Sometimes things come easy to you. Like your first kiss, riding a bike, running after learning how to walk, or trust when it's coupled with love. But there's always an added layer to easy things. I mean that even if the thing comes easy, there may be a part of it is hard. Like riding a marathon on your bike, or running in sand, or kissing someone even if you're mad. And trust? Trust can be tested just with a look. It's a fragile thing that just wishes to be whisked again at a glance, a touch.
Maya woke the next morning wrapped in Paul's arms, her left arm slung across his stomach with her head tucked under his chin. Low light was coming through the high windows and Maya didn't want to move. Last night was like a dream. It had felt like her and Paul had taken a huge step forward and that they were finally finding some kind of a rhythm together.
Maybe it was too soon to tell, but she was going to hold onto this feeling for as long as she could with him. She let her eyes drift down the length of his naked body not covered by the soft white sheet and marvelled at the hard, russet skin that dipped in perfect muscular outlines. His warm hand wrapped down the length of her back and his hand rested softly on her naked hip. His breath pulled deep through his lungs and the sound as his chest rose and fell was a melody to her.
The imprint in her always thrilled when she felt like this and pulled tighter at the bond that linked them together. She leaned into that feeling, letting the intensity of that bond wash through her and felt Paul instinctually tighten his grip on her. A smile broke across her face at the rush of warmth that filled her body as she focused on that feeling and the shackles that she once thought the imprint had clamped to her fell away. She knew she could easily lose herself in this euphoria that the imprint provided if she wanted too. Paul made a low humming noise of pleasure as he turned his head to one side. She wondered if he was still asleep and lifted her head to look up at him.
His eyes were still closed, that soft look of sleep pulled across his face and Maya bit her lower lip in anticipation. She brought her right hand up to run softly down the line of his jaw and the ring he had given her glittered in the soft light. He let out a soft exhale of breath and then opened his eyes halfway to look down at her. She gave him a soft smile and he murmured,
"Good morning baby," before his eyes closed again in a yawn. Maya's stomach clenched happily at the pet name and she lowered her lips to kiss his chest.
"Good morning," she said softly. His hand that rested on her hip moved back and forth over her hip and to her ass as he brought his other hand to her hair.
"Sleep okay?" he said. She leaned her head into the hand that was in her hair now.
"Yeah, great."
"You hungry?" he asked. His need to always take care of her was written plainly on his face. Maya nodded and let her index finger run across his lips. He smiled, "Okay. But first," and in a flash he had gripped her waist and moved her beneath him, his naked body hovering warmly over hers. His lips dipped to her neck as his right knee cinched between her legs pushing them open. Maya leaned her head up to connect her lips onto his and he responded by cupping the side of her neck with one hand and placing his other between her legs.
She was already ready for him, the want clear in his touch and he smiled in their kiss before pressing into her. She moaned into his mouth as he entered her, pushing all the way in on the first thrust and holding himself in there so he could feel her grip him in response. She stirred her hips beneath him, pulling a low sound from his throat before he started to move in and out of her.
As they made love in the low morning light, Maya let herself get lost in the warm thrum of the imprint as it beckoned Paul forward hungrily.
Later that afternoon, Maya was tucked into the backseat of a town car as it whisked her through the downtown streets of Seattle. Paul had happily kissed her before she hurried out of his workshop to leave him to finish up some commissions. He'd asked her to go and buy some clothes to keep in his loft and something nice to wear tonight. He had an informal client meeting at a nice whiskey bar and asked if she would come with him. She had agreed and now as she hopped from store to store stocking her wardrobe for his workshop loft, Maya reclined into this newfound freedom.
She didn't let herself settle there for too long though, because if she did, the imprint would pang in her a need to return to Paul, to feel him around her and in her. Or maybe that was just her—Maya was starting to lose the line between her love for Paul and the imprint.
