Chapter 26
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
MAYA
“B abe.” Texas pressed a kiss to my shoulder. I groaned and slapped a hand back to push at him. He chuckled. “Told you not to have that last shot.”
Like a child, and since I was on the verge of losing my stomach, I mimicked his voice, “Told you not to have that last shot.” I took a breath and ignored his chuckle. “Texas. I love you, but now’s not the time to be a smartarse.”
I froze. I hadn’t meant to say that, and it was definitely too soon. We’d only been together a few weeks now. Though I’d loved him long before that.
He grabbed my shoulder and rolled me onto my back. My belly churned.
“What did you say?” he clipped, but his eyes said a lot more. They were lit with a heat I hadn’t seen before.
“Now’s not the time to be a smartarse?” I tried.
He shook his head. “No, not that.”
His hand slipped to my throat and applied a little pressure. “Babe, tell me.”
“It’s too soon,” I muttered, my heart galloping behind my ribs.
“Says who?”
I didn’t have an answer for that, and by the smug look on Texas’s face, he knew it.
“No one’s gonna hear it but me. Unless you didn’t mean it.”
I glared and shoved his shoulder. “You know .”
His lips twitched. “Know what?”
“Texas Monroe, don’t play games with me.”
“Then tell me.”
Sighing, I looked off to the side, rolled my eyes, and then looked back at the man who meant the world to me. Searching his face, I stopped on his gaze, and whispered, “I love you, Texas.”
His grin took my breath away. He dipped down to press his lips to mine. Against them, he said, “Fuck, babe. I love you too.” His hand tightened, drawing out a gasp. He pulled his head back a little. “You’re everything to me, and I’m never lettin’ you go, so don’t go gettin’ any ideas of gettin’ away from me. I will hunt you.”
“Baby, if I wasn’t on the verge of throwing up, I would jump you right now.”
He threw his head back and laughed. God, he was handsome.
When he was done, he kissed the corner of my mouth. “I gotta get a shower in before the client shows. You get over this hangover, and later I’m fuckin’ you hard.”
“Sounds good to me.”
He climbed off the bed.
“And you know it’s your fault I got drunk.”
“Babe” was all he said with a smirk before he went into the en suite. He might not have thought the blame should go to him, but it wasn’t me who started with the drinking at the compound in the first place.
“Maya,” he called, poking his head out the door. “Do you remember the drive home?”
I scrunched my nose in thought and then it hit me.
“Oh God,” I groaned.
I wanted to slap his wide grin off his face. He winked and disappeared, then I heard the shower turning on.
We’d rode Texas’s bike over to the compound to catch up with whoever was there. It wasn’t until I was sloshed that Dad and Mum showed and offered to drive us home.
Texas got me into the back of their car behind the driver’s seat, and I leaned forward, nearly strangling Dad as I hugged him.
“I love you guys so, so much.”
“Sweetie, are you trying to kill your father?” Mum tapped my arm.
“Oops.” I laughed and let go. I’d scooted into the middle seat when Texas got in the other side. “Do you know what I said the other day?”
“What?” Dad asked, rubbing at his throat.
“I told Texas how perfect my parents are. Didn’t I?” I reached back and slapped Texas on the chest. But then I got distracted by the hardness and turned in my seat to look at him. “Have I told you how hot you are today?”
From the front seats, someone groaned as if in pain. But Texas’s face was important.
Texas chuckled. “Not today, but now you have.”
“Good.” I nodded. “I like when you—”
“Maya!” Talon growled.
I jumped and faced the front of the car. “Hey, I’m here. I have the best parents. Mum, why you laughing? Wait—doesn’t matter, because I remember that you, Dad, you didn’t even get pissed when I didn’t come home for ages.”
“You still haven’t been home,” Dad pointed out.
“Are you sure?” I asked. “Wait, I was there the other day.”
“For dinner after you’d taken Ruby and Drake to your place.”
“Hmm. I have the best siblings. I should ring them.” I searched my pockets, but I couldn’t find my phone.
“Maya, maybe now’s not a good time to call them,” Mum suggested.
“What? Why?”
“Babe, come here and buckle in so we can get home.”
“Home. I like that. Home.” I scooted back, and Texas helped me get my seat belt on because it was suddenly difficult. “Mum!” I yelled.
