Page 38 of Falling Stars (Wild at Heart #2)

BAYLEE

Honey McAllister runs her fingers through her long locks. “Baylee, I love the bangs. I didn’t think I could pull them off.”

“You have one of those faces that can handle most hairstyles. Short, long, layered. It’s annoying.”

Her light laugh fills my salon, but it cuts off suddenly. I look up to find her scowling at whoever just walked in the door.

Turning, I find Beau decked out in his firefighter uniform. He nods to Honey, who turns away from him. I don’t know what happened between these two, but something obviously did.

“Beau Walker, what can I do for you?” I ask as I unsnap Honey’s cape.

He braces his arm against the wall. “We’re having a family dinner over at the Saloon and Paige sent me to get you.”

Frowning, I reach for my phone. “Did she text? Because I don’t have that on my calendar.”

Honey hands me money and then pulls me into a quick hug. “Thanks, Baylee. Catch ya later.” As she scoots under Beau’s arm, she mutters, “Asshole,” and waltzes out the door.

His face goes tight as she walks by .

I glance around the salon. Vera’s brows lift. Glad I’m not the only person who caught that interaction.

Beau crosses his arms. “Not sure if Paige forgot to ask you. Do you have other plans?”

I lift Leo out of his car seat. “No, but it’s been a long day.”

Vera, my sweet friend, puts her hand on my shoulder. “Want me to watch the baby for a bit? That way you can enjoy dinner with your friends.”

“Really?” I love my son to pieces, but it would be awesome to get a break.

Plus, I really need to talk to Maverick.

I’m sick over what happened last night. Even though I’m still having a hard time with Nicole, it’s not Maverick’s fault she’s buying a condo in his building.

Now that I’ve had some time to reflect, I can admit he wasn’t being particularly flirty. He was just being polite.

Mav texted this morning, but I didn’t know how to respond, so I didn’t.

At the time, I was too frustrated by the “Wild Heart’s biggest bachelor” article in the Gazette and didn’t want to add fuel to the fire.

Then I read the announcement detailing Mav’s so-called date with that dumb bitch Nicole and decided I needed a timeout before I said something I regretted.

Vera tickles Leo. “I have a client coming in for a cut, color, and style, but I have time to feed him beforehand.”

I love this woman. “Let me pay you. I know it’s a lot to juggle.”

She waves her hand. “Don’t be silly. Leo is an angel, but if he gets fussy, I’ll text you. The restaurant is only two blocks away.”

“If you’re sure…”

“Go have fun.”

“Thank you.” I kiss Leo’s precious face, hand him to Vera, and head out.

As Beau and I walk to the Wild West Saloon, I nudge him. “So what’s with you and Honey?”

“Why do people always ask me that? Nothing’s going on. ”

“And I’m sure no one believes you, grumpy pants.” I snicker at his disgruntled expression.

Unfortunately, the restaurant is packed. I’d better just get an appetizer because if Vera needs me, I need to be able to duck out.

Beau opens the saloon-style doors for me, and then he points to the opposite side of the huge bar. Sitting by the piano is the whole Walker clan.

Mav’s eyes light up when he sees me, and it takes everything in me not to run to him. I’m dying to talk through things. Though… I guess I can’t do that in the middle of a packed restaurant.

He and Jace get up, and Jace sits behind the piano.

Is Jace’s band performing tonight?

I freeze when Mav picks up a microphone and says, “This is for my girl, Baylee,” and starts singing “You’ve Lost that Loving Feeling.”

What’s he doing?

I can’t seem to move, but then Paige is there, pushing me closer to the guys.

Because not only is Maverick singing, but Jace, Rhett, and Beau jump in on the chorus.

Mav grabs my hand as he belts the song like he’s Tom Cruise in Top Gun , which he and I watched a million times when we were kids. It’s a little off-key, but he’s adorably charming.

Then the whole dang restaurant belts the end.

Oh my God. Laughing, I cover my face, but he pulls me in his arms as he wraps up the tune.

When the song ends, he grabs my face. Smiling, he leans down to kiss me, and everyone hoots and hollers.