At half past five, Maya returned, laden down with bags, and stumbled into the workshop. It was empty and Maya looked around her before realizing that the shower was on upstairs. After depositing her haul onto their bed, she crept toward the bathroom. She could see through the fogged shower door that he was washing his face under the water and taking advantage of this moment, she threw the shower door back and yelled a loud 'WAH!' at him.
He jumped and threw his body back against the tile with a shout so loud she thought he'd had a heart attack. Maya immediately buckled over in laughter and when he realized it was her, he gave a huff of relief and then, as delicious revenge he said,
"Really?!" before lunging for her fully clothed body and yanking her into the shower with him under the warm water. She gave a startled shriek but gladly let him pull her under the warm water with him. She was soaked and his hands roamed over her body eagerly as he brought his mouth down onto hers. She cupped either side of his face and giggled before pulling back to look at him. "That's what you get for scaring me," he said.
"Oh I'm soooo sorry," she said sarcastically, rolling her eyes. His eyes lit up in amusement and he was already pulling the cotton shirt over her head, dropping it wet and heavy on the shower floor.
Maya let him undress her, watching his face turned to that of a kid in a candy store as he unclasped her bra in the front and yanked her wet jean shorts over her hips. "Are you having fun?" she asked to his growing look of desperation. He brought his eyes back up to hers once he had gotten her naked and gave her a wicked grin.
"Oh yeah," he said before lifting her up quickly and pushing her back against the cool tile. Maya gasped at the feeling before he greedily lowered her hips down onto him.
She was starting to understand the difference between when they were making love and when Paul just needed to connect with her, thrusting and holding her hips onto him as he leaned into their bond. It most often happened when he needed to feel in control, or if they had been apart for a while.
Whatever it was, Maya came to love that hot, needy look in his eye as he claimed her as his. She looped her arms around his neck as he bit gently down on her shoulder with a low growl. She moaned in his ear and felt him come. After holding her to the wall for a moment as he recovered, he gently set her down and leaned down to kiss her, a silent thank you.
Paul held the umbrella over Maya as they made their way down the street toward the bar. It wasn't too far from Paul's loft so they decided to walk even in the light drizzle. Maya was wearing a small, dark blue cocktail dress that hit just above her knees and gripped every curve of her body. The thin straps ended in an open v-shape at the back and the dress dipped low toward a cinched knot at her lower back. The front was a sharp straight line across her chest that accentuated her collarbone and made her breasts look larger than they were in the tight, high cut. Her dark black hair hung in a silky straight curtain down her back and she finished the look with a warm coppery eyeshadow, dark fluffy lashes, and a soft bronzed cheek glow.
Paul complemented her look with dark jeans and a dark blue button down that he cuffed at his elbow and finished with light brown shoes. The rain dotted his hair and by the time they'd made it to the bar, he ran a hand through it to slick it back casually. A small piece fell in front of his face and Maya brought a hand up to tuck it back while he spoke to the hostess and handed his umbrella to the coat check attendant.
"Right this way, Mr. Lahote, Miss Sunriviere," the hostess said. When she said Maya's name, she pronounced it with a French accent that made Maya smile and look up at Paul who gave her a goofy grin before placing his hand on her lower back and guiding her forward.
They were seated in a sunken soft area with crushed velvet armchairs and couches next to a grand fireplace that was emitting low warmth.
"Did you build that too?" Maya said under her breath to Paul as she plopped down on the couch next to him and pointed to the intricately carved wooden fireplace.
"Ah, no definitely not me." Paul said, letting his eyes span the length of the towering fireplace in admiration. A waitress walked up to them and they ordered a couple of drinks. Paul reclined against the sofa, an arm behind Maya as he sipped his whiskey. They weren't there long before his clients arrived, a middle-aged couple named Clark and Janelle. Maya shook both of their hands and Janelle held onto hers a little longer, a soft glimmer in her dark brown eyes as she said,
"Oh you're Maya! It's so nice to meet you. Paul's mentioned you when we had him over for dinner last time he was in town," Janelle gave Paul a gentle smile and Paul nodded toward Maya,
"The one and only," he said. Maya looked over her shoulder at him, seemingly left out of the inside look they gave one another.
