Page 67 of Shielding Maya

"I love you too."

She snuggled into his body and relaxed.

Maya left the mountain, and her mountain man, and parked in her spot in the garage at the HOG. Her mind spun in all directions. Snapping her head to bring her focus back to the present, she took a deep breath and exited her Jeep. She entered the kitchen, and Helissa, their cook, was busily preparing breakfast.

"Good morning, Maya."

"Morning, Helissa. How are you? It smells delicious in here."

"I'm fine. Tate told me about Jasiah's father. Please accept my condolences. I'm preparing some food for you all to take up to Hickory Hills."

"Thank you so much. That's lovely."

Helissa grinned. Her graying hair was pulled back and twisted behind her head. Her brown eyes were sincere. "You're welcome. Tate is waiting for you in his office."

"Thanks, Helissa."

She stepped through the kitchen and turned left to head to Tate's office. She knocked on the partially open door and Addy opened it and gave her a big hug.

"I'm so sorry about Jasiah's father. He was a nice man."

"Thank you." She hugged Addy back and absorbed her warmth. She'd seen little of her friends and teammates here lately. That was a problem with living up on the mountain, not that she lived there, but she'd spent a fair amount of time there lately. She'd do better at getting together with them more often.

Maya whispered, "Mom and Dad are coming today."

"Oh, I can't wait to see them." Addy squeezed her again. "I have to get Rafe some coffee. I'll see you in a little while. I've missed you."

"You bet. I've missed you too."

Addy moved away from the door and strode toward the kitchen. She'd been so happy since she met Rafe. Now that Maya had met Jasiah, she understood the feeling.

Entering Tate's office, she smiled in greeting. "Good morning."

"Morning, Maya. How are you today?"

"I'm good."

"Okay. First, I'm very sorry to hear of Gerard's passing. Even though we knew it was coming, it's never easy when it happens."

"I appreciate your words. I'll let Jasiah know."

Tate nodded. He smiled softly, "Let's get to the report."

"Before we do that, can you update me on where things stand with the man from Tennessee?"

"Yes. He's in jail right now. Adam Jacobs has been released. I do believe he meant Jasiah no harm."

"Okay. He seemed sincere last night, and that was my feeling."

Tate nodded. "Okay, let's begin."

A knock sounded on his door. "Sorry, Maya. Come in."

Rafe stood at the door. "Morning. Good morning, Maya. I'm sorry to interrupt. But, Daniel King stepped away from the presidency this morning. Vice President Elect Chad Marshal will be inaugurated in his place in about eight weeks."

"Oh my God. That's fantastic news. How did they make him agree to step back?" She asked.

Rafe shrugged. "I don't have all of the facts just yet. I'll let you all know as they come in. You may want to watch the news stations as it's breaking now."

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