I look up to him. “What was that for?” Because I’ve never known Maverick to be into huge public displays of affection.

“For two reasons. One, we needed an epic first date. And two, because I have to get something off my chest.” He grabs my hand, turns to the crowd, and raises his voice.

“Just in case y’all read the Gazette this morning, I want to make my own announcement.

I recently got my head outta my ass and asked my long-time best friend Baylee to be my girlfriend. She said yes.”

“It’s about damn time, Maverick!” Sheriff Reynolds shouts from the bar.

Everyone cheers except a sourpuss a few tables over whom I realize is Kira. She jumps up and gives me the finger before she storms out.

That girl needs a good therapist.

Mav doesn’t notice her, and I don’t ruin the moment by pointing her out. He holds up a hand. “The sheriff’s right. So I’ll have to pass the mantle of Wild Heart’s most eligible bachelor to my brothers, Jace and Beau.”

Some girl screams, “I love you, Jace Walker!”

He yells back, “Love you too!”

Then I remember something Paige told me about Beau, and I shout, “Don’t forget to vote for Wild Heart’s hottest firefighter contest if you want to see Beau Walker in next year’s calendar!”

That really gets the ladies going, and Beau shakes his head at me. I laugh at the droll expression on his face, which is bright red.

I’m about to join everyone at the table when Maverick tugs me to him. “Just wanted to say again I’m really sorry about last night.”

“I’m sorry too. I hate that we argued.” We don’t have a lot of time before he returns to New York.

I’m sure the next three weeks are going to fly by.

The thought of him leaving makes me panic, so I shove it out of my mind and fiddle with the button on his shirt.

“You look nice. You dressed up.” He’s wearing a dark blue button-up with his sleeves rolled up, dark jeans, and boots .

“I also have these for you.” He hands me a huge bouquet of pink roses.

“They’re beautiful.”

Mav cups my face and rubs his nose against mine. “I should’ve taken you,” he says quietly.

“To what?”

“To homecoming.”

My throat tightens, and I blink quickly. I don’t know what to say.

Someone starts chanting, “Kiss her! Kiss her!” And everyone joins in.

He smiles. “We gotta make our fans happy.”

Laughing, I push up on my toes and press my lips to his.

It’s not homecoming or prom, but this moment still feels pretty damn good.

After a great dinner with the Walkers, Mav and I walk hand in hand back to the salon to pick up Leo. But when we get there, the lights are off, and the doors are locked.

“I thought you said Leo was here with Vera,” Mav says with a frown.

“Yeah, she’s supposed to be here.” I whip out my phone, dial Vera, and put her on speakerphone. She picks up after two rings. “Hey, where are you guys?”

“Didn’t you get my texts? Leo got fussy, so I brought him to the park for some fresh air when I wrapped up my client.”

It’s dark out and chilly, and for some reason, I can tell from down the street that the twinkle lights aren’t on tonight. I’m not sure the park is where I would’ve taken him. “No, I didn’t get them. Hang tight. We’re on our way.”

When I flip to my messages, I don’t have anything new from her. Weird.

As we sprint to the park, I can’t help but think about that creeper who left me a note on my car. Is he out there watching? My heart drums wildly in my chest as we cross the street.

There she is. Thank God.

Vera’s sitting on a bench with Leo, who’s playing with his lion rattle in his stroller. She shakes her head. “I’m so sorry, Baylee. I just realized I sent them on messenger instead of a normal text message.”

My phone hates me and won’t show those notifications on the lockscreen. I have to go into the app to see those messages. “It’s okay. I’m just glad you two are all right. Seeing the salon dark had me worried.” In a near panic, but I don’t want to make her feel bad.

I pull Leo out of his stroller and kiss his chubby cheeks. When Mav wraps his arms around both of us, I lean into him and close my eyes.

Here, tucked against this man, is where I feel most safe.

My heart lifts as I think about him singing to me tonight, and for a moment, everything about me and Mav feels right.

But I can’t help but wonder… Are we falling stars, burning bright but destined to crash?