"What am I missing?" Maya said conspiratorially as she leaned toward Janelle who gave a twinkling laugh and pulled her to sit with her in the two green velvet armchairs closer to the fire.
"Nothing dear," she waved her deep brown hand set with bright red nails in front of her face as if to wave away the question, "We're just so happy he brought you along this time. He was looking pretty….weathered last time," she leaned over and patted her knee, "But! He's all aglow now. And he said you're going to Columbia, is that right?" Janelle simply gushed causing Maya to blush in the warm light of the fire. Paul was talking with Clark and brought Maya her drink, depositing it into her hand while still carrying on with Clark. Maya drank it heartily and gave Janelle a nod.
"That's right." Maya said. Janelle reminded her of her mother and Maya warmed to the feeling. She and Janelle fell easily into conversation with one another as Maya told her about her plans for college, Paul, her friends, everything. She was just an easy person to talk to.
"I see he also made sure to showcase what a catch you are by literally putting a ring on it," she gestured to the diamond and pearl band on Maya's middle finger. Maya pulled her hand forward to look at it as if she forgot it was there for a moment and then chuckled.
"Oh gosh, yeah that was a surprise. He's way too generous," Maya blushed again and when she looked toward him, Paul's eyes were on her, a warm smile on his face as he stood closer to the bar with Clark. Maya's breath caught in her throat and she fiddled with the ring for a second before holding her hand out at Janelle's request to look at it closer.
"A man in love can never be too generous in my experience," Janelle said as she looked expertly at the ring, "And this man has very good taste." She patted the top of Maya's hand as she took it back. Paul was next to her now, Clark in tow, and handed Maya a fresh drink.
"Janelle, are you behaving yourself?" Clark teased.
"Just shopping," she nodded to Maya's hand and Paul laughed.
"Fair enough. I was going to tear Paul away to the reserves cellar. Would you ladies like to join us or are you okay here?" Clark looked from Janelle to Maya, but Janelle answered for them:
"Oh, please. We're fine. If you've seen one old whiskey bottle, you've seen them all, right Maya?" she joked. Maya nodded and Paul leaned down to plant a soft kiss on her lips before saying,
"I'll be back."
"Okay," she smiled sweetly up at him. When the men had disappeared behind a hidden door behind the bar, Janelle said,
"Oh to be young and in love." Maya laughed and conceded to that fact. She was done trying to hide her immense love of Paul Lahote. And Janelle was good company.
Twenty minutes later with Paul and Clark still gone, Maya excused herself to the restroom. As she went to grab the door to the women's room, a tall dark haired woman was exiting at the same time. Maya excused herself and they slipped past each other exchanging pleasantries.
After Maya freshened up, reapplying her warm lipstick, she walked back toward her spot in the sunken seating area. Janelle was talking with someone who had taken Maya's seat and when she got close enough, Janelle said,
"Oh! There she is. Maya!" Janelle stood up and the woman who was in Maya's chair stood slowly to turn and face her. It was the same woman she had passed when she went into the restroom, but she got a better look at her this time. "Maya, this Rachel. Rachel Black."
Rachel. The same Rachel from that text message she had accidentally read the night after Paul grabbed her from the club? Maya didn't know why but as she reached out to take Rachel's hand, her heart hammered in her chest and her mouth turned to ash. Maya's mouth opened in surprise as Rachel put her warm hand in hers and shook in firmly and slowly.
