Page 38 of You Saw the Best In Me

Maverick promised me he’d never let Asher hurt me, so let’s see if he really meant it.

I’m pacing the floor, and it feels like an eternity as I wait out the thirty minute window Maverick mentioned.

In the meantime, I change into a big sweatshirt and a pair of shorts, forgoing my cute outfit for something more comfortable. I toss my hair in a messy bun, tired of the reminder of optimism when I curled it this morning.

My palms are sweating, and I feel a pit in my throat whenever I try to swallow. The fear is threatening to take me under but finally, I hear a knock at my door and take a deep breath.

It’s time to put up or shut up, run and hide, or stay and fight.

It all hinges on how Maverick reacts when he sees what I’m holding in my hands.

MAVERICK

After my fight with Karina, I didn’t think she’d go so low, but here we are. Halfway through the work day, all of a sudden, the guys gave me a new nickname.

I was no longer the new kid. Instead, they found something personal to use to taunt me.

Born again virgin.

Considering I told Karina she was the first woman I’d slept with in years, this has to be her doing, but I can’t wrap my mind around how.

How that information that only she knew about could’ve traveled to my place of work.

I don’t like my personal information spread around, and this stupid nickname will haunt me. On top of the nickname, it’s came with a rumor that I haven’t had sex in years and have chosen to reclaim myself as a born-again virgin.

Perfect.

At the end of the day, I dodge everyone except Adam, who pulls me aside.

“Maverick, got a sec?” he asks, using my name for the first time since I’ve worked here.

I swear, if this prank bullshit has cost me my job, I will be furious.

“What’s up, boss?” I attempt to keep my cool, leaning against my truck.

“I heard the guys gave you a new nickname today,” he says, laughing.

“I’m so sorry about that. I don’t know where it came from, but it was a distraction that I take full responsibility for,” I scramble, finding the words to make this right before I get fired.

Adam doesn’t say anything. He just smiles while I talk and gives me a look I take as a warning.

“Next time, you’ll appreciate a good woman when you find one. Karina is a friend of mine, someone I’ve vowed to protect through thick and thin. I brought her to Rose Hills and ensured her safety in that shithole you call Forest Falls. Don’t fuck with someone I care about again, or you’re out of here,” he says, a somber darkness taking over his face.

It all falls into place now. Karina mentioned having friends in Rose Hills who saved her; I didn’t realize it was also people I knew and worked for.

Adam starts to walk away, thinking he bested me, but I have questions.

“Adam, wait. Please,” I beg, and he stops walking. “I know Karina, yes. But she told me about her stalker ex. Are you the one who helped her?”

“What did she tell you?” he asks, sitting on the edge of my truck and lighting a cigarette.

“I know he’s followed her and hurt her a few times. Did she tell you that he found her again? I caught him poking around her car,” I explain, and his eyes look me up and down, judging if I’m lying or not.

“No, she didn’t mention that. Are you sure it was Asher?” he raises an eyebrow, waiting for my answer.

“Yes, I’m sure. I mentioned it to Karina, who broke down knowing he’d found her. I promised her I wouldn’t let anything happen to her. We may have gotten into it a bit, but that doesn’t change anything,” I rush to get it all out, hoping he doesn’t lose his shit on me.

He drags his cigarette, not saying anything, but I can tell he’s processing everything I’ve said.