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Just admit, you’re stoked at the thought of seeing her again.
So stoked, I ditched the idea of going for a ride and rushed back inside, taking the stairs two at a time until I reached the third floor.
Another thing I didn’t expect?
Finding Maia in tears.
“What’s wrong?” I ask as soon as I see her face. Lennox and Everleigh look at each other, then at Maia, then back at me.
“Nothing, Rhett. What’s up?”
I know it’s not nothing, but I can tell she doesn’t want to talk about it. I hold out her water bottle and sweatshirt after closing the door behind me. “You left these in my car. I wanted to return them in case you were looking for them.”
Lennox and Everleigh exchange looks as smiles spread across their faces. Maia steps forward and takes her items. “Thanks.”
“How did your things end up in Rhett’s car, hmm?” Len teases, and Maia laughs through her subsiding tears.
I can’t help but smile either because of course they come to that conclusion. But I would too if it were my friends. “I was giving her surfing lessons, and then we grabbed dinner. That’s all. No big secret,” I joke.
“Surfing lessons? That sounds fun! I want some!” Len says.
“Come down to the shop anytime. Landon helps me out from time to time.”
“He does?” Everleigh practically shouts, and I stifle a snort-laugh.
“He didn’t tell you on one of your ‘dates’?” I tease, and Ev rolls her eyes, but she’s hiding a laugh beneath her mask.
“Maybe he did. I don’t pay much attention,” Ev answers, and I snicker.
“Good one. Alright, ladies, sorry if I interrupted anything. Have a good night. Maia, if you need to talk, let me know.” I nod my head as they say goodbye and head out the door, closing it quietly behind me.
I’m almost to the stairs when I hear a door open behind me. It could be any door, but damn, do I want it to be Maia.
Why was she crying?
Who made her upset?
“Rhett!” I hear my name called, and a part of me wonders if I just want to hear it, and I’m not actually hearing it.
But when I turn around, Maia’s walking straight toward me. She put on the sweatshirt I just now returned to her and she’s barefoot. God damn, she’s beautiful.
She doesn’t say anything, just walks with purpose directly toward me. I don’t know what to expect, and when she wraps her arms around my waist and rests her head against my shoulder, I melt into a puddle.
I don’t know why she’s hugging me, but I don’t care. I take every advantage of the moment by encircling my arms around her and pressing her small frame against mine. I rest my nose against the top of her head and inhale deeply. Fuck. It’s as if every part of me craves every part of her.
“Thank you.”
“I’m getting this hug just for returning your things? You’ll have to leave stuff in my car more often.”
Her laughter vibrates through my body, and it’s one of the best feelings. “That. And other things.”
“Whatever it is, I’m glad I could help.”
After a few more seconds, Maia lets go, and when she steps back, I immediately feel empty and cold. She looks up at me and smiles. Even with swollen red eyes, she’s the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen.
“Did you say you were going for a ride?”
I grin. “Maybe…did you want to join me?”
