Page 56 of Sunsets and Happy Ever Afters

CHAPTER 27

“You can stay for a bit, if you like?” Sam said as Maya stood on his doorstep, having said goodbye to Amber, with Lewis waiting in her car. Sam realised, with a sudden ache of disappointment, that he didn’t want his day with Maya to end. He had felt so at ease with her. It had reminded him of what it felt like to be a family again, sharing little things with each other, making the monotony of life more bearable.

“Oh, uh, thanks, but I have plans. Sorry, maybe another time,” Maya replied. Her expression showed remorse. “Thanks for the offer, though.”

“It’s been a great day.” Several times, Sam had been tempted to take Maya’s hand and curl his fingers between hers, wanting to feel their warmth and softness. So many times he could have stolen a kiss with her.

“It was, and thank you for that too.” Maya suddenly yawned. “Gosh, I’m not going to be great company tonight. I’m shattered.”

“You’d best get going. I’ll text you tomorrow when I’m ready to drop Amber home, but it won’t be before ten.”

“Yes, it’s the last lie-in before they go back to school.”

Sam watched Maya give one last wave before she drove off. He knew she had a date. She hadn’t disclosed much information during the day, but in their messages on Find My HEA, she had told him more than she’d confessed in person.

He should just go ahead and ask her out on a date, but the thought of her new boyfriend stopped him. He also felt very conflicted about whether to confess about his Peter Pan account. How would she react? He didn’t want to lose her trust or friendship. And maybe their online conversations would dwindle naturally now she was dating.

“Daddy, what film shall we watch?” Chloe called from the lounge, waking Sam from his reverie. He slumped on the sofa, wrapping an arm around his daughter while she and Amber searched Netflix for a film.

Tucked beside the sofa, wrapped in bubble wrap and tissue paper, was the canvas of the sunset at Kittiwake Cove — the painting Maya had been admiring in the gallery last weekend. He wanted to give it to her but wondered if she’d consider the gift too generous.

When he’d caught Maya staring at the picture, it had also reminded him of the evening they’d spent together on the beach, watching the sunset. He wanted to give her that memory and knew this painting would help do just that. Maybe he’d have to ask Amber when her mum’s birthday was.

“How was your date with Sam?” Emma asked Maya eagerly as Lewis ambled through to the lounge to join Owen and Finley, who were in the middle of playing Minecraft. He’d dropped his overnight bag at the foot of the stairs with his shoes. Maya knew Emma wanted gossip. But what was there to tell?

“It was good.” Maya knew by Emma’s expression she was hinting at something. “And it wasn’t a date. It’s not like that. I know what you’re thinking. We’re just friends.”

“You did spend a weekend with him.”

“It wasn’t planned.”

“And then today. Are you sure there’s not something there?” Emma asked, frowning. “Do you have time for a coffee?”

“No, sorry, I’ve got to go.” Maya glanced at her watch. Only two minutes had passed since the last time she’d checked it, but she could feel anxiety pressing on her shoulders. She needed to shower and put fresh clothes on. “I like him, that’s all, Em. He’s very thoughtful, and generous. But…”

“But?”

“He’s Chloe’s dad.”

“So?” Emma put her hands on her hips.

“I couldn’t get involved with him. What if it didn’t end well? It wouldn’t be fair to jeopardise Amber’s friendship with Chloe.”

“He comes across as the kind of guy who would keep things amicable. And you don’t have to rush headlong into anything. You’re overthinking things. Keep it simple, one date at a time.”

“Precisely. And in case you’d forgotten, I’m dating Pierce. Who just happens to be gorgeous. I’ll see where this leads first.” Again, Maya glanced at her watch. “Which reminds me, I have to dash.” Maya went into the lounge and kissed Lewis goodbye, but he was too engrossed in Minecraft to notice. “Be good for Emma.” She received a grunt in response.

Emma showed her out. “Have fun tonight. I’ll drop Lewis back tomorrow when you’re ready.”

“Thanks, Emma.”

“You deserve to be happy.” Emma hugged Maya, kissing her on the cheek.

At home, Maya ducked into the shower, hoping the hot water would wake her up. A day walking around a theme park, plus the hour’s drive each way — even though she hadn’t done the driving — was tiring. She hoped she wouldn’t fall asleep on Pierce.

An hour later, sitting on her sofa, wearing a smart, sparkly top and a pair of black, skinny jeans, and worrying she was overdressed, Maya glanced at her watch. What time had he said he would pick her up? She checked her phone. She’d been dashing around so much to get ready she hadn’t thought to check her messages.

She had an unread text, and tapped it open with dread.

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