"Ah, so you're Maya Sunriviere." Rachel said. There was a glimmer of something Maya couldn't quite place in her eye—was it jealousy? But how could Rachel be jealous of her? She was stunning. She was tall, taller than Maya, and had a strong lean frame. Her eyes were a pale auburn color that caught the light and her full mouth anchored her narrow face. She looked like the daughter of the chief, that was for sure. Her dark soft hair swept down around her shoulders elegantly and she exuded confidence. Maya tried to stand tall in her pumps, but it was hard not to feel small next to someone like Rachel. A soft smirk fell over Rachel's face as she reclaimed Maya's seat, causing her to sit across from her and Janelle. Maya couldn't shake the feeling that she was the new kid to this world and she hoped Paul would come back soon. She belonged with Paul which meant she belonged in his world too, right?
"Isn't she gorgeous?" Janelle gushed. "No wonder Paul has been so distracted." Janelle laughed and Maya realized she was flush with alcohol.
"Oh, she's pretty distracting," Rachel said cryptically and Maya tensed. All she could hear in her mind was the twinkling laughter on the other end of the line when she had called Paul one time during lunch. It felt like a lifetime ago. The owner of that laugh that had beckoned Paul in an all too familiar tone was here in the flesh and Maya didn't know what to do.
Suddenly, the waitress appeared, addressing Rachel first, "Miss Black, so good to see you again. What can I get you this evening?" Rachel beamed back and ordered a Manhattan. The waitress turned to Maya then, "And for you ma'am?" Maya opened her mouth to respond and then realized she didn't know what she had been drinking all night. Paul had ordered for her.
"Ah, I'll have what she's having," Maya panicked and nodded toward Rachel who raised an eyebrow at her.
The waitress nodded and left. Maya looked back to Janelle and Rachel, but Rachel quickly turned and engaged Janelle in conversation about something Maya clearly wasn't versed in. When they got their drinks, Janelle took the reprieve from the conversation to properly introduce Rachel:
"Rachel was just filling me in on a new shipment that came through from Australia. She's a local art dealer in Seattle. Got all of our best pieces from her connections." Janelle said.
"Oh, very cool," Maya said pleasantly. She was determined to have Rachel like her—she chalked that up to her mother's need to please everyone connected to the council. But more than that, Maya just wanted to know what she was all about. "How did you get into art dealing?"
Rachel leveled her with an intrigued stare as she swirled her drink around in her glass clasped in her long fingers. "I was recruited when I was in college. I studied art history, the professor liked my ideas and connected me with a colleague. The rest is history. Been in the business ever since." Maya nodded, not sure what to say next. "I'd ask what you do, but Janelle said you're fresh out of highschool." Maya winced at that. "And I doubt there's any worthwhile jobs back on the rez other than working at Clearwater Coffee. Is there?" Rachel's tone was light, but Maya could pick up a subtle dig a mile away.
Maya smiled sweetly, taking a long drink from the Manhattan before saying, "God, how can you drink these? I thought these were always made for pale faces and wannabe Sex in the City girls, didn't you?" Maya set the glass down and re-crossed her legs, sitting up straighter.
"An inexperienced palette can take some time to pick up on the complexities of classic cocktail culture. But don't worry, I'm sure you'll get there someday," Rachel shot back, her tone never changing from the light lilt that it held before. Maya watched her carefully. Janelle excused herself to the bathroom and wobbled on her feet as she went. Maya wasn't sure if she picked up on the heated exchange happening between the two women.
She definitely thought now that it must be jealousy that was plaguing Rachel. With Janelle gone, Rachel fully leaned in toward Maya.
"I'm surprised it took so long for Paul to bring you around. You're a cute little thing." Rachel gestured toward her with her drink. Maya didn't say anything. She realized she wasn't going to win any favor with Rachel and now she just wanted to see how far the jealousy would draw her out. "I guess I shouldn't be surprised though. It did seem like things were rocky between you two for a while." Maya tensed again and Rachel noticed. A small smile playing on her lips.
