Page 48 of Take My Hand

I was shocked, expecting that I would have to beg her to see me again. “Definitely. Yes,” I said on a breath of relief. “When?”

Maya shrugged. “Like I said, I’m off all week.” She dropped her gaze to the floor, with a hint of a smile. “I could come over to you.” Green eyes flashed back up at me. “Or not, whatever you prefer.”

Pressing my body against hers, I pushed my leg between her thighs, noticing how her hips thrust forward like she needed the relief. I know I did. I was desperate for her, but there was time for what I needed.

“I’d love you to come over to me.” I took a deep breath. “Maybe meet Maddy?”

I had no idea why I’d suggested it. We’d had one bloody date. It should have been so wrong, to want her to meet my daughter so soon, but it felt so right. Everything inside of me was desperate for them to get to know each other, because the warmth in my chest told me it would be amazing.

Maya’s cheeks pinked as she laid her hand over the top of my thudding heart. “I’d like that, but only if you think it’s right. If Maddy will be okay with it.”

“I think she would.” She was always telling me to take women seriously and that it was time I settled down. “I think she’ll like you. I mean, only if you want to. If you don’t, then I erm…” I scratched my head. “It’s probably too soon, I probably shouldn’t have said anything.”

Maya shook her head and smiled. “Will, it’s fine. I’d like to meet her, but only if she’s ready.” Exhaling slowly, she licked her lips. “I know it’s stupid after just one date, but I think this could go somewhere. I think,” she rolled her eyes, “God, this sounds socheesy, but Iknowthis is something good. Too good not to give it a chance.”

My exhalation was full of relief that she felt the same way. “I agree, so let me speak to her, but I’m sure she’ll be happy to meet you.”

“Honestly?”

“Honestly.” Nodding, I leaned in closer and kissed her softly.

When our mouths met, everything around us melted away, and all I could feel was Maya’s soft lips against mine. All I could hear was my heart thudding against my breastbone. All I wanted was more time with her.

“I’ll speak to her as soon as I get home.”

“Okay,” she whispered. “I should let you go.”

She was right, but the idea of moving my body away from hers was hard. For the first time ever, I was torn about putting my daughter first. It wasn’t an option, though; it was ingrained in me to be there for her.

“Yeah, I suppose you do.” With a defeated groan, I pushed away from Maya with our fingers still linked, unable to totally let go. “I’ll call you.”

“You better.” She grinned and took a deep breath.

“Speak later.” I took a step back. Only one.

“We have a family Zoom call later, so if I don’t answer leave me a message and I’ll call you back.” She chewed on her bottom lip.

Nodding, I took another step back and our arms stretched out. “Is there a good time to call?”

“After eight. We do it afterCoronation Streethas finished. Mum is mad on it. Actually, so is my brother Jack, but he won’t admit it.”

Earlier, Maya had told me her parents had gone to live in Scotland, going back to her dad’s roots after he retired, and they kept in touch with weekly video calls with her and her brothers.

“I’ll call about half nine. That okay?”

A huge smile broke out, showing me the cute gap between her teeth. “Perfect.”

I couldn’t leave without tasting her lips one more time, so took a quick kiss and loved the little moan she gave.

It took me five more minutes before I watched her close her car door and start up her car. Then I legged it back to my own car and went home, hopefully to get my daughter to agree to meet the new woman in my life.

Maya’s Diary Entry

Oh shit. I am in so much trouble. I really, really like Will. He’s just… argh, there aren’t enough words to explain what’s going on in my head, in my chest and in my stomach. I have never liked anyone this much so soon. I know I’m a romantic, and I’m probably making a tit of myself, but I could see myself falling in love with him. He was so lovely, insisted on paying for everything, held my hand, kissed me against my car. He’s an amazing kisser. Morgan will kill me for using the word amazing. She’d tell me it’s lazy vocabulary!! Anyway, he was an incredible kisser. I was so turned on, I think I almost came, lol. I asked him to come home with me, but he couldn’t because of his daughter. I like that he seems like a good dad. It’s clear she’s the most important thing in his life, and that shows what kind of man he is. At least, I hope it does. He said he was going to call me, and I’m panicking. What if he doesn’t call? Should I call him? I hope he isn’t stringing me along. I don’t think he seems the sort of guy that would. Oh shit, I think I might be sick now!!

Chapter Nineteen

Maddy

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