Chapter 47
I stood frozen in the doorway. Julian's confession still ringing in my ears.
I'd completely forgotten to warn Amy that Adam might stop by.
Amy appeared in the doorway. "Uncle Adam?"
Her eyes went wide. Then darted to me.
Oh God.
She heard me come in.
She knows she messed up.
Adam turned fully toward her. His face unreadable.
"Hey, sweetheart."
Amy's expression shifted.
From surprise to something else.
"Aunt Maya!" She walked toward me. Voice bright. Too bright. "You're home!"
"Yeah." I forced my voice steady. "Just got back from work."
Amy stopped in front of me.
Her eyes locked on mine for just a second.
Play along.
"Is Mommy coming today?" She asked. Turning to look at Adam. "You said she'd visit. Where is she?"
Brilliant.
My brilliant little girl.
I cleared my throat.
"Your mom?" I set my bag down. "She, uh... she had something come up. She can't make it."
Amy's face fell.
"Oh."
She walked slowly toward the couch.
Shoulders slumped.
Sat down.
Jesus, she's a better actress than I am.
Adam watched her.
His expression softened.
He walked over. Sat beside her.
"Hey." His voice turned gentle. "It's okay. I'm here, right?"
Amy looked up at him.
Eyes wide and sad.
"You don't mind?"
"Mind what?"
"That Aunt Maya's stuck with me." Her voice got smaller. "Mommy's always too busy."
Adam's jaw tightened.
"Your mom's working hard, that's all." He reached over. Ruffled her hair. "And you're not stuck anywhere. Your aunt loves you."
Amy nodded slowly.
"How about this?" Adam continued. "I'll come visit more often. Keep you company. Would you like that?"
Her face lit up.
"Really?"
"Really." He smiled. "But next time, make sure there's a pair of slippers for me by the door. Deal?"
"Deal!"
I cleared my throat.
Both of them turned.
"Adam." I kept my voice level. "What you just said—you planning to make this a regular thing?"
He stood.
"You told me yesterday I could visit Amy."
Dammit.
"I did." I glanced out the window. The afternoon sun was still bright. "Then take her downstairs. Go to the park. Fresh air. Exercise."
Adam frowned.
"You're kicking us out?"
"I'm suggesting outdoor activities." I walked to the coat closet. Grabbed Amy's jacket. "She's been inside all day."
Amy jumped up.
"Can we, Uncle Adam? Please?"
He looked at me.
I looked back.
Go.
I need space to breathe.
I need to think.
Finally, he sighed.
"Fine. Let's go."
---
The door closed behind them.
Silence.
Oh God.
Oh thank God.
I slumped against the wall.
That was too close.
Way too close.
I went to my bedroom.
Changed into yoga pants and an old sweatshirt.
Tied my hair up.
Then went to the kitchen.
Might as well make dinner.
He's staying for dinner.
Of course he is.
I pulled out chicken. Vegetables. Started chopping.
My hands moved automatically.
What the hell am I going to do?
Julian wants to marry me.
Adam thinks I'm his.
And Amy—
God, Amy.
She's so smart.
Too smart.
I dumped the vegetables into a pan.
We can't keep this up.
Eventually, Adam's going to figure it out.
And then what?
---
Forty-five minutes later, my phone rang.
"Hello?"
"We're coming back!" Amy's voice was breathless. Excited. "See you in two minutes, Aunt Maya!"
She hung up.
I set the table.
Pulled out plates. Silverware.
The door burst open.
"I WON!" Amy shouted.
Adam followed. Equally out of breath.
"You cheated."
"I did NOT!"
"Five. Second. Head start." Adam closed the door. "That's cheating."
"You're just slow." Amy stuck her tongue out. "Old man."
"Old man?" Adam's jaw dropped. "I'm twenty-seven!"
"Exactly. Ancient."
I bit back a laugh.
This kid.
"Amy." I walked over. Touched her damp shirt. "You're soaked. Go change before you catch a cold."
She groaned but obeyed.
Disappeared into her room.
Adam bent down.
Pulled off his shoes.
Then reached into a plastic bag I hadn't noticed before.
"As requested." He pulled out a pair of gray house slippers. "By the lady of the house."
He actually went and bought them.
"You didn't have to—"
"I wanted to." He slipped them on. Looked at me. "Better?"
I turned away.
"Dinner's ready."
---
Maya closed the door behind Adam.
Turned back to the kitchen.
Adam followed.
"Need help?"
"No."
"You sure?"
"Yes."
I grabbed two serving dishes.
Turned.
Slammed into his chest.
Fuck.
His hands came up.
Steadied me.
Heat flooded my face.
His eyes locked on mine.
Don't look at me like that.
Don't—
I stepped back.
"Excuse me."
Pushed past him.
Set the dishes on the table.
Adam's phone rang.
He pulled it out.
Frowned.
"Yeah?"
Pause.
"I'm not home."
Pause.
"Don't wait up. I'm at my girlfriend's place. Having dinner."
My head snapped up.
Girlfriend?
WHAT?
He hung up.
Slipped the phone back in his pocket.
Met my glare.
"What?" His voice was innocent.
"What was that?"
"What was what?"
"Adam." I walked toward him. Slowly. "I did NOT agree to be your girlfriend."
He leaned against the wall.
Crossed his arms.
"It's inevitable."
"Inevitable?"
"Yeah." His eyes never left mine. "So I might as well start saying it now."
"You—" I stopped. Took a breath. "You can't just decide that."
"Why not?"
"Because I GET A SAY!" My voice rose. "You can't just announce to people that we're together when we're NOT!"
"Maya." He stepped closer. "Who else are you planning to be with?"
"That's not the—"
"Answer the question." His voice dropped. Dangerous. "Who?"
"I don't—"
"Julian?"
My jaw clenched.
"That's none of your business."
"It IS my business." He moved closer. Crowding me. "You're mine. I don't share. And any man who tries to touch you—I'll break his fucking hands."
"Stop." I shoved his chest. "I'm not YOURS. I'm not anyone's property!"
"I didn't say you were property." His eyes flashed. "I said you were MINE. There's a difference."
"I don't WANT to be yours!"
"Liar."
"I'm NOT—"
"You want me." He grabbed my wrist. "Just as much as I want you. Stop pretending."
"Let go."
"Not until you admit it."
"Let go of me."
"Maya—"
"I don't want you!" I yanked my arm free. "I don't need to find ANYONE! I can stay single! Or—or I'll find a woman! Either way, I'm NOT finding YOU!"
Then Amy's door opened.
"Aunt Maya?" Her small voice. "Uncle Adam? Why are you fighting?"
I turned.
Fuck.
I took a breath. Forced a smile.
"We're not fighting, sweetie." I walked toward her. Knelt down. "Adults just... talk loud sometimes."