One Night, forever mine

r: Lunch wi

than greasy fries and iced coffee. Maya arrived ten minutes early, nerves buzzing like electricity

hought, adjusting her cardigan and smoo

this wasn't a date. This was business. Boundaries. Information. Co-parenting, or w

imed. Her h

sunglasses that did nothing to hide his aura of power. Hea

sses. His voice was calm, but there was

said, watching him

e sure I didn't

or that," s

he corner of his mouth. "

he replied honestly.

ty's dan

nk I don

red a salmon salad and sparkling water. Maya o

elbows on the table. "Tell

ast week." She swallowed. "I

espect that. Bu

cause being here doesn't mean checking a bo

e. "I'm not here out of guilt. I'm here

ouldn't have struck

im, she hates how he makes her feel. "And now

our child's lif

at him. He d

nt? Split weekends? Set up a

ore. I want to know you.

hung bet

added. "We had something that night. Even if it w

ed. "That night wa

"Then why do you re

hroat

ran out into the rain just to feel it. I remember you told me yo

embled around the coffee cup. That night had felt li

t made

't ask for my number," she whi

t would turn into somet

d n

w, I'm already

, and neither of

ce. "So what exactly

tasted dangerou

pointments. Planning. I'll help with everythin

don't want

till be

. It wasn't a plea

art of her wante

ogether. The sky had turned cloudy

xt you,"

hink ab

ay

tu

t walki

lked off, unsure if her heart was racing f

throom, toothbrush hanging from her m

mbrella. It's in my car. Should I

ed at th

No pushy texts. J

ped a

ow. But no expectation

"Unde

. Tired eyes, wild curls, soft bell

the life s

it was the beginning

ng terr

ing...