Six

Ava

“Come on, Maverick! Let’s go outside.”

Needing a break in between covers, a walk around the neighborhood sounds really good. It’s April in Nevada, so the weather doesn’t usually hit above seventy. Some fresh air will do me some good. After Griffin’s and my make out session in the hallway, I was high on oxytocin and couldn’t sleep a wink all night. After my shower, I tried. I really did. But then I recalled his mouth on mine, my legs wrapped around his hips, and before I knew it I was pulling out my Joystick—a new product I recently ordered from Passion Kisses, a sex toy company that sells the best orgasm and pleasure enhancers. With the visual of Griffin in my head, I was orgasming in seconds. I thought that would help me fall asleep, but nope! It did the opposite—had me wanting—no, craving—more. Needing more. After a second orgasm—that should have had me passed out in satisfactory bliss—and not feeling any less relaxed, I ended up pulling an all-nighter. Now it’s ten in the morning and I’ll be crashing shortly.

Maverick runs to the door, recognizing the word outside, and begins circling the foyer. Grabbing his leash, I clip it on his collar. Once we’re outside, I stop and lock the door, and throw my keys into my pocket. As we’re walking past Griffin’s place, the door swings open and Maverick comes to a halt when he sees Levi standing in the doorway.

“Maverick!” Levi yells, excitedly. He’s holding a bouquet of flowers in his hands, but he bunches them all up into one hand so he can pet Maverick. When Maverick realizes he’s going to get attention, he drops to the ground, his belly up so Levi can scratch his underside. Levi laughs and bends down. The flowers in his hand fall, but I quickly grab them before they get crushed between Levi and Maverick.

“Thank you,” a deep voice says, and when I glance up, I see Griffin standing in the doorway. He’s wearing dark blue jeans and a powder blue button-down shirt, cuffs rolled to his elbows. He holds his hand out to take the flowers from me and my eyes go to his muscular forearms. The same ones that were holding me up against the door last night like I weighed nothing. My eyes move up his arms to his face, and when we make eye contact, his are dancing with laughter. Does he know what I’m thinking?

I hand him the flowers, trying to look anywhere but at him. He chuckles softly but I don’t dare ask him why. “Those are pretty flowers,” I say in an attempt to put us back on neutral ground.

“They’re for my mom,” Levi points out. “We’re going to see her today,” he adds as he stands back up. Maverick flips back over from his back and stands as well. It’s then I notice Levi is dressed nice in jeans and an adorable button-down shirt, both similar to his father, only Levi’s shirt is a darker blue. His hair is even gelled so his spikes match his dad’s.

“I’m sure she’ll love them.” I give them both a forced smile, suddenly feeling sick to my stomach. My imagination is running wild, the possible scenarios poisoning my mind. I want to ask Griffin if he’s with Levi’s mom. Did I unknowingly cheat? The thought has me wanting to throw up. Surely, he wouldn’t be with Levi’s mom and going on dates with other women. Then again, I thought being in a committed relationship—living with someone—meant being faithful, and look where that got me…cheated on twice! I should’ve asked. I should’ve confirmed. I should not have assumed.

“Well, we better get going.” I point to Maverick. “This little guy will resort to going anywhere if I don’t get him to a patch of grass soon.” I give Levi a playful wink and he giggles. “Bye, boys.” I lift my hand to wave at both of them but refuse to make eye contact with Griffin. Then I take off with Maverick before Griffin can say a word back.