Page 124 of Take My Hand

ZAK

Fuck! How do I take it back? Even though you know I’d love it if she came to Edinburgh with me

LIAM

Maybe don’t mention it again, mate. Let her bring it up. If she doesn’t go then you can always do the long distance thing.

ZAK

Yeah, I suppose so. Night mate. See you tomorrow.

LIAM

Yep later. Oh and I found us a party this weekend. Holly Smith is having a fancy dress party for her 18th.

ZAK

Excellent! Sounds good ????

Maya’s Diary Entry

So excited I’m going to spend the weekend with Will!! Maddy is going to an 18thparty so, as much as I love being around her, we’ll have the house to ourselves. I bought new knickers and bra to celebrate.

Chapter Forty-Four

Will

As soon as Maya’s car hit my driveway, I was at the front door yanking it open. The beautiful smile that she greeted me with was worth every part of the shitty day I’d had. There was never any trouble in my bar, yet earlier I’d had to stop a fight between two dickheads who couldn’t take their booze. It had only been four in the afternoon, and they were supposed to be friends. Then to top it all off some prick had gone into the back of me at the traffic lights on the way home and tried to say it was because my brake lights weren’t working. He had no case, as there was another car behind him with a dashcam that clearly showed my lights were working, and that the traffic lights were on red.

When I’d spoken to my insurance company they said he had no insurance, which meant that the police had to be involved. Thankfully, the number plate matched the car so at least they’d find him.

“Hey, handsome.” Maya’s arms went around my neck, and she leaned in to kiss me.

Instantly my rough edges were smoothed out, and I began to relax, forgetting everything except how good it felt to have her in my arms.

“Journey okay?” I asked when we finally pulled apart and I led her into the house.

“Yeah, the usual traffic on the M62, but once I’d got over the top it thinned out a bit.” She gave me another quick peck on the lips. “Something smells good. What is it?”

“Curry. Maddy made it this afternoon when she got home from school?”

“She’s a good girl.” She dropped her bag. “Has she left for her party yet?”

I rolled my eyes. “No. She’s up there with her friends, they should be down soon. I think Zak’s picking them up.”

“He’s driving?” Maya asked, frowning.

“Driving there at least. I’ve already given her the talk about getting in a car with someone who’s had a drink.”

Maya laughed and patted my chest. “I’m sure he’ll take care of her.”

“Yeah, and don’t I know it,” I muttered.

“Will,” Maya chastised.

“What?” I hissed, leading her into the lounge. “I was a teenage boy, Maya. I’m fully aware of what they’ll be getting up to.” I shuddered, wishing I had no awareness whatsoever

“And, as we’ve discussed before, Maddy will be careful.” Red lips broke into a wry smile, and I immediately wanted to kiss her again.

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