“Jesus,” Dad cursed.
“Yes, Maya?”
“I think I’m living with Texas.”
She giggled. “I think you are too.”
“You guys are the best. Dad, thanks for not killing him.”
He snorted. “You’re welcome.”
“Okay. I’m just gonna have a little sleep.”
Then I’d passed out. I didn’t even remember getting to bed. God, my parents were going to give me hell, and they’d probably told everyone about it. In our family, embarrassing situations always spread like wildfire.
Groaning again, I rolled onto my side as I heard the shower switch off. I closed my eyes for a moment and compelled my stomach to stop rolling. I needed to get up and take some Panadol. I could also drink a gallon of water.
“Babe” was said softly.
I opened my eyes, and my heart skipped a beat. He’d read my mind.
“You’re amazing,” I told him, sitting. I took the medicine and gulped down the water. “Promise I’ll be into work soon.”
“Don’t stress. Just whenever, or not at all. See how you go.”
I cocked a brow. “Is this because I sleep with the boss?”
He grinned. “That and I don’t want you chuckin’ in the shop. Hex has a weak stomach, and Mon will just bitch.”
Smiling, I nodded, and slipped back down. “Just need five.”
He leaned over and pressed his mouth to mine. “Love you.”
My whole body warmed. “Love you too,” I answered, blinking the sudden tears away.
His grin turned into a gentle smile as he wiped them from my face. With a wink, he bopped me on the nose and left.
I’d hit the jackpot with this guy. I still wasn’t sure what I’d done for him to finally notice me, but I would be forever grateful. And for the sweet actions he’d shown after the attack.
Closing my eyes, I thought I’d rest just for a moment longer. But when I opened them again, I knew more time had gone by. On the plus side, I felt better.
Then I remembered Texas telling me he loved me, and my pulse raced.
When I showered, his words swept through my mind again, and I couldn’t stop smiling.
As I made some sandwiches for everyone next door, it slipped into my mind again. My belly fluttered and I went to the shop, feeling a million times better than I had when he’d woke me earlier.
The bell above the door rang when I entered, and I called out, “It’s just me.”
Mon appeared from her room. “I heard someone has a hangover.”
Rolling my eyes, I said loudly, “And someone has a big mouth.”
“You love it,” we heard yelled back from Texas’s room and then chuckles followed.
“Are you on a break?” I asked Mon while ignoring the rest.
“I was just going to head out and grab something to eat.”
I held up the basket. “I made things. Can you take it into the lunchroom? I’ve already eaten.”
“You got it, and thanks, Maya, you’re the best ,” she cooed, and I glared towards Texas’s room, knowing he’d talked about the trip home with my parents.
Just as I got behind the counter, the front door opened, and I looked up to smile wide.
“My precious buttercup, how you doing?” Julian, my uncle who was married to Mum’s brother, walked in with his hips swaying.
“Julian, what are you doing here?”
“I’m peeved I missed the fun last night, so I wanted to drop by to invite you and Texas over for cocktails next Friday night.”
“If I stop feeling sick by then, we’d love to.”
He stopped by the counter and leaned his hip against it. “Shouldn’t you ask Texas first?”
“No, he’ll come.” I smiled.
“Aww, this is so adorable. Do you think we could get Texas so drunk that he’ll take his clothes off?”
“Julian!”
He tried for an innocent look. “What? You can’t be the only one who gets to look at all his tattoos.”
“And I’m sure you just want to look at his tats.”
He leaned in. “Come on, you can tell your favourite uncle. How big is he?”
Laughing, I palmed his face and pushed him back. “I’m not saying anything.”
Julian grinned. “We’ll see how it goes Friday, then. Anyway, I must be off. I have to get home to pick up Aelia. She’s going to the movies with her friends, but there’s boys going as well.”
“Will it be you or Mattie hiding in the theatre?”
He winked. “Mattie. Apparently, he doesn’t trust me enough to be quiet.”
Snorting, I nodded. “I agree with him.”
“You’re an evil child. Though, I suppose you’re not a child now since you’re riding on the Texas train.”
Groaning, I ran a hand over my face. “Oh my God, Julian.”
He blew me a kiss and headed for the door. “Tootles.” Then he was gone, but it only lasted about five minutes before he was opening the door again.
“Did you forget something?” I asked.
