Chapter 23

AVA

Thursday Night

Mav: Whatcha doing?

Me: I'm in bed.

Mav: My favorite place to be.

Me: I'm not surprised.

Mav: I meant your bed is my favorite place to be.

All week long, I've gotten text messages from Maverick. And each time, he's initiated them. He's quickly turning into someone I can't wait to spend time with. And staying away from him all week has been the hardest thing I've done. But I needed to keep space; I needed to sort things out in my head, and I needed to make sure he's serious and this isn't some weird game to just take down our BBB business.

Going to class today is going to be a tough one. Not only do I have to face Maverick, I now have to face him knowing how he looks naked. I have to face him knowing how he smells, tastes, and more importantly, how his hands feel on my skin.

All of our time spent texting this week, and I realize not once did we talk about the class and what not to say. I hope he has the good sense to not out me in front of Dick and Alistair. I don't want them knowing I'm sleeping with a student.

Dick, Alistair, and Maverick all enter the conference room together. I do a double take when he walks in wearing a Warriors jersey. And when I notice the number 5 on the front, I know whose name is on the back.

Gage.

His eyes dance with laughter as he takes his seat.

"Welcome back everyone. Nice shirt, Mr. McKinney. Today's class will be about meeting the friends of your girl."

"Just friends? Not the family yet?"

"No, family is last. Most of the time, the guy will bring his girl around to make sure the friends approve. And vice versa. The girl will orchestrate a meet so both sides check out each other's date. If the friends don't like him, chances are you won't be getting more dates."

"But the friends aren't the ones dating her," Dick says.

"This is true but think about who you hang out with. Most of us are with our friends more than our family, so wanting the approval of them is important."

"I don't really have friends. I have the people I work with, but they don't ask me to join them for drinks when they leave the office." He looks me directly in the eye when he speaks, but his voice is small, and my heart breaks hearing Alistair say he doesn't get invited out. Even as adults, people can be such catty assholes.

"Then those aren't your people, Al," I say .

"I'm your people, bruh. Call me, and we'll go for drinks," Mav says, and leans forward with his fist out.

Al fist bumps him, then asks, "How was your second date, Mav?"

"Yeah, tell us what your surprise was!" Dick interjects excitedly.

"Fellas, I told you I was going to win this round, and boy did I ever!" The men chuckle as Maverick pumps his fist in the air. "I found out my date loves football, so I scored some tickets to the Warriors game," Maverick says proudly.

"Oh that's awesome! He did great, right, Ava? He found out what she liked and did something big." He looks at me, but then quickly goes back to Maverick. "Why do you need a teacher, Mav? You seem to know how to do everything so well."

"I didn't know I needed a teacher, but apparently my friends thought so." Mav snickers but continues. "But I'll tell you guys, I'm not hating this class after all," he says with a smirk and a quick glance my way.

"Which girl was it? Maria? I always see you guys talking together," Dick asks.

"No, she's a friend of Maria's. She's the short brunette you guys have seen around, and she fits me perfectly."

They nod along, not realizing in the least that he's speaking about me. I hope not anyway.

"So tell us more! How did it go?

"Man, it was so good." His eyes flick to mine and back again. "She looked outstanding in her jersey. We had fun at the game. I think we're both opening our eyes to each other's worlds."

"What do you mean? You're from two different worlds?"

"Well, I'm just a blue-collar guy, ya know? To a lot of women, that's not luxurious. And my best friend was actually burned by a girl who said he wasn't good enough just because he has a job where he works with his hands. So that has always stuck with me." He shrugs like it's not a big deal and looks around the room, but his words catch me off guard. I didn't know he felt like this.

"But look at you man. You could scrub toilets for a living and still get a hot girl."

"I don't want a hot girl." I cough and Mav laughs. "Let me rephrase. I don't want a girl just for her looks. She has to challenge me, make me work for her. She has to be a partner to me, we have to compliment each other. You know, be a coach, be a player. And reverse those roles. Know when one needs to step up or when one of us needs to take a step back."