"You seem to be adjusting well to the imprint now though. Honestly, I can't believe Paul even imprinted in the first place. He told me he didn't even think it was real at first." Rachel let out a short laugh and then corrected herself, "Only because I think for so long, he was trying to convince himself that he had imprinted on me." Maya was completely frozen. She tried to keep her eyes soft and interested, but the hard line of her lip gave her away. "Oh, he didn't tell you?" Rachel carried on, taking a swig of her drink, "We dated off and on since highschool. And then when I left for college, he stayed behind to be a part of Sam's little pack. But when he struck out on his own and started making a name for himself, I helped him by sharing my clients and he thanked me by—."
"Rachel." Paul's interjected in surprise. Maya hadn't even heard him or Clark approaching, she was so tuned into Rachel's little speech. So, they had been a thing...and from the look Rachel had been giving her, and the earnest familiarity she shared with Paul now as she stood and pulled him into a tight hug while exchanging hello's, Maya assumed that their on-again, off-again relationship was more recently considered 'on-again.'
"What are you doing here?" he asked genuinely, returning her hug and placing his hands on her upper arms to look at her.
Maya had to remind herself to soften her face into a smile as he glanced down at her, clearly amused with this new development in the night.
"Me?!" Rachel said, delighted. "This is my bar, if you forgot. Remember, I took you here the first time we met Sarah Willard for that show?" She said, her hand affectionately on his cheek, her eyes full of mirth.
"Oh! That's right," Paul said, oblivious to the onslaught Maya had just faced and not minding the hand that rest there. "For the charity show. Right, right." Paul released Rachel and turned to Maya now. "My, this is Rachel. Chief Black's daughter." He said simply. Maya nodded and unclenched the fist she hadn't realized she'd been holding.
"I know, we were just getting acquainted." Maya smiled at Rachel now. Rachel turned to face her too, putting a hand on Paul's shoulder and squeezing. Okaaaaay, Maya seethed.
"Yes, we were," Rachel confirmed. "You've got quite a catch."
"Oh thanks," Paul dismissed as he came to sit next to Maya. "You need another drink?" He looked at the Manhattan in front of her with confusion. Rachel had turned to greet Clark and pull him into a light hug.
"No thanks. I've had enough to drink for one night, I think," Maya said calmly as Paul slipped his arm back around her. He smiled and turned back to the group. Janelle had finally reemerged from the bathroom and they all fell into conversation. Maya held her own, but every chance Rachel got, she pulled the conversation into a topic that Maya couldn't contribute to, i.e. business or art dealing or galas. Maya would purse her lips and try to find a way back into the stream of conversation, but ultimately, it would take an aggressive topic change on someone else's part.
Rachel was trying to show Maya who was in control in Seattle. As the night drew to a close, Janelle pulled Maya into a soft hug and said "Oh, we have to have you and Paul around for dinner soon. It was so wonderful meeting you." Clark pulled her into a similar hug and agreed.
"Absolutely, I'd love to. I'll be around much more this summer with Paul so just let me know and we'll make it happen." When Maya stepped back to take Paul's hand, she noticed he was off away from the group with Rachel. Her arms were crossed and she was laughing. Paul's back was to Maya so she couldn't tell if he was smiling or not, but the pulsing feeling in her stomach that settled into knots told her that Rachel wasn't the only one who was jealous. "I'll see you soon," Maya said as a parting goodbye to Janelle and Clark.
She strode over to Paul and looped her arm through his, grabbing his hand. "Are you ready?" She said gently. Paul smiled down at her and nodded.
"Yeah, of course," He looked back up at Rachel, "See you soon?"
"You know it," Rachel said, totally blasé.
"Nice to meet you," Maya said curtly as Paul steered her away.
"Pleasure was all mine," Rachel shot back. Maya internally rolled her eyes. Rachel was the kind of woman who always needed the last line it seemed. They walked back to the loft in relative silence, but Paul didn't seem to be picking up on Maya's obvious tension right away. Either he expected it and was blowing it off or the whiskey was clouding his connection. Maya assumed it was the latter.
