Page 58 of The Mistletoe Bluff
I took her hand and raised it to my lips. “Anything for you, darling.”
Thanks to the remote start on my Jeep, the cab was nice and warm as I opened the door for Maya and waited for her to crawl inside. A moment later we headed back to Meridel. I felt like I had gulped down seven cold brews. I was on a high from watching the girl I’m crazy about do what she loved.
“Do you mind if I handle the editing?” Maya asked, breaking me from my thoughts. I glanced at her. She was wringing her hands in her lap again.
“Of course. I wouldn’t have it any other way, Maya.” I wouldn’t dream of trying to edit her photos—not when they were hers to begin with.
A relieved smile curled her lips as she settled farther into her seat.
“Did you want lunch before I take you home?”Please spend more time with me. I hate saying goodbye to you.
Maya shook her head. “No, I think I’ll try to nap and then get started editing those photos before Friendsmas tonight.”
My stomach sank but I fought to keep my expression neutral as I nodded. I wasn’t ready to part ways or take her back home yet. I would have loved to spend the rest of the day together, but I didn’t want to interrupt this new life that had sparked within her. So, thirty minutes later, with a promise to pick her up before dinner, I dropped her off at home and then proceeded to sit at my house for hours.
I tried to nap, but every time I closed my eyes, all I saw was Maya smiling behind the camera. I had hoped getting out of the house might help, so I drove back to Main Street, but when I ended up in a little gift shop, everything inside reminded me of her. I hurried back home after that.
I thought I had had it bad for her before, but it was nothing compared to how I felt after just a couple weeks of being her chauffeur and getting to know her. I was relieved when it was time to get dressed and leave the house.
There was a strange prickling feeling in my stomach as I drove to pick her up. Was I…nervous?
What was there to be nervous about? I had already met Elsie and Jameson. This would be an easy evening with food and friends. There was nothing to worry about. So why did I feel like this?
I glanced in the rearview mirror at the small, gift-wrapped package in the backseat. I wasn’t certain whether they’d be exchanging gifts tonight or not, but I brought something for Maya, just in case. I didn’t expect anything in return, but when I saw it in the shop earlier, I couldn’t resist buying it for her.
Pulling up next to her apartment building, I shifted into park and waited, my thumbs drumming against the steering wheel. Usually Maya was waiting outside, so I found it strange that she was nowhere to be found.
Me
I’m outside whenever you’re ready.
The three bouncing dots appeared almost immediately.
Princess Maya
Maybe you should go without me.
What?
Me
They’re YOUR friends. Why would I go without you?
Princess Maya
I don’t think I can go.
My stomach sank. As nervous as I was, I had been looking forward topracticingsome more.
Me
Are you okay?
It took a few seconds for a response to appear.
Princess Maya
I’m stuck.