He came in, lips thin, and stepped aside. “This young lady was asking me if Texas works here.”
The woman seemed a few years older than me. She was tall and slim with long black hair and green eyes. She was very attractive, and the jean shorts and tank top she wore clung to her like a second skin.
I smiled, thinking she was an old client from Melbourne. “Hi, Texas does work here. But he’s with a client right now. Did you want me to pass on a message?”
She looked me up and down with her nose raised. My brows dipped, wondering what I’d done to cause her judgy face. I glanced at Julian who shrugged.
“Go and tell him Jules is here.”
“Sorry, but he doesn’t like to be interrupted.”
She glared. “I know what he likes and doesn’t. Just do your job.”
A door opened down the hall, and I prayed it was Hex or Mon. We all glanced that way, and I clenched my teeth when Texas’s client appeared. If Texas was done, he’d come looking for me.
“Hi, Jerry. All done?”
“Sure am.” Jerry showed off his forearm.
I beamed. “Looks amazing.”
“I know. Texas knows what he’s doing.”
The woman suddenly said, “So he’s done. Good, then go get him.”
Jerry turned to this bitch, checked her out, and then turned back to me. “Can I fix my account?”
“You sure can. Give me one second to fire up the computer.” I moved that way and gave Julian big eyes. He returned the look.
“Honey, can I ask why you want to see Texas?” Julian asked Jules.
“None of your damn business, gaybo.”
She did not.
She. Did. Not.
“Excuse me a moment, Jerry.” I smiled and then slapped my palm to the counter. “You.” I pointed at the woman. “How dare you come in here and disrespect people.” I wanted to rip her hair out and throat punch her.
“Just get me Texas—”
“Jules? What the fuck are you doin’ here?”
Her sour face changed in seconds. She smiled and flicked her hair over her shoulder. “Texas. It’s so good to see you.”
“Not sure why you’re here, but you need to leave,” he clipped as he came to stand beside me, crossing his arms over his chest.
“Texas, don’t be silly. Cal and I broke up. I knew you’d want to know. How about we go get a drink somewhere?”
Crossing my arms over my chest, I glared up at Texas. “Do you want to explain something to me?”
“Ooooh, I popped in at the right time,” I heard Julian say.
“Babe, her boyfriend Cal was my client in Melbourne. She used to come with him all the time. I didn’t know she wanted something off me.”
“She wants to ride the Texas train too.”
We all shot our glares to Julian, who mimicked zipping his lips.
Sighing, I turned to Jules. “I’m sorry you came all this way, but Texas is actually dating someone.” I thumbed at my chest.
She snorted. “Texas doesn’t date. I just want to try what all my girls have been talking about.”
“Fuck,” Texas bit out.
Reaching out, I smacked Texas in the stomach. “Texas, baby , I can’t hurt you for your past, but you need to fix this and set her straight before I lose my cool.”
My man’s lips twitched as he curled an arm around my shoulders and brought me in close, kissing the top of my head. “Jules, those days are gone for me, and I’m glad for it. My future is standin’ right here.” He shook me a little. “I’m completely committed to my woman.”
Jules placed her hands on her hips. “Are you serious?”
His face went cold. “Deadly.”
She clenched her jaw, huffed, and then turned, walking out the already open door where Julian still stood.
“Thank you for the entertainment,” Julian called. “Texas, I’ll see you Friday. Maya, smooches.”
When he was gone, Texas looked down at me. “What’s happenin’ Friday?”
“Dinner and drinks at Julian and Mattie’s place.”
“Jesus. You’ll owe me.”
I scoffed. “I think, after that sweet little visit, it’s you who owes me.”
“Ah, can I pay my bill now?” Jerry asked.
“Shit, Jerry, I’m so sorry you had to see that.” I went to walk back to the computer when I was tagged around the waist, spun, and kissed senseless.
Texas pulled back, and I blinked slowly up at him. “Love you, babe.”
“Love you too, but you still owe me.”
Chuckling, he swatted my butt and went back down the hall. After Jerry paid and left, I still found myself smiling because it didn’t matter about Texas and his past. I’d seen it firsthand back in the day, and honestly, it didn’t surprise me something like this would pop up. Texas had a fan group, no doubt. If it did happen again, I would deal with that too. Texas was mine, and with his eyes now wide open, all he saw was me.