Conrad
Maya and I have spent the last week at the house in the Hamptons. We head back tomorrow. It has been good for us. Maya even left her phone at home. Callum started again after sending the photos, texting and calling from different numbers. Everything has been given to the police. I wish I could convince her to stay here until the bastard was arrested, but she won’t. I get it. We shouldn’t have to.
Maya is away for a swim. It sucks I can’t join her because of my cast. I would be glad when the stupid thing will get taken off. I am sitting on the back deck, watching her and drinking some coffee. I smile as I do. She looks happy and relaxed, something she really hasn’t been since what happened to me. I just want her to be happy again without any worries. I promised to protect her, but part of me felt like I was failing. I would not tell her that, though, because it would upset her.
I watch her come out of the water. I groan the second my eyes fall on her. She looks damn good in her red bikini. I am glad she seems more comfortable in her skin than when we first met. She smiles brightly when her eyes meet mine, and I return it.
“How was your swim, sweetheart?”
“Good. I have missed the ocean.” She answers, stealing my mug and taking a drink of my coffee.
“I am sure you have. We can always stay longer.” I suggest.
“No, we will go back tomorrow. I want to start moving my things in,” she says.
I pull her to stand between my legs, “I am excited for it.”
She hands my mug back to me, “Me too.”
I set it down on the table and bring her into my lap.
Maya snickers, “I will get you all wet.”
“I don’t mind.” I chuckle and reach up to kiss her softly.
We part after a moment, but I make sure she stays on my lap. I run my finger gently over the scars on her thighs. She closes her eyes and sighs. She doesn’t tense the way she used to when I touched them. I hate she used to hurt herself. I am thankful she no longer does.
“Should we have some breakfast?” she asks.
“Sure. I could eat. Do you want to eat here or head out for breakfast?”
“Hmm, we can go out.”
I hoped that would be her answer. I want to get out as much as possible since I haven’t been able to for weeks.
“Our usual place?” I ask.
Maya nods, “Always.”
She pecks my lips and climbs off me. She takes my hand, and we head inside to get ready to go out.
Maya changes into a cute green summer dress, “Does this look okay?” she asks, standing in front of the mirror.
“Yes. You look beautiful.” I reply.
I wasn’t sure if she believed me because she continued to stare at herself in the mirror. After a minute, she nods, “It will do.”
I changed into shorts and a tee. The weather is not bad today, and the place we are going isn’t too fancy. It is pretty casual, so no need to dress up. I slip my arm around her, and we leave the house. We can walk to the café because it isn’t too far away.
Maya rests her head on my shoulder, “It has been nice to be away, just the two of us.”
“Yes, it has been.” I agree and kiss the top of her head.
I think a part of her would like to stay here longer, but she won’t. I am fine with either. I will give her whatever she needs and wants without hesitation.
****
We were seated outside by the harbour, eating breakfast and having coffee. My cell started to ring. I glance down and see it is my father calling. I don’t know why. I haven’t seen or spoken to him since the day in the hospital.
I ignore the call, but he calls straight back.
“You should answer it, babe. You know he will just keep calling.” Maya says.
I sigh and excuse myself from the table. I take a few deep breaths and answer the call.
“Father.”
“Conrad, when are you coming back to work?” he asks.
A how are you doing would be nice, but I shouldn’t be surprised.
“I am not sure yet. Why?”
“Because it is about time you come back. The place is going to hell without you. Can you come in today?”
“No, because Maya and I are in the Hamptons. We aren’t back until tomorrow.”
I hear him sigh on the other end, “You are still with her?”
“Yes, I am, and I will continue to be. I love her. Nothing will change that.”
“You will learn the hard way. I expect you in the office the day after tomorrow.”
“Back off, Dad. I am with Maya, and nothing will change that. No, I won’t be at the office then. I will come back when I am ready and not before it. You are not my boss. I am a grown-ass man, and I will do as I please. Goodbye.” I snap and hang up the call.
I switch my cell off. I will keep it off until tomorrow. I take a few deep breaths, pulling myself together before I re-join Maya. I don’t want her to sense I am angry.
“Everything okay, my love?” she asks softly.
“Yes. He just wanted to discuss business. He wanted to know when I would return to work.” I reply and sit back down.
Maya rolls her eyes, “He realises you are still recovering, right?”
“I don’t think he cares.” I shrug.
Maya sighs and runs her fingers through her hair, “Conrad, please do not rush back. I don’t want you to end up in pain again.” She says sadly.
I reach over and place my hands over her, linking our fingers, “I promise, I will not go back until I am ready.”
She lifts our hands up and kisses my knuckles, “Thank you. I don’t want to have to worry about you if you return too soon.”
“You don’t need to worry, angel. I may work from home next week to start with before returning to the office.”
“Good idea. I need to start looking for something soon once I know you will be okay.” She says softly.
“I told you, sweetheart, there is no rush for you to find something else. Not until you are ready.”
I would prefer she waited until Callum was out of the picture, but it isn’t my place to tell her what to do, even if the reason for it is trying to protect her.
“I know, but I need to do it for me.” She says.
“I know it is, angel,” I reply and lean over to kiss her softly.
She smiles against my lips, and we part ways, focusing back on our breakfast. I refused to let my asshole of a father ruin our last day here.