I only react chemically to the man I’m riding shotgun with. This fact worries me. If I can be around someone as good-looking and sexy as Dylan Wild and my pulse doesn’t race the way it does with Maverick Court, what does that say?
I don’t think I should answer that question.
Because Maverick has made it clear he’s not interested in me. He begrudgingly agreed to drive me to Chicago, and I’m aware I have Dylan to thank for that. Athletes are nothing if not competitive, and Dylan clearly pushed Maverick’s buttons when he flirted with me.
I didn’t take his flirting seriously, and when he went to leave the motel parking lot, Dylan confirmed my thoughts by whispering, “Have a safe trip. I hope I didn’t offend you earlier.”
I shook my head. “Not at all.”
“Good. I just know Mav. Sometimes he needs a little push.”
I narrowed my eyes at Dylan. “You’re saying you activated his competitive gene by making him think…”
I trailed off, not sure what to say. I knew Maverick wasn’t interested in me, so why would he care if Dylan was?
Dylan winked. “You two will figure it out.”
Will we?I keep staring at Maverick, whose eyes have returned to the road.
Without turning to look at me, he says, “What?”
“Nothing.” I start scrolling through my phone. “I’m just thinking of what playlist to pick. Hmm. Something that will really annoy Mr. Bossy—what could that be?”
My attempts to tease are rewarded when Maverick barks out a laugh.
I make my selection, and the music fills the truck.
Maverick shakes his head. “Destiny’s Child? Didn’t they break up years ago?”
“That doesn’t make them any less awesome.” I shrug. “Plus, I need some girl power music right now.”
He flicks his gaze over to me.
“What happened to make you run, Hannah?”
His question is so out of the blue that I flinch involuntarily.
“Sorry.” He takes both hands off the wheel for a split second in a show of apology. “I didn’t mean to pry.”
“I think you deserve to know the story,” I say softly. “Considering you helped me get away. Even if you weren’t aware you were helping me, I’ll always be grateful I saw you and your friends at your truck.”
“Regardless of the reason why, I know you were fully planning to get married yesterday,” he says in a gruff tone. “And I’m sorry your plans were ruined.”
“Thank you.” I pause. “You’re the first person to say that, actually. Not that I’ve told many people. I think…I’d like to save my failed-wedding story until later.”
“Of course.” Maverick gestures to the open road ahead. “Why don’t we focus on finding somewhere to get you some clothes?”
“Sounds good.” I start typing into my phone, and a couple of minutes later, I look up. “The next exit has a department store. I’m sure I can get whatever I need there.”
* * *
An hour later, I leave the clothing store with two shopping bags. Maverick is sitting on a bench in the middle of the mall. He’s staring at his phone screen and typing away.
“Are you texting with your girlfriend?” I say as I reach him.
Yes, I’m totally fishing.
He smirks like he knows exactly what I’m doing. Instead of answering my question, he pockets his phone and stands up.
