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It's because of everything that's been going on. The rumors, Kaitlyn... It's a lot for anyone to handle. She's always been strong, but even the strongest people have their breaking points. Maybe she's close to hers.
I make my way to my office, my head down and mind preoccupied. But as I'm walking past the break room, I catch a glimpse of her.
She's standing by the coffee machine, her back facing me. I can tell she's lost in thought, the way she's hunched over, her arms wrapped around herself in protection.
I should walk away, but my feet have a mind of their own.
"Maya."
She jumps as she turns around to face me, her eyes wide and her face pale. She's a mess. Her hair is up in a haphazard bun, her clothes are creased, and there are dark circles under her eyes. She looks like she hasn't slept in days.
"Yeah?"
Images of our nights together flash through my mind, the contrast between this Maya and the Maya I know is so vivid that it physically hurts.
She looks down, avoiding my gaze.
"Are you okay?"
She nods, her shoulders shaking. She reaches for her mug and pours herself a cup of coffee, her hands trembling. "I'm fine."
All men know what that means.
"You're distant lately, Maya. Is there something on your mind you want to talk about?"
"I'm just tired, Hunter."
I step closer, my hands resting on her waist. "You know you can talk to me, right? No matter what it is." I am searching for a hint of what's bothering her.
But she looks down and gives a bitter chuckle. "Sometimes, it's just easier to keep things to myself."
"Maya, we've been through a lot and I—"
She interrupts me, "And I need some space, okay?" Her words cut through the silence like a knife. She pulls herself out of my grip and walks away, leaving me standing alone at the coffee machine.
I wish she'd talk to me, let me in. But every time I try, she shuts me out. It's like she's put up this wall around herself and I'm on the outside, looking in.
The smell of freshly brewed coffee fills the room as my mind wanders. I’ve always been a man who went after what he wanted without hesitation, but now... Now, I can't help but wonder if I've made a mistake.
You should have kept it in your pants.
Now look. You've ruined her.
I care for her, more than I want to admit. I think about our age difference, my role as her boss, and the fact that I’m her best friend’s dad. Each thought adds weight to my conscience.
I’m torn between the undeniable pull toward her and the growing realization that my impulsiveness may cost me more than I am willing to pay.
I can't help but be reminded of another time, another life. It seems like a lifetime ago at least. A time when I acted on impulse, just like with Maya. A time with my ex-wife.
The coffee smell takes me back, back to mornings filled with laughter and love, and afternoons and evenings filled with shouting and slammed doors.
We were young and we were in love. Or so I thought. I was a young successful man and she was beautiful. It seemed like the perfect match. But underneath the surface, we were a ticking time bomb.
I was just as impulsive back then, always opting for what I wanted in the moment without thinking about what would happen after. I proposed after three weeks of dating.
Three fucking weeks.
Who does that?
