Conrad
Maya is back to avoiding me again. I haven’t spoken to her since we went our separate ways after our sleepover. I have tried to reach out, but she hasn’t gotten back to me. It has been three days. I wanted to show up at her work, but I couldn’t because if I did, people would become suspicious. I really hoped this wouldn’t have happened, but I had a feeling it was exactly what she would do when we said goodbye.
Not hearing from her has been driving me crazy. I hate the idea of her being alone again, especially with what I learned about her. It made me want to be there for her more. I think that is part of the problem, though. I want to get close, and the last thing she wants is to let anyone in.
I am in my home gym, trying to destress myself. It is late, but thankfully I don’t have any close neighbours to complain of any noise. I had been here for an hour but still wasn’t completely destressed. I am getting there, and I will stay here for at least another hour before I make dinner and shower.
I hop off the treadmill and sit down on one of the mats to take a drink of water and a breather. I reach for my cell and see a missed call from Maya from twenty minutes ago. I must have been too focused on my workout to hear it. I forgot my smart watch when I came down. I usually have it so I can see any calls or texts as I work out. I am surprised she called.
I wipe my hands off and call her back. It rings a few times, and my first thought is she isn’t going to answer it. When I am ready to hang up, she answers.
“Hi.” She says softly.
“Hello, stranger. Sorry, I missed your call. I was working out.” I reply.
Maya sighs, “Oh, sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb you.”
“No, you didn’t. Is everything alright?”
I haven’t heard from her in days, so it makes me think something may be wrong for her to call me.
Maya fell silent, and I heard her take a deep breath. “I am sorry I haven’t reached out recently.”
“It is fine. I know you would, eventually, if you wanted to. Are you okay?”
“Yes, I am fine. I w-w-was wondering if you have p-p-plans for tonight?”
“No. I will finish my workout and then make dinner. You?” I ask.
“Um, nothing.”
I feel like she wants to say more but is too nervous.
“Maya, did you call because you want to see me?” I question softly.
“Yes.”
I can only make her answer out and no more.
“Do you want to come over? I can cook us dinner.”
I had more than enough stuff in for two. I planned on a simple sweet chilli chicken, rice and veg dish tonight, nothing too fancy but tasty.
“I don’t want to be a bother.”
“You won’t be. I want you here.” I reply.
I am not sure if she will be comfortable coming to my place. If not, I can cook it and take it to her, we can eat there. I don’t mind either way.
“Okay, I will come over. Just text me your address.”
“I will do. If it is easier, I can come pick you up?” I suggest.
“No, I will drive to you. I will see you soon.”
“Yes, see you soon, beautiful,” I reply, and we hang up.
I text her my address as soon as the call ends. Hopefully, she will find it easily. I should probably shower before she gets here since I am all sweaty. I smile as I leave the gym and head for my bathroom. I am happy she called. I honestly thought she was done with me. I guess I was wrong. She wants to see me, which tells me she likes me more than she is willing to admit.
I haven’t stopped thinking about the kiss we shared. It was incredible, and I really want to have her lips on mine again, but it will be her choice. Whatever her reason for wanting to see me, we go at her pace, no matter what. Maya needs time to trust me, and I don’t know how long that will take. I am a patient man, and I will wait for as long as it takes.
****
I get a notification on my phone from my security camera outside just as I come out of the shower. I check it to see Maya on my front step, looking nervous. I tightly wrap a towel around my waist and rush to answer it before she changes her mind and leaves.
I open the door and smile, “You found it.”
Maya dances her eyes over my half-naked body and licks her lips. I smirked but quickly stopped when she finally looked at my face.
“H-h-hello.” She smiles.
“Come in.” I insist and step aside.
Maya nods and strolls into my house. She stands in the hallway, eyes wide as she looks around.
“Wow, this place is incredible.” She gushes.
“Thank you.”
I put a lot of hard work into my house. I got it built from scratch two years ago. Previous to this place, I stayed in an apartment, but I wanted a house somewhere I could hopefully settle in one day with my wife and kids. It is big enough. It has five bedrooms, two bathrooms, my gym, an office and a small movie room in the basement. I also have a hot tub and a pool in my yard. I did a lot of the work alongside a professional team. I have always been good with my hands when it comes to building things.
I reach for her hand, and she flinches the second I touch her.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you,” I say softly.
God, I want to kill whoever hurt her enough to make her so fearful of a simple touch. Maya relaxes and takes my hand.
“No, it is okay.” She whispers.
“Come on, beautiful, I will show you the living room until I put some clothes on. Do you like sweet chilli chicken, rice and mixed veg?”
If she doesn’t, I can make us something else.
“I do. Yes.” She smiles.
I lead her through to the living room. I will give her a tour of the place later if she wants.
“Do you want anything? Water? Soda? Coffee?”
“No, I am okay.” She says and sits down on the sofa.
I excuse myself to go put some clothes on. I pull on some great sweatpants and a tee before returning to join her. Maya hadn’t moved an inch. She seems to be in her own little world. I admire her for a moment, and my breath catches in my throat. She is so damn beautiful.
Maya must have felt my eyes on her because she looked over at me. She gives me a shy smile and blushes.
“I am going to start on dinner. Do you want to stay in here or join me in the kitchen?”
“I will come through. I can help.” She replies.
I shake my head, “No, you will not. You are a guest in my house. You will not help.” I state firmly.
My mother would slap me up around the head if I said yes and let Maya help. I wasn’t raised like that. If you are cooking for someone, a guest, then they don’t do any work.
“I really don’t mind.”
“I appreciate the offer, beautiful, but no.” I smile.
Maya sighs, nods and hops up on one of the stools. She pouts in my direction.
I chuckle, “Don’t pout at me, angel.”
She continues, “I will keep pouting until you allow me to help.” She exclaims.
“Fine! You can chop the veg, but nothing else.” I laugh and give in.
Maya smiles brightly at me. She looks proud of herself for winning. I swear if anything does happen between us, it won’t take much for her to get what she wants from me. I will give in to her so easily.