Making the Book Boyfriend (Book Boyfriend Builders)

Chapter 22

MAVERICK

Monday Evening

Me: What are you doing?

Ava: Watching the Carolina game.

Me: And?

Ava: Eating sushi.

Me: What would you be doing if I was sitting next to you?

Ava: Still watching the game.

Me: I mean if the game wasn't on.

Ava: Finishing my sushi.

Me: There is no sushi!

Ava: I’d leave my house to get some.

Me:

I had to text her, and I don't care that I look like a pussy reaching out first. I expected Ava to brush me off that morning. It’s who she is. She got caught up in her thoughts, probably had no idea what I was feeling, so she put up that wall again. I figured my comment as I left would show her I want more, but when I didn't hear from her, I had to contact her. I’m hoping it will open up some dialogue between us.

I haven't told the guys everything yet. I think they were more interested in hearing how the game was rather than the gritty details. They know I’m not the guy to kiss and tell. I will break it down for them, but for right now? Ava and I need to figure this out on our own. I also need to come to grips with the fact that, for the first time, I'm imagining a hell of a lot more with someone.

But she’s not biting on what I’m throwing out.

Me: OMG where’s the flag on that call?

Ava: Warriors always get bad calls.

Me: It’s because their coach is a menace.

Me: What happens to football players when they go blind?

Ava : What?

Me: They become referees .

And…nothing. Damn. It's like pulling teeth. It’s like she’s placing me right back into a spot below her. I don’t want to think that way, not after seeing the way she let me in once the walls came down. I know this is all a defense mechanism.

Me: Did you know Gage’s jersey is the number-one seller for the Warriors, even as a coach?

Ava: I wanted to be part of that statistic but was thrown out of the stadium before I could get one.

Me: That's too bad. Maybe Santa will bring you one.

When she doesn’t respond to that, I know I have to push her out of her comfort zone.

Me: Princess.

Ava: …

Me: I can still taste you.

:FaceTime call:

“Well, that got your attention.”

“Maverick, what are you doing?” Her tone sounds exhausted.

“Talking to the most beautiful woman I've ever seen.” She rolls her eyes, but I don’t miss the twitch of her lips. “You’re avoiding me, princess, and I don’t like it.”

“I’m not. I had to work today.”

“As did I. Didn’t mean I wasn’t remembering every inch of you as I went about my day.” She blushes and looks down. “Tell me you thought about me too.”

“I thought about the game.” She raises a brow, challenging me.

“Ha!” I bark out a laugh. “That was just the pregame to a night neither of us will ever forget.”

She shakes her head. “Is this a game for you? Part of your master plan to take down my book-boyfriend-building business?”

“No! If anything, I should be the poster boy. Look how hot you made me.” She looks distracted, but I don’t think it's the game holding her attention right now. “Talk to me, princess.” She shrugs but won’t look at me. The phone is dropping a bit and all I can see is her nose and lips. Kissable lips that I would die for right now. “Can I be honest with you?”

Her eyes come back into view, connecting with mine when she says, “Please.”

“You're the last person I expected to cross my path. And especially not for a second time.”

Our silence sits between us for a moment, but it turns into a yell when I see the Warriors score a touchdown. She’s startled, but then shouts out right along with me.

“I wish I was watching this game with you.”

My voice brings her attention back to me on the phone, and my heart sings when she quietly admits, “Me too, Maverick.”

Silence falls yet again across the phone as we both watch the kick for the extra point. “And it’s good!” I say, and she laughs with me.

“When can I see you again?” Her question hits me right in the heart. I sit up straight on my couch, making a show of being impressive, and she giggles at me.

“Princess! Are you asking me out on a second date?”

“I thought we had our second date?”

“By my count, you had four in one night.” She immediately blushes and I love it. “You want a fifth? I can be there in twenty-two minutes.”

She grins and shakes her head. “I’d rather you work for it.”

“Ohh, the princess has rules now. I’ll work for it, but I’ve got a request first.” She raises a brow, obviously skeptical of what I’m about to ask. “Show me something to hold me over until I get to touch you again.”

“Mav!”

I laugh at her astonishment. “I’m serious, Ava. I need a fresh look so I have something to remind me tonight when I'm in the shower.”

“Oh my god. Goodnight, Maverick.”

“Goodnight, Ava.”

I hang up the phone feeling excited about a girl for the first time in my life.