Maya
I felt so much better after breakfast with Conrad’s mom. It had been a good morning. I am surprised with how much she ended up liking me, she wants just us to go for lunch one day next week. I did not expect to find out about her being in an abusive relationship years ago. I think Conrad is still processing the new information.
“How are you doing, my love, after finding out about your mom?” I ask as we head into the grocery store to pick up a few things for dinner tonight.
“I am okay. I had no idea she had gone through that.” He sighs.
“It isn’t an easy thing to tell anyone, but at least she told your father.”
“Yes, that is true. The main thing is she got out.” He replies.
“For sure and she is doing good. It gives me hope knowing everything will eventually be okay again.” I smile and rest my head against him.
“It will be okay. It may take a while, and we may need to deal with things along the way, but it will happen. Everything will be okay. I am here for you through it all.”
I kiss his cheek, “I know you will be. You have been since day one.”
“I will always be here.” He says, slipping his arm around my shoulder, keeping me close to him as we make our way around the store.
He always holds me close like this when we are in public. It is his protective instincts kicking in. I like it, though, because it gives me a sense of security.
“Do you need anything while we are here?” he asks.
“No, I don’t think I do. Maybe some snacks.” I laugh.
“We better stock up on ice cream too for you because I know that time of the month is approaching in a few days.” He smiles.
“Good idea. I will get cranky if I don’t have it.” I giggle.
He knows me so well. I swear he knows my body as well as I do. It doesn’t take long for us to get everything we need and head to the cashier’s desk. I take my purse out to give him some cash towards it, but he refuses to take it. I really want to find work soon since I am running seriously low on money.
“Please, take something.” I sigh.
He shakes his head, “No. I have it.” He states firmly.
I nod, knowing there is no point in trying to fight him on it. I appreciate him taking care of me while I am not working, but I feel so bad.
“I promise once I find work, I will pay my fair share.”
“Angel, it is fine. I like taking care of you, especially since I know no one ever has before.” He says softly.
“I know you do, but I feel guilty. I like to pay my way.”
“Yes, but until you find something, please let me take care of you without protesting.” He chuckles.
I playfully roll my eyes at him, ‘Fine.”
He grins and kisses the top of my head, “Thank you.”
We bag everything, take it to the car and get on our way home for the day. We don’t have other plans.
Conrad has one hand on the steering wheel and the other on my thigh. I place my hand over his and link our fingers.
“You could come and work with me?” he blurts out randomly as we drive.
“I already did work for you, remember, well, your family. It didn’t end too well.” I remind.
“You worked under someone else who is a horrible human being. I mean, come work with me in my office.”
“I appreciate the offer, babe, but I don’t think it is a good idea. It would mean us having to hide again because people will not be happy if they find out you hired your girlfriend. And if anyone finds out I got fired from one of the sister companies, it will probably make things worse for me.” I reply, honestly.
“I guess you have a point. I will ask around and see if any of my friends know of somewhere hiring that is not my family business.” He smiles.
“Thank you. At this point, I will take anything. Once I complete college, it will open more doors for me, but until then, I don’t mind what I do.”
“We will find you something, angel. Something good and worth it.” He encourages.
I love his optimism all of the time. I wish I had as much as him, but it is nice to finally have someone positive in my life rather than negative people who always bring me down and make me feel worthless.
We pull up outside of the building, find a parking spot and climb out of the car. The second I do, I feel like someone is watching me. I frantically glance around but can’t see anyone.
“Maya, are you okay, sweetheart?”
“Sorry, I felt like someone was watching me.”
Conrad quickly approaches my side and looks around, “I don’t see anyone, but let’s get inside, angel.”
Just because we don’t see him, it doesn’t mean Callum isn’t lurking around somewhere. We grab the bags from the trunk, and Conrad slips his arm around my waist, taking us inside.
I relax once we are inside. I find myself going over to the window to check again, but I still don’t see anyone.
“You are safe in here, beautiful.”
I glance over my shoulder at him, “I know I am.”
“Come away from the window.” He says softly.
I nod and go to help him put our groceries away.
“I am going to change into something comfortable,” I say.
“Do you want some coffee?”
“Yes, please. I won’t be long.”
I head to the bedroom and strip down. I picked out some shorts and one of Conrad’s tees, but before I pulled them on, I decided to put something a little sexier on underneath. I want some naked time with my boyfriend. I look through the lingerie I have and choose a red satin lace slip dress. My outfit should cover it enough for him not to notice until I want him to see it. It will be a nice surprise for him.
I pull it over my head, the satin nice against my skin. I smirked and covered it up, re-joining Conrad in the living room, but he had no idea what I had hiding underneath.
“Better? Have you lost all your own tees? Because every time I see you, it is always one of mine.” He laughs.
“No, I just like your clothes better. They are more comfortable than mine.”
He chuckles and shakes his head, “You are lucky I love you and don’t mind sharing.”
I grin widely at him, “Yes, I am.”
He brings our coffee and a plate with some cookies on it over for us. I thank him with a kiss on the cheek. I will seduce him after. I know we are both more than ready for one another. It is always a good way to make us closer and reduce stress.