by Kristy Marie
A tear rolls down her cheek. I swipe it away and replace it with my hand. “I love watching your stupid walrus show.”
That gets a laugh out of her. “They are sea lions, don’t act like you don’t know the difference.”
My heart aches at the teary strain in her voice. “You were the best thing to ever happen to me,” I admit. “I don’t care that you love Lawrence more than me, I’ll settle for being second best in your life.”
Her grin rivals the largest pot I’ve ever won at poker. “How do you know I love you?”
I shrug one shoulder and grin. “Sebastian recorded it when you screamed it at me earlier.”
“He did not!”
I let my other hand go and caress her face with both hands. “You’re right, he didn’t, but he probably is now. We’re probably making him millions.”
Her eyes go wide and she tries pulling up, but I don’t let her. “I’m willing to owe you a favor for as long as it takes for you to believe that I love you.”
“Really?” She knows I would never willingly owe someone an open favor.
“Really,” I promise.
She leans closer. “You promise to never keep things from me again?”
I nod. “I promise.”
And then I yank her body up to mine and seal it with a kiss.
Rumor has it . . . no one fucking cares. We’re out.
“It’s normal, right? It’s normal to want to strangle the breath out of them. I mean, it’s not like we haven’t had a good run. Six years is a long time to be with someone.”
I look at Sam. Her deep brown eyes stare back at me curiously, or is that fearfully?
I wave my hand in the air. “Fine, it’s crazy all right? I know it is and honestly, I don’t want to kill him. Maybe I want to smack him around a little, but not kill him. But he canceled, Sam! Canceled! What kind of boyfriend does that? I’m thinking one who wants to die, don’t you?”
Sam, my sea lion coworker, nods up and down. “See? I knew you would agree. We women have to stick together.”
Maverick better thank his lucky stars that I have Sam to confide in, otherwise I’d be driving to his office with a stack of playing cards and a fire extinguisher.
Okay, maybe not the cards. That’s his thing. I’ll just take the extinguisher and smash his computer. Yes, it’s a little crazy but kind of not.
Ever since that time in college when we went to Crush It, Maverick and I have kept up the routine and now have a standing reservation to alleviate our stress. So really, taking an extinguisher to his laptop wouldn’t be all that shocking to him.
What was shocking to me was that he canceled our dinner date. We never cancel and I had news, dammit!
I kiss Sam on the nose. “Come on.” I nod, giving her the signal to follow. “Mama needs to go home and straighten out her man.” Sam barks and I give her a little pat on the head. She knows men need a woman to handle them. She has a time with Barker, the only male sea lion in her habitat.
I knew when I got accepted as an intern with the aquarium that Sam was my spirit sister. No, not spirit animal, even though she is that too. Sea lions have always been my spirit animal, but Sam, in particular, is the best sea lion a girl could ever ask for.
I cried for two solid days when I was promoted to be her trainer. I had worked so hard to prove myself. I cleaned whatever I needed to clean, I studied, I observed. I did everything to get a trainer position. It was a dream come true and I did it all on my own.
Sure, Maverick bought me a season pass to do all the extracurricular sea lion petting I wanted, but I was the one who wowed the staff with her incredible sea lion wooing skills and grades. After Maverick and I hashed out our differences in the fire department’s parking lot, we went back home.
We went to class.
We witnessed Tucker getting arrested for bribing a professor who flunked his ass. His girlfriend, Taylor, well, she changed schools. Come to find out, students hate bullies.
The rumors still spread around Maverick and me, and that was fine. We knew who we were, and we spent our time together, drinking water and playing Who Wants to be a Millionaire until we graduated.
Now we have a house close to our families. Maverick’s pops is doing well, living in an assisted living facility—he refused to live with us—since Cooper was drafted to the minor leagues straight out of high school, thanks to Aspen’s dad. He didn’t attend college like Maverick and Pops wanted, but they are happy for him regardless. Cooper, like his big brother, lives by his own code. He wasn’t about to let Pops’s and Mav’s dreams for him get in the way of his own.
I lock Sam in her habitat and kiss her nose. “See you tomorrow, chica. I’ll let you know if we need to plan a funeral. Sam nods like she understands. Maverick is sexy and all, but sometimes even the sexy ones have to die.
Leaving Sam to her own devices, I find my jacket and purse, and pull out my phone. A text flashes on the screen.
Mom: Should I wear the green dress or the gold one?
I grin, so excited that my mom is finally dating.
Me: He’s a firefighter, Mom. You always wear red!
You guessed it. My superhero, Devon Sawa, guardian angel, aka Boss, is dating my mom. You can thank me for hooking them up. I might have set them up on a blind date by asking them to lunch with me. Except, I didn’t stay. I rushed out the quick story about how Boss looked out for me and then kissed my mom on the cheek and waved goodbye.
They hit it off by bonding over how kids were such a pain in the ass. I didn’t care, though, because I knew they were talking about Maverick.