"Wow, man, that's deep," Al says.

"So how did it end? Are you getting another date?" Dick asks.

"I'm trying. She's been avoiding me this week, so I'm hoping we can get together this weekend and work some things out."

"Avoiding you? After a surprise date like that? I'd be moving in!" Dick laughs, and I notice Maverick takes a deep breath. I can't really place the look that passes his face.

"Okay, guys, I think that's it for today. I want you to speak with your dates about meeting their friends. Set up a quick meet at the bar or local bowling alley. Something fun that will show your personalities together." I wrap up the class, saying goodbye to the guys and telling them to have a great weekend. Maverick hangs around, waiting for the other guys to leave.

"You trying to dodge me, princess?"

"Mav, I told you I had work this week."

"And now? It's Friday afternoon. I'm off for the weekend, and I'm hoping you are too. I thought we could go for that fifth date?" He smirks and my heart flutters.

I cross my arms in front of me and lean on my desk. Acting unimpressed, I say, "I helped myself to that fifth date last night. I think I'm good for the weekend." I laugh at the way his eyes flare. He moves quickly, trapping me against the desk, placing his hands on either side of me.

"You mean, you stole my fifth date from me? "

"Someone had to do it." I shrug nonchalantly.

"Yeah, see… now, that's not going to work for me."

"No?"

"No. Now you owe me my fifth date, and I'm going to have to make up time for missing out on yours."

I push him back as he tries to nip at my neck. "I need to remain professional."

"Says who?"

"Says me! You were getting a little too heavy with your story today with the guys."

"Don't you want to write our story, Ava?"

"Stop being so flirty. Since when do you know how to be a book boyfriend? I haven't taught one-liners yet."

"I've got a hot teacher that I'm trying to score extra credit with, so I may have read ahead in the manual."

I roll my eyes as he covers my body with his again. I can't help but wrap my arms around him.

"Can we have a sleepover, Ava? Please?"

"A sleepover? What kind of girl do you think I am?"

"The kind I can't wait to keep in bed all weekend."

I push him back and step out from his hold. "I need to finish a few things. Give me an hour, and I'll meet you at my house."

"An hour?!" He exaggerates fainting and falls against my desk.

"Don't be a baby. Go get some coffee or something, and I'll see you soon." I turn my back on him and make a show of collecting papers on my desk because the puppy dog eyes he's giving right now make me want to jump him right here. I can't let myself get consumed with him, I have a job to complete and books to write. I can't lose my identity because this guy is looking for a playdate.

"Fifty-nine minutes, Ava." I smirk at his words but keep my back turned. I hear the door shut, and when I turn around, the jersey he was wearing is laying across the conference table. I walk to it, snatching it from the table and holding it to my nose, inhaling his cologne.

Oh, Maverick. You're dangerous, and I don't know if I'm ready.

Fifty-seven minutes later, Maverick was sitting in the front lobby waiting for me to come out. He followed me back to my house where I packed a bag for the weekend, making sure I tossed the jersey in my bag, and then I let him drive us to his house. Pulling up to his house, my breath catches as I lean forward to see better out the window.

"Mav! It's gorgeous here!"

He turns off the engine, and we sit in his driveway. His house is a long ranch with a wraparound porch. There are two chairs and a welcome sign, and it makes me smile. I have a feeling Nina may have placed that here. When I was here in town a few months back, I didn't have time to spend but I really wanted to. I kept telling myself I needed to come back and walk the streets, spend time by the water. It's a perfect setting for a small-town romance.

We get out of the truck and walk to the front door. Stepping over the threshold feels like a big step, but I don't linger on the why of it. I just move forward. He shows me around, the kitchen still looking brand new.

"You really don't cook do you?"

