Chapter3
Belle
On my bed, I curled my legs underneath me, still ensconced in Mav's sweatshirt.I lifted it to cover my nose, breathing in his scent, something masculine and spicy.He was all man, and I'd never done more than kiss him that one time.It had been hot because it happened at school where kissing was forbidden.
It had been cliche, the good girl kissing the bad boy underneath the bleachers, but it had been so much more.He'd been sweet, and at the same time, I'd felt the same electricity I felt whenever we were near each other.It was like I was drawn to him.
As much as I told myself I wouldn't let him get to me, he always did.But this time, I hoped my words landed.He wasn't someone I could trust, and that was a long list after my parents and high school friends.None of them had been there for me.It was more about what I could do for them.
Outside my window, Maverick stood sentry, watching his men work.It should have been exciting that they were finally breaking ground on my patio, but I was more wrapped up in Maverick and everything he'd said.
My heart rate picked up as I remembered the commanding way he'd covered me with his sweatshirt, then walked me inside.His hands had been huge on my shoulders, heating me more than his hoodie ever could.
The skeptical part of me said he didn't want to see my bare skin, but the other side of me said he'd done that because he couldn't resist me.It might have been to shield me from his coworkers' leering eyes.I didn't even know if anyone else had noticed me.I only had eyes for Maverick.
He was gruff and growly, had hard edges and cutting words.But underneath that bluster, I suspected he was soft.It was the same assumption I'd made in high school that had turned out to be a mistake.
Maybe Maverick was a jerk, and no amount of wish casting could change that.I was in the same position as I had been when I was a teen, wishing for something different.
I read books to escape the harsh reality of life.And now I brought that same escape to anyone who came into my shop.
When Maverick looked up at my window, I ducked down.I couldn't let him see me watching him.It would only make his ego worse.
I rolled off the bed and out of sight.I had a bookstore to open and a dream to live.I'd have to ignore Maverick and his broody stare.
From the sound of things, it was going to be noisy.But it would be worth it when the work was completed, hopefully in time for summer.Patrons could enjoy the outdoor space and warm weather.
In the bathroom, I turned on the water, waiting for it to heat.Hudson had replaced the pipes in my building right after the bakery and the restaurants since Eve was eager for me to open.
Reluctantly, I removed Maverick's sweatshirt, carefully folding it and setting it on the shelf.The sweatshirt meant something; I just wasn't sure what yet.I stepped under the stream and allowed the pressure to soothe my tense muscles.
I wanted Maverick, despite the logical part of my brain that reminded me that he couldn't be trusted.Hadn't I learned to avoid bad boys?They were nothing but trouble.
With the memory of his hands on my shoulders and that intense look in his gaze, I filtered out his words and let my imagination take over.What if he'd said he couldn't let anyone else see me in that lingerie?That he couldn't resist me?
He couldn't wait one more second to take me against the wall of the stairwell, his cock slipping inside my wet heat before either of us could even think about a condom.It was so naughty, so decadent, that I slipped my fingers between my legs, and let the fantasy take over.
Dream Maverick was still growly and commanding, except he told me to take my clothes off, not put them on.With the thought of him taking me roughly against a wall, I shattered into a million pieces.
It was a one-time indulgence.I couldn't afford to pretend that Maverick was anyone other than who he was, a grouchy guy who didn't want me.I bit my lip as the tremors passed through my body.I ached inside.It wasn't enough.
I turned, tipping my head back, so that the water washed away the thoughts, the desire, everything inside me that yearned for something different.
I quickly washed my hair and then my body.I stepped out of the now-cooled water to get dressed for work.
I refocused on work.I was officially open for business, and I hoped I'd get some of the stay-at-home parents today for story time.
I'd posted advertisements for groups that wanted to meet here in the bookstore.So far, a knitting club and a book club had expressed interest.I wanted to make Belle's Bookshop the meeting spot in town.And I didn't accomplish my goals with my head in the clouds, dreaming that Maverick Sterling was a good guy underneath all that bluster.
I had to be realistic.He'd never wanted me.You were supposed to judge a person by their actions, and he'd done nothing but reject me.He didn't want me, and that's all that mattered.
I was determined to ignore him.I dried my hair, then walked down the stairwell, ignoring what happened earlier, how close he'd stood, how he'd touched me with a familiarity that we didn't have, the way I'd melted under his scrutiny.
I was putty in his hands, but I didn't want him to know that.I had to be strong.I had to resist him.
I had to be the only woman who was turned on by a gruff voice and broody look.On the sidewalk, I stubbornly refused to look in his direction.I heard the noise of the machine working, but I kept my gaze fixed ahead of me.
My stomach growled.I needed food and coffee, not necessarily in that order.