Mom: Are you sure?
I fire off a text, getting into my car.
Me: Positive. Don’t be late! It’s his only night off this week.
Of course I keep up with Boss’s schedule. He’s all lonely since Mav and I have moved away, but rest assured, I keep him visiting so much that he’s actually looking to move and commute to work. I’m not even sorry. I may not have known my real father, but I have adopted Boss and he’s better than that sperm donor.
When I’m sure my mom is settled and not going to text me anymore, I head home, not bothering to call my pain in the ass boyfriend and warn him. He’s been acting odd all week. At first I thought maybe it was his heart acting up, but when I checked his watch history, everything seemed okay.
We live about five minutes from the aquarium. On really pretty days, Maverick will walk with me to work, but today he didn’t, deciding to head to his office early. Mr. CEO has not slowed down one little bit. Just this past fall, he opened a new branch in Atlanta where he has to be chained to the bed to keep from trying to take over that branch too. He hired an extremely knowledgeable branch manager and the company is thriving. One thing about my man is he knows how to run a company.
His problem is following up on our plans.
Parking, I pull out the keys and dash up the walkway, finding our front door unlocked, which isn’t all that odd. Maverick still has the personality that no one would dare come in his house unannounced, but I still lock the door because hello, we live in a crazy world.
Pushing open the door, I find the living room empty just the way I left it. A blanket is thrown over the edge of the sofa where Maverick ate his breakfast and settled his heart down with my body. It’s been mutually beneficial for both of us to relieve stress.
“Maverick,” I call out. “Are you here?”
I take the stairs to the basement where he still holds his Wednesday night poker games with Sebastian and Rowan.
I knock softly. “Maverick?”
When he doesn’t answer, I crack open the door and find him sitting at the table, his head in his hands and a pile of cards in front of him.
“Are you okay?” I ask softly into the darkened room. “How long have you been in here?”
He turns at the sound of my voice. “You’re late.”
I feel my brows pull together. “I’m late? I’m not the one who canceled our date.” I never said I wouldn�
�t be bitter.
His lean body straightens slowly, a dark look in his eyes. “Come here.” His voice is low and dangerous and I’m not sure copping an attitude was a good idea.
I take a step farther into the open space toward the poker table. Maverick watches each step, his finger drawing lazily across his lips. I guess he isn’t going to comment on the whole date cancelation thing. That’s fine. He will.
I walk toward him, watching as his eyes drink me in, and when I’m within his reach, he pulls me to him. I make a soft noise at the sudden jerk and stabilize myself by throwing my arms around his neck.
“What are you doing in here?” I try again. It’s not Wednesday. It’s not like anyone is coming over to play poker.
He nuzzles my side with his scruffy face.
“I was just analyzing all this debt we have.”
I rear back. “What? I thought you said the only debt we have is the house!”
A sly grin tugs along his face as he directs his gaze to the poker table. There, scattered all over the green felt, looks like all the IOUs he’s written me over the past six years.
“The way I see it, you’ll never pay off all of this debt. It would take you a lifetime.” He rubs the scruff on his face, pulling me closer. “So, a lifetime is what I will take.” He pushes me back so he can stand and then . . . kneels while digging into his pocket and pulling out a black velvet box. “Ainsley James. I’m full of total shit.”
I burst out laughing at his vulgar beginning.
“You owe me nothing and everything. I’m a man who played his odds. The over-under for a woman as incredible as you ever being with a man like me was ridiculous. I knew I didn’t deserve you and I never will. You see me. You got to know me when no one else did. You make me a better man. Marry me—”
He doesn’t phrase it like a question.
“And let me be indebted to you for a lifetime.”
I can feel tears welling in my eyes.
“I can’t,” I admit softly.
He rears back, that stunning face of his falling. “Wh-why?”
I run my fingers through his hair and smooth the clenching muscle along his jaw. “Because I come as a package deal.”
He rolls his eyes. “I’ve dealt with Lawrence this long, what’s a lifetime?”
I grin at his sweetness. He has dealt with Lawrence and has bought Lawrence a friend every year on our anniversary.
“I’m not talking about Lawrence.”
He still looks confused and it’s freaking precious.
“Let me show you,” I suggest, removing my shirt, leaving me only in my leggings. “I wanted to surprise you tonight.”
He looks me all over, trying to find a clue on my body. “For a man who reads people, you sure are dense tonight.” I laugh, grabbing his hand and plucking the box from it. “I’ll hold this.” I grin and then I place his hand on my belly. A belly that just this week cannot squeeze into a pair of jeans.
His hand trembles along my skin and the meaning of my words sink in. “I come with a free gift,” I tell him. “It’s not just me you’re committing to for a lifetime.”
His jaw ticks and his eyes turn glassy. “Are you saying—”
I nod. “We’re having a baby.”
