Endless Love, page 15
I could get used to this.
Tentatively, she reached out, letting her fingers graze the soft strands of his hair. She still couldn’t believe how right everything felt—physically, yes, but also emotionally. Last night, he’d shown her in so many ways that she was seen, appreciated, and, in a sense, protected. It was a feeling she’d all but given up on.
Her gaze drifted down to the small ring dangling from the chain around her neck—her symbol of past wounds she’d never fully let go. She touched it absentmindedly, her mind swirling with renewed certainty: She didn’t need that crutch anymore.
Alex’s eyes opened, blinking away sleep. He turned his head, and a slow smile spread across his face. “Hey,” he said in a hushed morning rasp.
Warmth flooded Maia’s cheeks. “Morning,” she whispered. “Sleep well?”
“Better than I have in a long time,” he murmured, propping himself on one elbow and glancing around her room as though committing it to memory. His eyes flicked back to her, and he reached out, brushing a stray curl behind her ear. “I could get used to this,” he added with a grin.
A pleasant shiver traveled down her spine. Unable to hide her giddiness, Maia fiddled with the ring on her necklace. But as her fingers toyed with it, she felt a shift in her chest—like she was finally ready to put the past to rest.
Alex noticed her pause. “What is it?”
She inhaled, heart thudding, then unfastened the clasp. She slipped the ring and chain off in one fluid motion and set them carefully in the drawer of her bedside table. “I don’t think… I need it anymore,” she explained. Saying it made her feel both nervous and euphoric.
Alex’s gaze softened, understanding shining in his eyes. “Are you sure?” he asked gently.
She nodded. “I held onto it for so long—because I was scared, uncertain. But not anymore.” A soft smile curved her lips. “I’m finally ready to let it go.”
He leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. “Same page,” he whispered against her skin.
Her heart fluttered wildly at those simple words. Yes. We truly are on the same page now.
They slid out of bed, and Maia grabbed a robe while Alex gathered his clothes. She gave him a small grin, taking pleasure in the comfortable intimacy as he pulled on yesterday’s shirt. “Let me show you the bathroom,” she said, leading him down the hall.
Less than an hour later, they were side by side in her kitchen, the sun fully up and streaming through the windows. Both of them agreed to forgo their usual morning run—something about the coziness of the moment made them reluctant to let it end.
“You wouldn’t think a dash of almond essence would work in eggs, but it does,” Alex said confidently, whisking the mixture in a small bowl.
Maia arched an eyebrow, chuckling as she took out the blender for smoothies. “Almond essence in eggs? Are you sure?” She seemed skeptical, but the gentle aroma filling the air made her mouth water. “Alright, Mr. Food Connoisseur. Impress me.”
Alex just grinned, transferring the whisked eggs into a hot pan. “My parents own a restaurant, remember? I’ve absorbed a thing or two.”
“So… your talents extend to cooking as well.” Maia teased. She dropped some frozen berries, yogurt, and milk into the blender, hitting the switch. The machine roared to life, momentarily drowning out their laughter.
In moments, Alex killed the heat under the pan, plating the golden, fragrant eggs with surprising finesse. Maia poured two glasses of smoothie, placing them on the small kitchen table he’d cleared off.
She settled into a chair, heart fluttering when Alex pulled it out for her before taking a seat across from her. It was a simple, domestic gesture, but her chest warmed at his thoughtfulness.
“You know,” he said, “if you’re ever interested in learning a more complex dish, I’d love to show you.” He shot her a playful look as he dished some of the eggs onto her plate.
“Yes, please,” Maia replied eagerly, taking a forkful. The flavor burst across her tongue, and she let out a small hum of approval. “Wow… This is amazing.”
They dug into breakfast, exchanging contented smiles. Somewhere between sips of her smoothie and compliments about Alex’s cooking, Maia felt a profound sense of rightness. This was real.
Despite all the pain and fear that used to surround her, Maia felt the last of those barriers slip away. She reached across the table, her fingertips grazing his wrist. When he looked up, their eyes locked in a silent exchange of understanding.
“You ready for the next part of this journey?” he asked quietly, voice filled with hope.
Maia squeezed his hand, a sure smile gracing her lips. “Absolutely,” she said. She was ready—ready to trust him, to believe in a shared future, to embrace what the world offered them both.
And as she watched him smile back, she knew: They were on the same page, and there was no turning back.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
“Zip me?” Maia called out, her fingertips balanced lightly on her waist.
Aimee dropped her phone onto the tangle of half-rejected outfits piled on Maia’s bed and stepped over. The faint whirr of the zipper moving up sent a small thrill through Maia, and she turned to face her mirror. The striking red dress hugged every curve from her bust to her knees, while her tallest black heels gave her a confidence boost she usually lacked. She hoped the outfit would strike the right note for a formal event—elegant but not over-the-top.