Back in the loft, Maya stared at Paul's king sized bed and wondered if he had had Rachel here. She had never given much thought to the women Paul had most definitely been with before. Was that her jealousy or was that just because she had never been with anyone before him? Once again, Maya found herself feeling small compared to Paul.
Maybe that was the problem. She felt too small-town for him when her whole life she had felt like she was destined for bigger things. But Paul had done bigger things and Rachel was the kind of woman who would easily complement that lifestyle. They were worldly and Maya was—what had Rachel said? 'Fresh out of highschool.'
"You okay?" he said from his spot on the bed, taking off his shoes and unbuttoning his shirt.
"Yeah!" Maya said too quickly. Paul stared at her a little too long and Maya, trying to play it cool, turned away from him and slipped out of her heels and unzipped the side of her dress. Before pulling the straps off, she turned toward him again. "I had no idea Rachel was Rachel Black."
Paul looked at her carefully, "Yeah, Chief Black's daughter." he confirmed for the second time that evening.
"Right, right." she nodded, turning away. But then, she spun around too quickly and without a second thought said in a high-pitched, teasing voice, "Did you guys ever date?"
"Huh?" Paul said, clearly taken off guard. Maya narrowed her eyes trying to focus on the puzzled look he gave her.
"You and Rachel? Did you guys used to date?" she repeated.
"Uhhh," Paul stalled and then, standing up he unbuttoned his pants and pulled them off, folding them and placing them over the chair next to the bed to give himself some extra time. With his back to her he said, "A long time ago. Highschool, I think." before striding past her to the bathroom to brush his teeth.
Maya quickly undressed and donned a baggy t-shirt and some shorts.
"Why did she say something?" Paul said around a mouthful of foaming toothpaste. Maya wet her toothbrush and started to brush next to him, one arm wrapped protectively around her stomach. She shook her head,
"She just seemed very familiar...with you," Maya gave him a worried look and he rinsed his mouth, coming up smiling.
"Oh, so you're jealous?" He teased reaching out for her waist. Maya wiggled away and rinsed frantically before replying.
"Of her?! That tribal goddess that literally glowed in the room with no light?! Her?!" Maya said sarcastically. Paul threw his head back and laughed, following close behind her as she scurried into the bedroom and vaulted into the bed.
"You are jealous! Oh my god, that's so cute." He said, still laughing as he kneeled next to her and grabbed around her waist pulling her up toward him into a hug. Maya pretended to struggle against his broad frame as he kissed along her back.
"Why is that cute?! Being jealous feels awful," Maya said.
"Tell me about it. It's just nice that this time it happened to someone other than me. I get so tired of being jealous," Paul said as he nibbled on her neck and moved up toward her ear. Maya giggled, turning her head.
"You get jealous of a lot of girls you date?" she asked. For a fleeting moment, she imagined Paul getting jealous of men looking at Rachel and running to defend her.
"Only when it comes to you," he said, his hands slipping under her sleep shorts and gently cupping her. He dipped a finger into her easily and she let out a small exhale. Paul kissed her cheek and she could smell the warm scent of whiskey on his breath. There was no way she was getting the truth about Rachel out of him tonight. "Arms up," he said and Maya obeyed. He easily pulled the loose shirt off of her. Why had she bothered getting dressed for bed? "Bend over, please," he said low in her ear and Maya thrilled at the feeling between her legs at his request.
She bent forward and with both his hands now he removed her shorts and positioned himself behind her. He placed his legs on either side of hers. "Keep them closed," he said softly to her as she felt him rub the head of himself up and down the length of her fold. He dipped in and out of her slowly pulling small gasps from her. He steadied her by putting both his hands on either side waist before sliding her back onto him slowly. Maya let out a whimper as he buried himself in her and held her there for a moment. He leaned forward a little and wound his right arm around her chest to pull her up so her back was arched and he could press his mouth to her neck, shoulder, and the side of her face.