He laughs. "It's just me, and a lot of times I come home late from work and I'm exhausted, so I just grab something on the way. Nina actually sends a lot of food with Jay when we work, so a lot of times I just bring it home and reheat it."

"She's the sweetest. I spoke with her earlier. We made plans to meet up during the week and do a little Christmas shopping. I get the idea she's looking for something extra special for Jay." I know exactly what she's getting him, but I'm not telling Maverick, he'll want it too.

"Those two actually make me believe there's someone for everyone." He grabs my hand. "Come on, I want to show you my favorite part."

"The bedroom," I drawl out and he chuckles.

"No, smart ass, but we'll get there later, don't you worry." He walks me to the back sliding doors, and we step out onto the deck and I gasp.

"Oh!" It's stunning for being so simple. A wood deck the length of the house overlooks the lake. I walk closer and lean on the railing, taking in the water and the greenery that surrounds us. I inhale deeply, the smells and sounds here are so calming, I could find myself easily being here often.

"I would love to write out here." I walk along, running my hand across the railing.

"Feel free to come over anytime."

I glance over my shoulder, seeing him standing with his arms folded, stance wide as he watches me. It's such an incredibly manly pose, with a heated look that makes my breath catch. I don't think I've ever been looked at the way he looks at me. He makes me feel wanted, sexy, desired.

"Come on, I have a special treat planned for us." He holds his hand out to me.

"Why am I nervous about this?"

"You shouldn't be. You should be as excited as I am."

"You're always excited."

"Only when you're around."

We ordered Chinese food and sat around his small coffee table to eat while sitting on the floor. When he said we'd be watching a movie, I changed into sleep shorts and a tank. I planned on teasing him just a bit by wearing only the jersey he left for me, but I had a feeling if I did that, we wouldn't get through the opening credits. And as much as he's been telling me he couldn't wait to see me, I've felt the same. The minute we were apart, I missed the passion. I need to feel it again and see if it's real before we just jump into the physical again.

I walk back into the living room to see him sitting in the oversized chair, remote in hand. It's big enough for two, so when he pats his lap, I climb on.

"Turn around, lean against me."

I sit nestled in between his legs, with my back to his chest, and it feels safe here. Sexy and safe. Maverick knows how to make me feel like I'm the one he's been waiting for.

"Why are you not decorated for Christmas? It's only a few weeks away."

He traces circles absentmindedly on my arm. "I usually have a tree up by now, but this new class I'm taking has been taking up all my time."

I smack his thigh. "Don't blame me! You could easily take an hour to get a tree and some lights up."

"You're right. I will soon."

"What movie are we watching?" I ask.

"It's a romance I've seen a time or two." His hand lingers on my thigh, and it gives me goosebumps. He's making it very hard to concentrate right now. When I shiver, I feel a low rumble through his chest. "Are you cold?"

He brushes the hair from my neck before placing a kiss there. "No, I'm not cold." He laughs again, and I snuggle in closer. "You think we're going to make it through this movie?"

"Princess! Are you trying to seduce me?"

"Me? I think it's the other way around."

"I don't know. You come walking in here in barely there shorts and a tank with no bra? You're definitely trying to take advantage. "

"Just start the movie, Mav." Though I couldn't give a shit about the movie. He's right. I do just want to tease him.

Some strange music plays across the speakers and the opening scene is a repairman in uniform knocking on the door. It looks a bit like a B movie.

I glance over my shoulder at him as he smirks back at me. "The good part starts right away."

I watch as a woman in nothing but a robe opens the door and acts surprised to see the man. There is some bad acting, and then they jump right into having sex on the kitchen table.

"Maverick," I say dryly. "Is this really how your dates go? You invite women over and watch porn?" I turn sideways and watch him.

"No. I invited my girl over to watch porn. You told me you're a voyeur so?—"

"I did not!"

"Princess, out of those sentences, is voyeur the only word you heard?"

