Chapter Twenty-Two

Bacon and freshly brewed coffee wafts into my room, luring me from sleep. I roll out of bed and follow the smell until I reach the kitchen.

"Coffee," I chirp. "I need coffee."

I rub my eyes and blink a couple of times until the kitchen comes into focus. Thomas turns around from the stove and smiles.

"Would you like milk and sugar with your coffee?" Thomas asks.

"Just a splash of milk, thanks."

I lean against the counter and run my hands over my face. I smooth my hair back and take a deep breath.

Thomas places the mug on the bench and pours the freshly brewed coffee into it. He adds a splash of milk and nudges the coffee cup to me.

"Thanks." I tug on a smile.

"Any special breakfast requests? I've made bacon and I'm about to cook eggs, but if you want something specific, I can make it for you."

"Whatever you want, I'm not fussy," I reply.

I blow on the hot liquid and take tiny sips until I spy Maverick smoking outside on the verandah.

I join Maverick outside and steal the cigarette from his lips. He takes the coffee cup and sip while I take a drag from his cigarette.

"You need sugar in this," he comments.

"I don't like sweat coffee." I wrinkle my nose.

He takes the cigarette back and flicks the ashes into the ashtray.

"I thought you were quitting," he says, before placing the cigarette between his lips. I miss those lips.

"Well, that's the plan but this is the only chance I get to spend with you alone."

"Does that mean you miss me?"

I take the coffee cup back and smile over the mug.

"Perhaps I've become accustomed to a certain amount of time spent with you, alone."

"So that means you miss me?" He smirks, his eyes twinkling with happiness. "Don't forget there's always space at my apartment."

I just smile at him.

Emalyn emerges, her hair wild, and still half asleep. She spies the coffee cup and takes it from me. She takes a swing and wrinkles her nose.

"Ew, it needs sugar," she comments.

I open my mouth to comment, but shut it.

"Happy Birthday, Emalyn." She discards the cup on the table so we can hug.

"Happy Birthday, baby sis." Mav smiles, tapping her shoulder with affection.

"What's on the agenda today?" The sleepiness is now gone and replaced with excitement.

"I'm only telling you that we're going hiking and our guide will be here in an hour and a half," Mav explains.

"Guide? Hiking? Curious," Emalyn murmurs.

"Looks like breakfast is ready," Mav says, nodding to the house.

"Let's round everyone up and get them organsied," I say.

Mav hustles people through breakfast and then goes off to get ready for today. I change into my activewear, apply sunscreen, and slick my hair up into a bun before heading outside, where a few people have gathered.

Once the bus arrives, we're off on our adventure. We spend the day exploring the great outdoors hiking mountains and kayaking across a lake. I was shocked when Mav suggested the idea, perhaps even more seeing Emalyn enjoying it. She's scared of bugs but seems to enjoy this experience.

By afternoon, we return to the cabin, and the private chef arrives to cook Emalyn's birthday dinner. The event planner has created a beautiful table setting under the stars that is close to magical. I can't wait to see this come to life tonight.

I desperately need a long soak in a hot tub, but I make do with a steamy shower. Since starting college, I've slowed down on physical activity and I felt that today. I can feel all the muscles I haven't used in a while.

Once I've showered and moisturised, I change into a black bodycon dress that has a sparkly overlay. I loosely curl my hair and apply some light makeup before re-joining the group outside. Servers walk around with trays of wine glasses, so I snaffle one and take a long sip.

I join Emalyn and her friends, who are chatting out their lives. I sip on my drink and attempt to be present in the conversation. Except it's hard to focus when my eyes keep wandering to Maverick.

I catch Thomas's gaze a couple of times - I hope he doesn't think I'm looking at him.

Maverick walks over and takes the packet of cigarettes from his pocket and holds it up.

"Are you coming?" he asks.

"Sure." I nod.

Stacey gives me a look, and if I cared, I probably would have over analysed it. But free time with Maverick is an opportunity I won't waste.

We wander towards the treeline and when we're further in, he grabs my waist and pulls me in for a kiss. He leans back, but I hook my arm around his neck and draw him back in. We stumble back and then I'm pressed against a tree. His hands roam over my body and his kisses roam across my skin.

"You look amazing in this dress," he compliments.

"I thought you would like it," I smirk.

"You're a tease and the alcohol isn't helping." His hands grip my waist and he inhales a sharp breath. "I'm ready to take you against this tree."

I unravel myself from his body and take the cigarettes from his pocket.

"Perhaps if we were alone, but there's a group of people not far from here," I say.

He takes the packet from me and places a cigarette between his lips and lights it. I comb my fingers through my hair and tug the dress down so it covers more of my thighs.

Mav takes a drag before offering it to me.

I shake my head.

"I really should quit."

Mav shrugs and takes another drag.

"I'm enjoying this weekend with you, but I can't wait to return home. I miss you in my bed and waking up together."

"Hey, I miss the cooked breakfast. You make a mean scrambled eggs."

"I promise to cook you breakfast when we return."

When we return, the waiters are just placing food on the table. We take our seats and Emalyn jumps up to give a speech.

"Special thanks to Mav and Willow for planning this special event for me. Thank you to everyone else for spending the weekend with me and celebrating. I hope you're all having the best time." We raise our glasses and clink them.

I'm plied with delicious food and wine, which makes up for having to be social.

When a few others call it a night, I join them and head to my room. I take another shower, perhaps to wash the thought of Maverick off my mind, it doesn't help, though.

I climb into bed, roll onto my side and move my arm up and down. It feels cold and empty beside me.

I miss him.

I'm on my feet and walking down the hallway before I completely register what I'm doing. I should not be doing this! What if we get caught?

I lightly tap on the wooden door with my fingernail. I hold my breath and listen out for even the slightest bit of movement on the other side. Mav might not even be in there.

Ugh, this was a silly, reckless idea.

The door cracks open and Mav smirks at me.

"Are you going to let me in?" I whisper.

His smirk widens and he glances to the side, pretending to think about it.

"You can come in," he replies.

Mav opens the door and I slip inside. He catches my hand and spins me around. Our bodies are pressed together and he steals a chased kiss.

"I wondered how long it would take you to sneak in here," he whispers.

"I didn't want to because we'll be in so much trouble if we get caught." I pout. "But the bed is cold and empty without you. I miss you."

"Perhaps you'll rethink the secret relationship."

I give him the look and he just smiles.

Mav lets me go and I hop into my side of the bed. He climbs in beside me and everything feels perfect.