Chapter 1.

"Why did you do that, is this your way of thanking me or what?"

"No Maya, i did that because I really wanted to do it. Go ahead, slap me, hit me- I don't care. You know why? Because I've been wanting to kiss you for a long time and I don't regret doing it and I'm sorry it took me this long to figure it out. I'm sorry." He said a little out of breath. "I'm sorry I was so mean to you. If I could take everything back I would. Maya, please believe me when I say that what I do regret is making you feel bad. I'm sorry about all the things I said to you at the party. I guess you can say I had it coming right? I messed up and dragged you into this but I'm done. I got my ass kicked, got shot at and almost got you killed in the process.

"Huckleberry I dragged myself into your mess. Don't blame yourself for that. I was the one who decided to follow you when those guys took you. It's a good thing I called the cops though. Otherwise, we would both be dead right now. Let this be a lesson to you so you won't mess with the wrong people."

"Hey how was I supposed to know that the guy who sold me a car had actually stolen it from them and that there was money in a secret compartment? I mean I tried to reason with them but they got all defensive and started punching and shooting at me. Luckily, they had bad aim and you got there on time even though then they started shooting at you but you shot back." He said trying to justify himself.

"Why did you do it Maya, why were you willing to risk your life just to save mine? I didn't deserve it. I treated you like shit. I had it coming." He said a little more seriously.

"Because I-." she thought for a moment. She really needed to think about what she was going to say next. "Because I care about you. If something would've happened to you I would've never forgiven myself." She closed her eyes and sighed. "I did it because even though you're an asshole and you treat me like shit sometimes, I wouldn't have had someone to mess with anymore. Plus, I'm a good shooter and it was fun." That last part was very true.

With that, he cupped her face and pulled her into another kiss. She didn't hesitate nor questioned it. She gave in, she was consumed in that kiss. She enjoyed the way his lips felt with hers and the way she inhaled his scent like as if in that moment, he was her oxygen. She needed him and even though she felt like she was doing something wrong it also felt very right. This kiss felt different. She needed to feel him so she tugged his shirt and pulled him closer. She traced his face and dug her nails in his hair. She felt the way his hand was trailing down her neck while the other held on to her waist.

"You have no idea how long I've been wanting to do that." He said a little out of breath breaking the was a sincere look in his eyes. Maya couldn't help but smile and laugh a little. She had just saved his life and this moment, this moment right here she wanted to hold onto for a little bit longer. She believed him, but there was something there. Riley. She couldn't help but think about her as he stood there practically pouring his heart out.

"No...this isn't right. I should, I should go. I'm glad you're ok but this can't happen again. You can't kiss me like that. Ok?" She asked even though this really wasn't a question, it was more like a conformation. She was nervous. She couldn't even look him in the eyes as she said all of this.

"Maya wait-"

She cut him off. Looking at him this time.

"Huckleberry...don't. Please ok, you're welcome. I saved you're life and you thanked me for it. Let's just forget about it and go on with our lives. I'm not doing this. I can't do this to her."

"Maya, Riley has nothing to do with this. These are my feelings for you. I don't like her like that and she knows it. Please, I know this is alot to take in but think about it. For me. For us. Let yourself be happy. Let me make you happy Maya."

He waited for her to say something but she didn't. Instead, she started fumbling with her keys. She looked beautiful. He hadn't realized just how beautiful she looked with her red dress that fit her perfectly and outlined her hips and the black high heels that made her just the perfect height for him to kiss her, which he wouldn't mind doing. She also looked exhausted and he couldn't help but feel guilty about it. He had ruined the party they were invited to by simply showing up and opening his big mouth. He cared for her, he really did but he always had to say something to mess everything up. It was all part of their game. Playful bantering and teasing. He enjoyed it. A little to much sometimes. It was always something him and Maya shared since the beginning. But he took it to far sometimes and when he did she would slap him right across the face without hesitation. Today was one of those times. He had asked her just how she had managed to get a date to the party on such short notice. Or better yet, how she managed to get the money to pay him to accompany her. She was furious and in that moment he knew he had messed up. He regretted it instantly but it was to late. Before he knew it he felt pain on his cheek and champagne on his face. She was mad and he couldn't blame her. There was a mixture of fury and sadness in her eyes. Those big blue beautiful eyes that he could get lost in. How had he not realized his feelings for her? Why did it take him this long to figure that out? He didn't have time to think about that though because Maya was now clearing her throat ready to talk.

"Like I said, I'm not doing this to her. Please just let it go."

He didn't have a chance to respond because by the time he had processed everything she was already out the door.