𝓒𝓵𝓪𝓻𝓪

I thought about Owen on the way home.

My heart was racing, a mix of fear and defiance churning within me.

I could still feel the warmth of Maverick's hands enveloping mine, a stark contrast to the coldness that now seeped into my bones.

I didn't want to believe Maverick. How could someone who had been so kind be anything but genuine? Yet, the doubt that was brewing gnawed at me, an unwelcome guest that refused to leave.

Owen's image flashed in my mind, his smirk, the way his gaze lingered just a little too long.

Was there something I had missed? Some sign I had overlooked?

I shook my head, trying to remove the thought.

Owen was good, wasn't he? Nice to me? Kind? But then, why did my hands shake like that? Why was my heart beating so fast?

"You're scared of him."

Maverick's words echoed in my mind. I pushed the thought away.

I thought about the time he walked into the back room of the cafe, holding my hand when I felt scared as he approached me...

I thought about the time he'd bought me hot chocolate, the time I confided in him about my fear of men - being along with them - and then the time we'd went on a date and then over to Kristina's.

He was so nice and kind to me. He was sweet. Maverick is lying. He's jealous, maybe?

Even still, I couldn't help the doubt lingering in the back of my mind.