Chapter 68
Adam's POV:
By the time I pulled up to her building in Somerville, it was past seven. I grabbed the bags and headed up the narrow staircase.
I knocked.
Footsteps. Then the door cracked open.
Maya stood there in sweatpants and an oversized t-shirt, hair pulled back in a messy bun. No makeup. Just her.
My heart did that stupid skip thing.
"Eating dinner?" I lifted the bags. "Perfect timing."
Her eyes widened. "I didn't know you were coming."
"Now you do." I pushed past her into the apartment before she could shut the door in my face.
"Hey—Adam—"
"Starving. Traffic was hell." I set the bags on the kitchen counter, already scanning the small dining table. Three plates. She'd been eating with Amy.
Amy appeared in the doorway, eyes going huge when she saw the gift bag in my hand.
I grinned. "Hey, kiddo. Brought you something."
She bounced on her toes. "What is it?"
"Eat your dinner first." I ruffled her curls. "Then you can see."
Maya stood by the door, arms crossed, face caught between annoyance and something softer. "You can't just show up whenever you want."
"Why not?"
"Because—" She stopped. Sighed. "Fine. But I'm not cooking extra."
"Didn't ask you to."
She muttered something under her breath and disappeared into the kitchen.
I sat down at the table across from Amy, who was staring at me with those big gray-green eyes. So much like mine.
"Did you have a good day?" I asked.
She nodded, mouth full of mac and cheese. "We made butterflies at daycare."
"Yeah? What color?"
"Pink. With glitter."
"Sounds messy."
She giggled.
Ten minutes later, Maya came back with an extra plate of chicken and vegetables. She set it down in front of me without a word, then went back to her own seat.
I caught her eye. "Thank you."
She didn't answer. Just picked up her fork.
---
After dinner, I pulled the smaller gift bag from the counter and held it out to Maya.
"For you."
She didn't even look at it. "I don't want it."
"Just look at it first."
"I don't care what it is. I can't accept it."
My jaw tightened. I stepped closer, forcing the bag into her hands. "Take it."
She stared at me, breath catching. For a second I thought she might throw it back in my face.
Instead, she set it on the coffee table. "I need to clean up."
She walked past me into the kitchen.
I rolled up my sleeves and went to help.
---
By the time we finished the dishes, the apartment was quiet. Amy had retreated to her room with her new unicorn toy—she'd ripped it open the second Maya gave her permission, squealing so loud I thought my eardrums might burst.
Now it was just us.
Maya wiped down the counter, her back to me. I leaned against the doorframe, watching her.
"I'm taking a shower," she said without turning around. "You should go."
"I'll wait."
"Adam."
"What? I want to say goodnight to Amy."
She opened her mouth. Closed it. Then grabbed her towel and stalked into the bathroom.
The door slammed.
I exhaled and dropped onto the couch.
---
Amy wandered out a few minutes later, dragging the unicorn by its mane.
"Hey, kiddo."
She climbed onto the couch next to me, tucking her feet under her. "Are you staying for a movie?"
"Maybe. Depends on your Aunt."
She wrinkled her nose. "She's always tired."
"She works hard."
I glanced at Amy, an idea forming.
"Hey. Can I ask you something?"
She looked up at me, curious.
"Does your aunt... have any secrets?"
Her eyes went wide. Just for a second. Then she shook her head. "No."
Liar.
I leaned closer. "You sure? Nothing she's hiding from me?"
"Nope." She avoided my gaze, focusing very hard on the unicorn's mane.
I bit back a smile. She was a terrible liar.
"Okay. What if I told you I'd buy you that limited edition Barbie Dreamhouse you want?"
She looked up at me, conflicted.
I waited.
Finally, she shook her head. "I can't. I can't betray Auntie."
"She's more important than toys," Amy said firmly.
I stared at her for a long moment. Then I reached out and tapped her nose. "You're a good kid, you know that?"
---
Twenty minutes later, the bathroom door opened.
I looked up.
Maya stepped out in a pale blue cotton nightshirt, her hair damp and loose around her shoulders, face flushed from the heat of the shower.
Holy hell.
I couldn't look away.
Her eyes met mine across the room, and for a second neither of us moved.
She looked soft. Vulnerable. Like she'd just woken up from a dream.
I wanted to pull her into my lap and bury my face in her neck.
Instead, I stood up.
"You should go," she said quickly, tugging at the hem of her shirt.
"That's the third time you've said that."
"Because you're still here."
I grabbed my jacket from the back of the couch. Walked to the door.
Then I stopped.
Amy had already disappeared into her room—suspiciously fast.
We were alone.
I turned around.
Maya was standing in the middle of the living room, arms wrapped around herself, looking anywhere but at me.
Screw it.
I crossed the space between us in three strides and pulled her into my arms.
"Adam—"
"Shut up." I pressed my chin to the top of her head, closing my eyes.
She smelled like vanilla body wash and something uniquely her. Warm. Soft.
God, I've missed this.
"Let me go," she said, voice shaking.
"In a minute."
"Adam—"
"Just let me hold you." My arms tightened around her. "Just for a minute."
She went still. I could feel her heartbeat against my chest, fast and erratic.
I wanted to kiss her. Wanted to tilt her chin up and—
Click.
The door to Amy's room opened.
Maya shoved me away so hard I stumbled.
Amy stood in the doorway, eyes wide, clearly trying not to laugh.
I glared at her. You little—
She grinned and disappeared back into her room.
---
Maya's face was bright red. "You need to leave."
"I know."
"Now."
I ran a hand through my hair. "Fine."
I grabbed my jacket again, pulled on my shoes.
At the door, I glanced back.
She was standing with her arms crossed, hair still damp, cheeks still flushed.
Beautiful.
"That bag," I said, nodding toward the coffee table. "I'm not taking it back."
"I don't want it."
"Then throw it away. I don't care." I opened the door. "But I'm not taking it."
She bit her lip.
"Oh, and Maya?"
"What?"
"I'll be back tomorrow."
Her eyes widened. "You can't just—"
I leaned in, close enough that I could see the little flecks of gold in her brown eyes. "Afraid you'll start to like me?"
"You're delusional."
I grinned. "We'll see."
Then I walked out before she could shove me again.