Chapter 29
“If you think that, you don’t know me at all. Samuel is in my past, and I’d be happy if I never saw him again.”
Henry read Maia’s expression and apologized again.
“I’m sorry. I won’t make the same mistake again.
” He didn’t mention the nasty posts about their difference in age because they had plain stung.
Hell, no wonder he was making a mess of this with Maia.
The maliciousness had pushed at his pride and made him question their compatibility and spun him right back to the start of their relationship. The posts had pushed him into panic.
“Make sure you don’t,” she snapped. “I’ll show you the photos Sam took for me.
There are also photos of the three of us and Bryce and Sam together.
” She poked him in the chest. “I have not behaved inappropriately. We tried the dating thing years ago, and it was weird. Oh, I don’t care!
” And she stalked from the airport with her nose in the air.
Henry took a moment to admire his woman before jogging to catch up.
He’d been dumb to let his fears take grip.
Everything he knew about Maia told him she was upfront and honest and didn’t care that he was older than her.
He had to remember that. It didn’t matter what other people thought.
It was what he and Maia thought that counted.
Yeah, he’d need to do some heavy-duty groveling because he was a dumbass. He joined her, where she’d come to a halt, realizing she had no idea where he’d parked.
“Maia, I apologize again for thinking you’d been cheating. I don’t have an excuse. I just reacted. Please, let me take your case for you.”
She handed it over. “For the record, the only man I’m interested in is you. I don’t cheat. I never have and never will. That behavior goes against everything my parents and teachers taught me.”
“Noted,” he said. “This way.” His phone pinged, and he made a mental note to turn off notifications.
He didn’t need business stuff in his head when watching out for Maia’s safety.
This entire situation was frustrating as hell.
He’d prefer facing the enemy head-on rather than dealing with a skulking unsub in the shadows.
He placed the suitcase down and unlocked the vehicle with his remote before opening the door for Maia. “You must’ve done heavy-duty shopping.”
“I picked up notebooks and found reference books to replace my damaged ones. I also bought a pair of running shoes and clothes while I had the opportunity.”
Henry rounded the vehicle to get in the driver’s side. “How did your game go? I saw the result online, but the article didn’t say much. Just that your team won unexpectedly against the team leading the competition.”
Maia beamed, and every bit of wariness faded into the background. She didn’t sulk, and that was lucky for him.
“We had an exceptional game. It was the first time everyone in our team worked together. They passed the ball instead of trying to go alone. Our set pieces worked perfectly, and Jan’s kicking was on point. She didn’t miss one.”
“Your coaches must be pleased. They’ve looked like they wanted to tear their hair out during the games I’ve watched.”
“Yeah, the win satisfied them.” Maia’s phone beeped, and she wriggled to get it from her jeans pocket. “What the heck?”
“What is it?”
She handed him the phone, and he saw several photos—some of him and some of Bryce. Maia was the connection in several of the photos. The heading of the social media post said, “Trouble in Paradise?”
“Someone is spying on us,” Maia said, her gaze traveling the vicinity. “And trying to create trouble.”
Henry started his vehicle and pulled out of the car park. “They were quick to post the photo of our supposed argument.”
Maia’s brows rose. “It was close to a quarrel.”
“But I apologized and meant every word. It won’t happen again.”
“It better not.” Maia glanced back toward the airport terminal building. “I can’t see anyone.”
“Neither can I.” But now that he wasn’t so irked with Maia, a prickling sensation made his wolf slide uneasily beneath his skin. Someone was watching them, but he couldn’t figure out their position.
Never mind. Best to retreat.
“Would you like to stop for dinner or have something at home?” Henry asked.
“We had a late lunch. I’m not hungry,” Maia said. “Are you?”
“I’d feel better if we were off the road. I haven’t spotted anyone, but the middle of my back is itching.”
“Do you think they followed me to Auckland? They must’ve since they had photos of me and Bryce together. Someone took those photos today.”
“Yes,” Henry said grimly. His phone rang. “Damn, can you get that for me? I’m waiting for confirmation of a job.”
“Henry’s phone,” she chirped and pushed the speaker button so Henry could hear.
“You like old, rich men?” a low voice growled. “Sugar daddies?”
Henry stiffened. “Who is this?”
“Setting yourself up for pain. She’ll find someone richer and move on.”
“Who is this?” Maia demanded.
A cackle sounded before the call ended.
“Fuck,” Henry said, stunned and uncomfortable at the caller’s insinuations.
Maia cursed under her breath. “Don’t you dare pay attention to what that…
person said. Heck, I wasn’t sure if it was a male or a female.
You know I don’t care how much money you have, right?
Henry,” she snapped. “I’m with you because you’re attractive and sexy, and I have the hots for you.
I’ve dated men my age, and they’ve all disappointed me. You don’t. Got that? Henry!”
“Yes,” he said. When he was with Maia, the years between them faded. It was rarer now for him to worry that he was taking advantage as he had at the start. However, this person had a problem and was intent on causing a rift.
“I wonder how they got your number.”
“It’s painted on the side of my vehicle.”
“Right. Could we trace their number? Laura, I mean,” Maia said.
“It’s probably a prepaid phone. We’ll talk to Laura, but I don’t like this call, or that someone was spying on us. When is your next game?”
“It’s a home game against the Southland team,” Maia said.
“We’ll make sure Laura or Charlie attends, and I’ll enlist other helpers to watch people on the sideline,” Henry said. What he didn’t say, but it worried him big time. What prevented the unsub from shooting Maia with a rifle from afar?
Henry reported the social media pictures, the nasty posts, and the phone call to Laura while Maia unpacked her suitcase. She’d purchased what Sam called a base wardrobe with pieces that worked together.
