Ezra isn’t attracted to women. It’s not fair of me to put my feelings on him, so I need to keep them to myself.
“Of course, angel,” he says, smiling sweetly and caressing my neck with his thumb.
I can’t tell if he’s not at all worried about how this will go or still too blissed out from last night to care.
I’m worried. I’m verging on a panic attack, or maybe just packing up and running away.
What if Ezra says no? What if this isn’t something he wants?
Then Maverick will have to choose. And Maverick will always choose Ezra.
“Right now?” I ask in alarm as he stands and holds out his hand to me. “Uh,” I say, looking down at myself. I’m in a crumpled shirt and that’s it. I haven’t even brushed my teeth yet.
Oh god.
I made out with Maverick with morning breath!
“Do what you need to do, and I’ll meet you downstairs,” he says before kissing me and making his way out of my room.
What the hell is happening?