The man who scared an entire university bows his head and places a kiss to my stomach before pulling up and leveling me with a look of resonation. “Let me try again?”
My entire world rests in this man’s eyes.
I nod, handing over the box.
With trembling fingers, he opens the box and takes out the most exquisite aquamarine diamond set in a platinum band.
“Ainsley James.” He clears his throat. “I love you more than life itself. Let me owe you a lifetime. Let me attempt to be the man and the father”—he kisses my stomach again—“you both deserve. Marry me.”
I nod. “Yes, I’ll marry you.” Tears stream down my face as he slides the ring on my finger where it will never come off.
“One more thing.” He holds up a finger and reaches around, finding a marker on the table. Uncapping it, he places another kiss on my stomach before writing out the letters IOU on my skin. When he’s done, we both stand there staring at the words on my body.
“So what do you want, Maverick? What do I owe you?”
Those long fingers drag across his lips thoughtfully while his eyes rake down my body lazily.
“We,” he corrects. “You both owe me everything.”
He stands and pulls me closer, the distinct smell of Maverick wrapping around us like a warm blanket.
“You owe me every smile.”
His hand cups my face, his thumb dragging the corner of my lip down.
“Every laugh.”
I don’t smile but instead I watch the intensity flash across his face. This is the man people fear when he collects a debt, yet all I feel is safe and revered as he states his demands.
“You owe me every tear.”
A soft kiss is placed to the corner of my mouth, his strong hands tilting my head so he can nuzzle in close.
“Every second you breathe . . . is mine. I want it all, Ainsley James. Every. Single. Part.”
It’s a hefty price to pay, but someone has to do it.
“What if I say no?” I’m completely full of shit. I love the hell out of this man.
His chest rumbles and his breath tickles the fine hair on the back of my neck.
“All right, I’ll play,” he says, pulling back, his poker face in play.
I eye the man who showed me that one bad apple doesn’t ruin the whole bunch. That some men are good with good intentions and good hearts. They might be standoffish and gruff, but deep down there is a gooey center.
“What will it take?” His voice is clear, but his mouth twitches.
“Your soul,” I tell him with a grin.
The twitching stops and a boyish grin forms. Gah, he’s adorable when he wants to be.
“I’ll take your soul and raise you—”
“Mav!”
This negotiating ass . . .
His arms go around me before I can get the rest out.
“We have a deal, Ms. Lexington. A soul for a soul.”
Disappointed Mav’s and Ainsley’s story is over? How about a $0.99 college novella?
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Ahh! My readers! Why must I love all your asses so much? I know! Because you are amazeballs. I’m not just blowing smoke up your ass either. I mean it. I’m so very grateful for all that you’ve done and continue to do for me every single day. You inspire me, you make me laugh, and you make me want to write all the books for you. You are my spirit humans! Let’s be clingy and never leave each other.
Whether you loved or hated IOU, I would be forever grateful if you left a review as one more “Fuck you,” to Tucker. Ainsley and I think that would really show him how much you loved and/or hated her story but secretly, she hopes you loved it.
Laura, Laura, Laura. Why can’t you move to the US so we can laugh at all these night owls who are losing all the good sleep time before ten. Tha
nk you for always having my back and making teasers and graphics since clearly, I would have a blank Facebook page without you.
Jaime! I’m not sure why you’re still my friend when I legit send you material at all hours of the day and then proceed to chat and bullshit so you can’t work on it. Thanks for managing my writing schedule and editing random things on short notice. And talking me off a ledge. And—let’s not document all my flaws and how much I drive you crazy just yet. I’ll text you.
Sarah P., thank you for always making me look like I can write, and tolerating my last-minute requests. I swear, one day I will get my shit together and stay with a deadline.
My street team. Why are you all so freaking amazing? Thank you for pimping me out every single time without fail. Your dedication and excitement for these stories inspire me every single day. Love your faces!
Jessica, six books! Can you believe it? Where has the time gone? Thanks for sticking with me since my very first word was written. You may never leave.
Sarah S. I’m not even sorry for being clingy. It should serve as a lesson that you shouldn’t be so awesome. Thank you for alleviating all the stress of teasers and graphics. I’m sorry I threw you to the wolves, but you came out the wolf whisperer. Own that shit. One day I will have my shit together and give you more notice. Fingers crossed.
To my betas who are always my biggest cheerleaders and toughest critics. You make me a better writer, especially with your gifs in the group chat.
Autumn. Can you believe our marriage has lasted a year? I think that’s a good sign since you haven’t killed or divorced me yet. Thank you for always giving it to me straight and ignoring my bullshit. We all know I wouldn’t ever publish a book if you didn’t make me.
Emily of Lawrence Editing, So. . . I am a little psycho at editing time. I’ll own that. This time, though, I swear the kids drove me to level ten thousand. Thank you for having so much patience and working with my tight as shit deadline. You are a superstar!