Aimee’s eyes shone with approval. “Look at you!” she said, beaming. “Mrs. Zhang is going to dazzle them tonight. I’m sure Alex will be proud to have you as his plus one.” She snatched her phone from the bed, pointing it at Maia.
“Aimee—” Maia groaned, knowing what was coming. Her friend snapped a quick photo anyway. Maia exhaled, adjusting the hem of her dress as though that might somehow shield her from the camera. “Don’t call me that! Alex and I have been officially dating for, what, a month?” She paused, eyes flicking to the reflection of her lips as she pressed them together to even out her lipstick. “Hardly enough time to start calling me his wife.”
Aimee’s skeptical look said it all.
Maia shrugged, smoothing the dress once more. “I’m just his girlfriend,” she mumbled, voice warming at the idea. “His girlfriend who… kind of sees him almost every day.” Even saying the word “girlfriend” triggered a little flutter in her stomach. Their relationship had been a whirlwind of texts, calls, and hours spent sharing stories she’d never shared with anyone else.
She raised her left wrist and let the charms on her bracelet jingle: a tiny shoe, a miniature blueberry, and a small metal novel. That one piece of jewelry made her happier than anything else in her closet. Derek’s old gifts might have been shiny and expensive, but they hadn’t meant anything like these charms did. Alex’s gift felt personal—like he knew exactly who she was.
Aimee set her hands on her hips. “Listen, don’t say ‘just his girlfriend’ like it’s nothing.” She reached out, turning Maia by the shoulders so they were face-to-face. “Girl, you tell that man everything, and the two of you are practically glued at the hip. If that’s not serious, I don’t know what is.”
Maia let out an incredulous laugh. “Am I neglecting you? We still have our dinners.” She moved to her bed and scooped up the sleek black handbag she’d decided on for the gala. It rested among the other bags she’d modeled for Aimee earlier—rejects scattered around. She’d deal with that mess once she got home.
Aimee clasped her hands beneath her chin, batting her lashes as though smitten. “You could never neglect me. I like hearing about your grand adventures with Alex—makes me feel all fuzzy inside. Besides, I’m fine with just one dinner a week if it means you’re spending every other night with the love of your life.” She punctuated her teasing with a dramatic string of air-kisses.
Maia gave a short laugh, the warmth building inside her. “I didn’t say he’s the love of my life. You’re the one throwing words around like that.” She watched herself in the mirror again, noticing how her glossy black clutch looked right at home against the vivid red dress. Would Alex think she looked beautiful? He told her that every day, but this time it felt extra special—like she wanted to prove him right.
Derek had been thoughtful once, but never this consistent. Alex, on the other hand, never missed a morning text or call—not even if they were about to jog together in an hour. They chatted through mundane things and big confessions alike, and she felt fully seen every time. It was so different, so new… and so exhilarating.
“You love him,” Aimee said, arching an eyebrow decisively. “How can you not? You’re totally smitten. From what you say, he’s basically obsessed with you in the same way. If that’s not love, then I’m clueless.”
Maia swallowed, letting her handbag dangle from her fingertips. Could she really be that obvious? The last month had sped by in a haze of laughter, mutual support, and easy companionship. She shared more with Alex in casual conversations than she’d ever shared in her previous marriage. With Derek, her answers had slowly shrunk to one-word replies, but with Alex… she could talk for hours. Or just listen to his voice and be content.
She stroked the blueberry charm on her bracelet, a subtle wave of warmth rolling through her at the memory of how he’d chosen it specifically—blueberries from their first early-morning diner date. A small, thoughtful detail, yet it represented so much. “I don’t know,” she whispered. “It just seems too soon.”
Aimee took a step closer, raising her eyes to Maia’s. “Maia, love doesn’t show up on some schedule. It happens when it happens.”
Maia let the thought sink in. She’d never felt so comfortable, so unguarded with another person—even with Derek. Alex gave her the space to be independent, yet supported her whenever she needed it. She didn’t feel helpless without him; rather, she chose to be with him because he made everything brighter. Wasn’t that the ultimate sign of love?
Before she could say anything else, her phone buzzed on the cluttered dresser. Seeing Alex on the screen sent a thrill through her chest. Aimee’s eyes danced knowingly, but Maia waved her down.
“Hey,” Maia answered softly, trying not to let the surge of excitement bleed too obviously into her voice.
Aimee hopped in place, hands clasped tight in glee.
Maia turned her back slightly. “Yeah, I’m ready,” she murmured, after Alex said he was outside. “I’ll be right there.”
