Page 57 of Bookgasms
“Yes, ma’am.”
I walk to the building at a leisurely pace, in no real hurry to get to Maya’s apartment. I still need to tell her about what happened with Andrés, but part of me is glad I didn’t already tell her because there’s so much more to tell her now.
I just hope she’s home. She sent me a message last night while I was asleep, and Jason let her know I passed out and would stay the night. I’m not sure whether she’ll assume we slept together or not. If she does, then there’s a good chance she’s going to be pissed at me.
Not that she has a right to be. She’s made it very clear she doesn’t want any kind of commitment—no matter how much I might want one.
Shaking my head, I turn my focus back to the conversation with Andrés as I head into the building and up the stairs. Since Maya lives on the second floor, it’s faster just to walk up the stairs.
I don’t see the box until I’m almost on top of it and immediately freeze.
“Dani?”Andrés’s voice yells from my phone, and I realize I must’ve dropped it at some point because it’s lying on the floor.“Dani, answer me! Are you okay?”
With shaking hands, I bend over and pick up my phone. “I’m here.”
“Holy shit. I thought someone snatched you.”
“Umm…no. But there is a box outside Maya’s apartment.”
“Fuck. Call the cops and head back to your car. I’m on my way.”
But I don’t move. “I’ll see you soon.”
I hang up on him, even as he curses me out. I don’t bother answering when he calls me. Not the first, the second, or even the third time.
Instead, I just stare at the box, trying to gather my courage. I’m not sure how long I stand there, but eventually I grab the box and unlock the door to Maya’s apartment.
“Maya?” I call out as I step inside, shutting and locking the door behind me.
When I receive no response, I walk over to her room to find the door open and the bed made.
Either she didn’t come home last night or she left early again today.
I force myself to keep walking to the living room and set the box on the table. I know I need to open it, but all I can do is stare at it.
I jump when rapid knocking begins on the door. “Dani?”
“Andrés,” I murmur, rushing to the front door and throwing it open.
“Oh, thank fuck.” He pulls me into his arms. “I thought I told you to wait in your car. How long until the police will be here?”
I shake my head. “I didn’t call them.”
“Why the fuck not?” he asks, pulling away.
“I want to see what’s inside first.”
He considers me for a moment before shaking his head. “Okay. Did you open it yet?”
“No, I couldn’t make myself do it.”
“Which should be your first clue that you need to call the cops.” He holds his hand up when I open my mouth to snap at him. “I understand you need to see what’s inside first. I’ll open it for you, and then we’ll call them.”
Andrés gathers me in his arms and kicks the door shut, making sure to lock it before carrying me into the living room. He sits on the couch and settles me beside him.
For a moment, we both just stare at the box on the coffee table.
He takes a deep breath before picking it up and tearing it open. As he pulls back the flaps, I hold my breath.