"You are all I want. Forever. Do you understand?" he said gently. Maya squirmed her ass against his hips and she felt him throb inside of her. "Maya," he chided and she smiled at her success. As much control as he wanted to have over her, Maya would always win in this area. "Tell me you understand." he said firmly trying to control his breathing. Maya played along as his hand splayed on her stomach and his other gripped her breast, holding her in the arched position.
"I understand," Maya said in a low breathy voice. Paul, overwhelmingly pleased now, began to thrust into her and Maya let out soft cries of pleasure with each thrust. He held onto her tightly, rolling her nipple between his thumb and forefinger as he slid in and out of her. Maya felt her whole body pulse with want and she reached behind her to hold onto his hips as he eagerly pumped into her. The grunts and moans that escaped him as he moved in her sent Maya's brain into overdrive. To be wanted, to be needed and loved by a man like Paul was more than she could ever ask for. Every touch was searing hot and every indent he pressed into her skin as he squeezed and gripped her left a lasting impression. She'd feel the weight of his hands on every inch of her body long after he would finish in her. He peppered kisses across the line of her shoulder before letting her go so that she could fully bend forward and he could place his hands on her ass as he took her from behind moving faster now.
Maya gripped the sheets in her fists as she tried to brace herself against his quick thrusts. He kept his legs tight on the outside of hers so that she couldn't spread herself, causing the friction within her to become overwhelming all too quick and as she reached her end, tightening around him, she heard him moan her name. He was never far behind her when she came. She felt him give one final push and suddenly felt warm and full with him.
He collapsed next to her and immediately tugged her body close to his despite the heat. Maya relaxed, breathless in his arms, as he pressed a kiss to the back of her head.
"I love you," he said between breaths.
"I love you too," Maya replied easily, quickly, earnestly.
"Say it again," he sighed. Maya giggled and turned in his arms so that she could look at his face.
"I love you with my whole heart, Paul Lahote," Maya said. Paul gave her a silly grin and opened his mouth in a silent laugh.
"I thought you were going to say...your whole ass," he laughed now and Maya groaned.
"You're drunk, oh my god," she said laughing. "How much whiskey did you have?"
"That basement has...so much," he confirmed. "I love you with my whole ass too, baby." he said his eyes drooping in exhaustion.
"Okay, time for bed." she soothed. He hummed in consent and Maya covered him with the sheet before hurrying to the bathroom to clean up. When she came out, he was already gently snoring. Maya tried to stifle a laugh as she walked quietly over to his side of the bed where she picked up her shorts and shirt. She slipped back into her clothes and just as she was straightening the blanket over him, she saw his phone light up on the nightstand. Her eyes flickered over to it automatically and her heart squeezed in anticipation.
She glanced back to Paul and saw that his eyes were still closed, deep in whiskey-induced sleep. Maya's eyes were glued to the phone that had gone dark now and she volleyed between what to do. Curiosity won out too quickly though and her arm shot out of its own accord to grab his phone. He still left it unlocked and Maya fully opened the message, too bold in the dark to care if he realized the message reflected as read in the morning.
She hoped it was Sam or Jeremy or Seth or Emily or anyone other than the name she was dreading. But disappointment washed over her quick. The message was from none other than Rachel Black.
Rachel: Michael let me know you're meeting the Tidems for a consult tomorrow afternoon. Meet me for a drink at the Charlotte bar after. I need to talk to you about something in private.
Maya stared at the message for a long time and her finger itched to delete the message. Just as she was about to put the phone down another message came through from her.
R: She's cute.
Maya scoffed in annoyance and then clamped her mouth shut as she placed the phone face down on the nightstand. So, Rachel was going to play it that way?
Maya looked down at Paul. The imprint in her panged and she walked around the bed to crawl in next to him. She curled into his side and he absently placed his arm over her. The imprint held him in place, but Maya wondered if it wasn't there if she would be enough for him. Part of her wanted to believe that she was but when she closed her eyes, the towering beautiful figure of Rachel flashed in front of her and suddenly, she wasn't so sure.