Chapter 249 249

Chapter 249 249
Maya

Elias' eyebrows lifted in surprise and his face took on a thoughtful expression. "Are you sure you're ready? Don't let what Sarah said get to you, I can handle the board."
"I'm sure." I said firmly. "There's no reason to hide anymore, and besides," I grinned slyly. "I'd like to see the look on her face when she realises I'm still very much going to be a pain in her ass."
Elias laughed, his eyes twinkling merrily as he pressed a kiss to my forehead. "I fucking love you, Maya Sinclair."
"I know," I said, as smugly as I could manage and gave him a light shove back into his office. "Set up the meeting, Nat and I can handle the kids."
In the nursery, the chaos was slightly under control.
Nat was there, handling Kayley like a pro as she changed her diaper while Dex hovered at a safe distance, face screwed up in disgust as he held Kelsey slightly away from him.
"Why does someone so little produce the foulest smelling shit I ever smelled?" He complained as he promptly handed her over to me. "There should be a biohazard warning on these kids."
I rolled my eyes as I crossed to the second changing station. "It doesn't smell that bad."
"That's what you think cos you're their mama." he replied as he handed me the box of baby wipes.
"Either you shut up and go away, or come help me clean up the shit that spilled to the floor." Nat flashed him a stern look as she gently cradled Kayley in her arms and gave her a bottle.
Dex bolted for safety, leaving Nat and me giggling.
"He's so in love with you," I said casually.
Nat's face went scarlet. "Shut up. He is not."
"Please. He goes on his run everyday and buys you coffee and snacks from the cafe you once said you liked, claiming it's on his path, when we both know it's not. And I've seen him staring at you with dreamy eyes whenever he thinks you're not looking."
"You're being ridiculous." Nat told me firmly, but I knew she was just in denial.
"And…" I smirked at her, enjoying her discomfort. "I've seen you watching him, looking like you're trying to determine the best way to throw yourself at him. You like him."
"I do not!"
I raised an eyebrow and said nothing else, just waited.
She folded, groaning. "Okay, fine. He's...not terrible and yes…I've had fantasies about those huge hands doing nasty things to me. But I'm on a hiatus, remember? No dating, no drama."
"Mmhmm. Sure. Except your hiatus forgot to tell your face. You light up every time he walks in."
Nat rolled her eyes. "Well, I'm heading back to New York soon anyway. So it's moot."
I frowned. "Already?"
She nodded. "My manager's been doing a good job with the bar, but I do need to get back and give him a break." She looked at me, and my sadness must have been evident on my face because she sighed. "Are you guys planning to remain in Los Angeles permanently?"
I shook my head, struggling to keep my sadness at bay. "Not really, just until the twins are ready to withstand the flight to New York."
Nat nodded, relieved. "That's good then, I guess we'll see in a couple of months. I'll miss you guys though. Especially my babies."
Elias appeared in the doorway. "The meeting is scheduled for tomorrow."
"Great." I smiled as he crossed to take Kayley from Nat. She promptly spit up milk all over his shirt and Nat chortled gleefully.
Unfazed, Elias calmly cleaned her up, then proceeded to burp Kayley while pacing back and forth with her tucked against his shoulder.
Nat watched him for a few seconds, then leaned toward me and whispered, "I'm leaving before my ovaries stage a full-on rebellion."
I snorted. "Smart move."


By the time the twins fell asleep again, the sun had set, lingering low on the horizon.
"Care for a walk?" Elias asked as we left the nursery.
"Yeah sure." I said, then glanced at our ruined clothes and added. "We should probably freshen up first, eau de vomit isn't exactly the right fragrance for a walk on the beach."
Elias laughed and agreed. Together, we went upstairs to get changed. I decided to take a quick shower and by the time I was done, Elias was already dressed and waiting downstairs. I chose a light yellow summer dress and cream sandals, put my hair in a loose ponytail, added some lip gloss, then went to join him.
I padded down the stairs, the faint swish of my dress brushing against my legs as I rounded the banister. Elias was by the front door, phone pressed to his ear, nodding slightly with his other hand tucked into the pocket of his pants. His expression was serious but softened the moment he caught sight of me.
He ended the call quickly. "Yeah. Thanks, Kellan. I'll contact you tomorrow." Then he slipped the phone into his pocket and gave me a look that made my toes curl.
"Wow," he said, his eyes sweeping slowly down my frame. "You look incredible."
I grinned, cheeks warming under his gaze. "Thanks. You look great too."
He had changed into a light blue shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and the top buttons undone, paired with grey pants. The outfit enhanced his sexiness in ways that I deemed too distracting for my poor brain to handle.
"He reached for my hand and brought it to his lips, pressing a kiss to my knuckles. "Ready?"
"Lead the way."
We walked hand in hand through the garden, the last light of the sun draping everything in golden hues. But the moment we reached the path that led to the gate, I stopped short.
"Oh my God…" I gasped, my jaw going slack as I gaped at the scene before me.