I heard him, but I didn't know what to say. For two people who went from hating each other to jumping into bed, I have no idea how to process this timeline and especially not the feelings that are coming along with it. I'm beginning to like Maverick more and more each day.

"I'm," I swallow hard, "your girl?"

He brushes my hair back again and traces the strap of my tank. My body immediately responds to him, and I lean forward, wanting more. "I'd like you to be."

"Maverick. Are you asking me to go steady?" I giggle, suddenly feeling overwhelmed and needing to break the tension.

"Don't get crazy. Now come here." He turns me, allowing me to settle back against him. "We can discuss semantics tomorrow, but right now, I've got a hot girl in my lap and a hard on that needs some attention."

"Mav!"

"Princess, let me take care of you."

It's amazing how six little words can change your whole trajectory. Suddenly I can see a future with this man. And I don't hate it.

I settle against him and he kisses my neck while running his hands up and down my arms. I'm so turned on right now, and he's barely touching me. I can only imagine what will happen when I get him where I want him.

He takes my arms and drapes them over his thighs. I grip him under his legs, squeezing his hard muscular thighs. He cups my breasts, brushing his thumbs over my nipples, and I hiss through my teeth.

"Relax, Ava. Let me make you feel good."

I drop my head back on his chest. "Oh, you are."

His low laugh rumbles through us both. "Do you like what you see? I sure do." I turn my head to catch his eyes watching his hands stroke me. We sit for a few moments, and I'm literally on fire. My breathing is becoming erratic, and I'm squirming around in the chair.

"Are you okay, Mav?"

"Hmm. This is a fantasy of mine. I just want to sit and touch you, learn what you like, learn what makes you go wild."

I let out a breath. "I like that."

"I can see that." He pinches my nipples again. "Do you want to go looking for a Christmas tree with me tomorrow?"

"Anything you want," I reply breathlessly.

"Is this all I have to do to get you to agree with me?"

"Keep doing it, and I'll let you know."

He slowly massages me as we watch the couple on the screen, but I can't take it anymore. I can feel his rock-hard cock digging into my back.

"I know you can't be feeling okay like this."

I slide off the chair and stand in front of him, lifting my tank and tossing it to the couch. He follows my lead, getting off the chair and standing behind me, slowly inching my shorts down my legs so I can step out of them. I turn and slide his boxers down and they land with the rest of my clothes. I kneel on the floor facing the television, and he sits back down on the edge of the chair behind me, his long legs wrapping around my sides. Again, he hooks my arms behind his legs, rubbing down my front to my pussy. His other hand cups my neck, arching me back to kiss me while circling my nipple again.

In this position, I'm at his mercy.

"We're getting you off this way. Just let it happen." He lowers the hand at my neck, bringing it to my other breast, and tugs at my nipples before flicking them quickly with his thumbs. I can't help the strangled noise that escapes my lips, my moans matching those heard on the screen.

My head drops back on his shoulder, my back arched while he has his way with me, all the while grinding his cock against my ass.

He pushes me forward, and I catch myself on my hands, doggy style. He rubs my back, teasing my back hole before dipping low and running a finger through my pussy.

"Hang on, babe. I need a condom." He stands and reaches for the side table, opening the drawer and pulling one out.

I hear the package open and feel him move behind me before he slips inside and pulls me back to my knees, holding my back tightly to his front. Working his hips in and out in a short staccato rhythm, his lips at my neck and hands on my breasts, I'm to the point of exploding.

"Maverick, I can't wait." His thrusts pick up speed. "Please."

"What do you need, princess?"

"This. I need you like this, all the time."

He bites my earlobe and whispers in my ear, "I love to hear you begging for me."

My head drops back on his shoulder again. I'm at his mercy as he takes and gives at the same time. And when we come together? It scrambles my brain. I've never had a man pay so much attention, make sure I get off first, make sure I feel good before he does. The Maverick I know now is a completely different guy than I thought.