Chapter 5

Five

AVA

The official first day of the BBB class has me wondering what the hell I got myself into. When the girls and I dreamed up this insane idea, guys like Dick and Alistair were exactly who I envisioned helping. A little shy, a little nerdy, they just need a boost to come out of their shell.

I did not expect to be going up against a playboy. Working with Maverick is like trying to undo years of my joke of a marriage to Zach.

I've been down this road before and got the marriage certificate and divorce decree to prove it. I was shocked when Maverick walked back in today. There was no apology, just a need to prove me wrong. I like that fight in him, we're similar that way. If you tell me I can't do something, I'll prove to you I can. But I also know when to call it quits, and I don't think Maverick has that sense. And reading through the report cards the girls filled out about the guys tonight, it's clear they don't think he has that sense either.

Good looking and he knows it.

Asked questions but then answered them for me.

Sarcasm doesn't need to be used in every sentence.

Ava. Call me.

I laugh as I read the last note from Maria, my bombshell of a cousin. I knew the guys would take a quick liking to her. When I told her about the website, she immediately wanted to help. So, as we discussed how I would run the classes, she insisted on me letting her and her sorority sisters help. She's the one who said we should make it a little competition. Give them an incentive to work toward, getting that kiss at midnight and maybe starting a new relationship. I noticed Maverick's eyes light up when she walked in the room, and I'll just pretend the twinge of jealousy that came over me didn't happen.

My initial reaction to meeting him in Magnolia Point was indifference. He's the typical ‘you know you want me' kind of guy. He uses his good looks and charm to get attention. But after yesterday's class, my indifference moved to dislike. And only because I've been here before. But now that feeling has turned into a competitive one. He thinks my class is a joke, and I'm going to prove him wrong. So when I patted the front of his jeans today before walking out on him, the high I felt at one-upping him was incredible.

It's been a long time since that sense of power washed through me.

It's also been a long time since I've felt a dick. A nice dick too, but I won't talk about that.

Grabbing my phone, I call Maria, and she picks up on the first ring.

"What took you so long? "

I laugh at her exasperated tone. "If it was so important, why didn't you call me first?"

"I know you. I knew you'd go right home and read through all those notes."

I sigh and snuggle into the couch a little deeper. "Okay, break it down for me."

"Maverick McKinney is hot as fuck."

"Maria!" I yell her name in outrage.

"He is. I'm not ashamed to say, if I saw him out or if this had been a legit date, I'd be in his bed right now," she states matter-of-factly.

"Maria, this isn't helping me. I need this guy to be knocked down a peg or two. Not for you to blow up his head." I close my eyes and rub my temples.

"I'd blow his head all night."

"Maria!"

She's laughing hysterically. "Girl, I'm kidding. Kind of. But let's get back on track. He's personable. And easy to talk to."

"The other girls said he was sarcastic and too into himself."

"He was. But you have to know how to corral him. I believe this is his problem: I think he's using his sarcasm as a way to block women from a second date."

"Okay, Love Doctor Maria. Tell me more."

"I'm being serious. Underneath it all, Maverick McKinney is afraid to fail, and he's definitely afraid of showing a vulnerable side, so he won't even let himself step off the starting line."

"You got all that from a thirty-minute conversation?"

"Listen, I could be wrong. He could actually just be a complete douchebag. But I'm seeing hints of Zach here. And before you freak out, he's not him, but we both know Zach. He's a good guy who needed direction. Difference is, I think Maverick will take that direction if it's given to him from the right woman."

"And you're that woman, aren't you?"

"No, I'm not. But I think I know who could be. "

"Whoever she is, she has her work cut out for her. He leaves me exhausted after just a few minutes of interaction."

"First dates are this Friday. Are you doing a class that morning?"

"Yes. I want it fresh in their heads for that night. Dick and Alistair are sweet guys, and I want to help them the most."

"They are. And it's all about confidence with them both. You're doing great. How have Gemma, Libby, and JoJo been making out with their guys?"

"We haven't really talked about specifics. Just the normal hijinks on the Pervert Authors group chat."

"If that chat was ever leaked, all four of you are going down."

"Facts. You know to wipe my Google history if that happens right?" She snorts out a laugh, but I'm totally serious. "Okay, babe. Thanks for everything today. I'll see you before the dates on Friday."

"You got it, love you."

"Love you too." I click off the call and lay the phone down next to me thinking about what she said about Maverick.

My doorbell rings, and I jump up to collect the takeout I ordered. Coming back inside, I spread the few dishes out on my coffee table and flip on the television. The Carolina Warriors are playing tonight, and it's the perfect Monday night game I need to relax with.

The next morning, I wake up early, needing to move. My mind played games all night long, and I didn't sleep well at all. I kept replaying Maria's words about Maverick. And I replayed that feeling of jealousy I felt too. It made me mad enough to doubt my own sanity. I used it to write a scene for my next book, but when that scene took a quick left to the bedroom, I knew I needed to get out of my house.

I cannot let myself imagine a night with Maverick.

I dressed quickly, slipped on my running shoes, and out the door I went. Running is the only way I can clear my head. Feet pounding the pavement and stress leaving my body.

I know another good pounding that could help with stress relief.

Fuck. Stop it.

I pick up the pace, staying on the small lane that circles the outskirts of town, leading me to the high school. I run past the high school track field and continue down Main Street, passing the ice cream shop and small florist that's decorated with fall colors boasting about Thanksgiving centerpieces. And eventually stop when I get to the small lake at the other end of town. I sit on the bench, slowing my breathing, when I see a work truck with Parker & Sons HVAC written on it.

I was surprised to hear Maverick say he was a repairman. Not that there's anything wrong with it. A physical-labor guy is more my type than one who sits behind a desk. I just took Maverick for a guy that wouldn't get his hands dirty. I figured more along the lines of a slick used car salesman since he's got that gift of gab and flirty eyes that make you want to say yes to anything he offers.

I didn't want to give him the time of day during that class, so once he gave his stats, I moved on, but not before I gave him a jab. I noticed a slight flinch on his face, but it wasn't until later that night, after speaking with Maria, that I thought maybe he was intimidated by the other two guys and their prestigious jobs. Maybe she's right and Maverick is just looking for direction. And then I felt like shit for making the joke.

I stand, wanting to stretch out my calves before my legs get too tight. I place one leg on the bench and straighten it, bending down until I'm parallel to it. The burn feels good. I switch legs, and when I turn my head back toward the truck, the sight makes me do a double take. There are two men standing by the truck facing each other. One is rapidly moving his hands and the other is laughing at him. The man talking with his hands is tall, with a backward hat, a tank showing off cut biceps, jeans that fit him just right, and work boots. The guy laughing catches my eye because it's like I can feel his jubilation over whatever the other man is saying. He feels familiar and then it clicks.

It's Jay.

And backward hat guy is Maverick.

My eyes catch Maverick's form again, and suddenly I feel flushed. Seeing him outside of the class puts him in a new light. Rugged and manly. It's what I've been missing in my life.

And just like that, my kitty is purring, and I only have Maria to blame for making me think twice about this guy.

As if they know they're being watched, both turn their heads toward me at the same time. We're having a stare off, and though we're still about fifty yards from each other, I don't miss the smirk that passes Mavericks lips. Jay waves, and I awkwardly wave back before turning and taking off at a sprint back home.