While she’d been with Henry, her anger had kept her level, but now that she was safe, a tremor racked her body, and tears burned her eyes.
She was trying to hold it together, but these repeated attacks were getting to her.
And now, someone was trying to drive a wedge between them.
The last thing she wanted was for Henry to panic or get weird ideas in his brain, thinking he knew what was best for her, so she worried.
The only time she forgot was when she was playing rugby. Something about the game’s physical nature helped her to focus.
Her phone jangled, the intrusive sound making her start. Maia was unfamiliar with the number, and that made her hesitate.
“No, this is stupid.” She scooped it off the dresser and answered the call.
“Yes?”
“Maia Jacobs?” a man asked.
“Yes,” Maia said cautiously because she didn’t recognize the voice.
“This is Gary Hart. I’m a selector for the Black Ferns. This year, we’re choosing forty players, having a training camp, and picking our team from these women. Your skills have impressed us, and we’d like to include you in our training camp. What do you think? Are you willing to attend?”
Maia opened her mouth, but a croak emerged.
“Are you still there?” Gary asked.
“Yes!” Maia blurted. Her end goal was selection for the Black Ferns, but she hadn’t thought it would come this quickly. “Yes, I’d love to attend the training camp.”
“Excellent.” A trace of amusement filled Gary’s voice now. “If you give me your email address, I’ll forward the details.”
Maia rattled it off.
“Right, the information I’m sending covers everything, but please call me on this number if you have questions.”
“Thank you,” Maia said. “Thank you so much.”
“You’re welcome, Maia. Keep playing well, and your chances of making the team are excellent.”
“Thanks,” Maia repeated.
With a resolute click, the call ended, leaving Maia holding her phone. Her dreams were within reach as long as she didn’t mess up the training camp.
“Maia?” Henry appeared, concern on his usually stoic face. “Maia, what’s wrong?”
She discovered her eyes brimmed with tears. With a shaky laugh, she knuckled them away. “Sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry, sweetheart.” He sat beside her and hugged her to his side. “Tell me what’s wrong. I’ll help if I can.”
She turned a teary smile on him. “I don’t know why I’m crying because it’s awesome news.
A Black Ferns selector called. They’re holding a training camp with forty players, and they’ve picked me to attend.
The selector assured me that if I continued to play well, I would have an excellent chance of making the team. ”
Henry set her on his knee. He nuzzled her neck and held her tighter for an instant. “Maia, that’s fantastic, although seeing you play, I had no doubts. You deserve this chance. Did any of your teammates get chosen, or are you the only one?”
“I don’t know.” She wriggled, repositioning herself so she could see his face. “I nearly let it go to voicemail because I didn’t recognize the number. All I did was listen and say thank you. I didn’t ask about the selections. We have an extra training session tomorrow. I guess I’ll hear then.”
Henry stood, setting her on her feet. “Megan and London have finished their tasks and want you to join them for a drink. What do you say?”
“One drink won’t hurt,” Maia said with a grin.
“Two drinks would be okay,” Henry said, “because we’re eating too.”
Maia let Henry lead her down the passage to the communal rooms.
“Yay, Maia!” London said. “How did your game go today? I know your last training run went well because Levi is still excited. He told us you’re the best and did extra training with them because they behaved well. Levi’s exact words.”
Maia laughed. “They’re good kids. Sometimes boisterous, but if that happens, I just up the speed, which usually quietens them down.”
Henry vanished into the kitchen, only to reappear with champagne and flutes.
“Ooh, champagne,” Megan said, her blue eyes twinkling.
“What’s the occasion?” London asked.
“Maia has news. I’ll let her tell you while I pour the drinks.”
Gerard and Jacey walked into the lounge, each carrying a plate of snacks. Levi chased after them, holding a can of soda. Two white puppies raced after Levi, both in excellent health after their ordeal.
“Don’t shake the can,” Megan said. “Put your drink here. Maia has exciting news.”
Levi slid onto a chair. “Sit,” he told the puppies in a firm voice. They sat, and he petted them, murmuring soft words of praise.
“What’s the news?” London asked.
Maia caught the roll of Henry’s eyes when London and Megan checked her left hand for a ring. She waved it in front of them so they could see her naked fingers.
“Bother,” London said. “There goes my bet.”
“You’re betting on…” Maia shook her head. “Never mind.”
“What’s your news?” Gerard asked as he handed around champagne flutes.
“I just had a phone call from a Black Ferns selector. He told me I’ve made the group of forty they’ll take to a training camp. From there, they’ll pick the team for this year.”
“That’s amazing!” London said.
“Congratulations,” Megan cried. “You’ve worked so hard. You deserve this.”
“Well done,” Jacey said. “When is the training camp?”
“I’m not sure. I haven’t checked the information yet. Gary said he’d email it to me.”
“Congratulations.” Gerard kissed her cheek. “We’re proud of you, but I’m not surprised by your selection. You’ve been playing well despite everything that’s happening around you. And you’re training, pushing yourself. You’ve made it so the selectors couldn’t ignore you.”
“I agree with everything Gerard said,” Henry added. “You deserve this chance. A toast. To Maia and her continued success.”
“Maia!” everyone chorused.
Maia smiled, her heart full of happiness and a sense of belonging she hadn’t experienced since her parents died.
She’d unconsciously been searching for this completeness that came from having a safety net.
People who encouraged yet wouldn’t hesitate to tell her home truths when she needed a kick in the backside.
A family.
Emotion kicked her, and happy tears flooded her eyes.
Henry moved closer, his frown only clearing when she smiled at him.
“I’m okay. Just happy. I haven’t had this support before. Not for a long time.”
“You have now,” he said gruffly, drawing her close until his larger body surrounded hers and drew comfort around her. “You have now.”