She hung up, and Aimee followed her to the door, grinning. “You go, Mrs. Zhang,” she teased again in a sing-song voice, prompting Maia to shush her, though she couldn’t hide her smile.
Outside, the air was crisp, laced with the subtle scent of pine from the trees along the sidewalk. The sky was soft with dusk, and a hush blanketed the neighborhood. Maia spotted Alex’s car by the curb, his headlights illuminating the patch of road in front of him.
As she approached, he climbed out. Instantly, her pulse kicked up; goodness, he looked incredible. His dark blue suit caught the light in a gentle shimmer, a white button-up visible beneath, and a slim black tie to pull it all together. Even his shoes gleamed. She found her fingertips itching to brush along the neat lapels, just to confirm he was real.
He opened the passenger door with a courteous flourish. “Ready to go?” he asked, gaze roaming appreciatively over her dress. A slow smile tipped his lips, and Maia felt that familiar warmth rush through her.
“I definitely am,” she replied, settling into the seat. The quiet hum of the engine surrounded her, along with the hint of Alex’s cologne—a subtle, woodsy note that made her want to lean in. She clicked on her seatbelt, then added, “And… wow. You look amazing. Seriously.”
Alex’s smile broadened. “Thank you. You look like a movie star tonight.” There was an unmistakable note of pride in his tone. He closed the door behind her gently, then rounded the hood of the car to slide into the driver’s seat.
The moment he pulled away from the curb, Maia risked a sideways glance. In the glow of the dash lights, Alex looked both focused and relaxed, a confident ease in how he turned the wheel. It struck her again how natural it felt to be with him.
A thousand unspoken words floated through her mind, the strongest being I love you. She silently wondered if he felt the same. Perhaps he did, but neither of them seemed ready to voice it—yet. At least, not tonight. Not on a night when Alex had something important to attend, something that showcased his hard work.
The warm flutter in her chest told her the words were there, waiting for the right moment. Until then, she savored the quiet closeness, the mutual smiles, and the knowledge that this was only the beginning of something extraordinary.
CHAPTER TWENTY
He’d never seen so many works of art in one place.
A gentle hush blanketed the museum’s top-floor exhibition room, punctuated by low conversations and the clink of champagne glasses. Under the warm overhead lights, vibrant paintings and intricate sculptures lined every wall, each piece radiant and compelling in its own way. Alex couldn’t help but marvel at the array—abstract shapes bursting with color, lifelike portraits that seemed to breathe, statues capturing human grace in cold marble.
So far, the night had gone remarkably well. An enthusiastic museum employee had greeted him and Maia at the main entrance and then escorted them up to this lofty gallery. Through glass-paneled walls and grand staircases, they’d passed mesmerizing exhibits on every floor. By the time they reached the top, the long climb felt satisfying, like they’d earned the right to see the “crown jewels” of the show.
The event itself was a grand soirée organized by Intersect Inc. to celebrate the success of Alex’s ad campaign. Familiar faces from the business world floated around the space—names he’d only heard of until now but recognized instantly: CEOs in sleek suits, marketers in elegant dresses, all mingling with the kind of assuredness that came with power. Had he been here alone, Alex might have felt out of place or even intimidated. But Maia’s steady presence beside him chased away that tension.
She’d navigated the crowd as if she’d done this a thousand times. Every new introduction seemed effortless for her. With her warm smile and engaging questions, she ensured no conversation faltered. People gravitated toward her, drawn by her approachable nature and confident composure. Alex watched in awe, occasionally chiming in but mostly letting Maia take the lead. Whenever he felt his energy wane from constant chatter, a quick glance at her face—at those shining eyes and that soft, encouraging smile—was all it took to remind him why he was here.
And she looked absolutely stunning tonight. The red dress fit her like a dream, making Alex proud to call her his date—though he realized, with a heady rush, that date didn’t begin to capture what they really were to each other. At least, not in his heart.
The evening slipped past in a haze of introductions, polite laughter, and art appreciation. By nine p.m., a specialty brand of champagne was poured and distributed. The pop of corks, followed by a wave of clinking glasses, announced the night’s celebratory toast. Alex took a sip, finding the taste both slightly bitter and strangely refreshing. The light buzz it left him with felt… freeing.
Now, nearly two hours later, the crowd had begun to thin. Musicians in the far corner continued to play a soft, lilting melody, and the staff discreetly tidied away empty glasses. Alex walked beside Maia down a wide corridor leading to the elevator. They’d said their goodbyes to colleagues and acquaintances moments before, and each step they took away from the main gallery brought a renewed sense of quiet. The echo of their footsteps on polished marble added to the hush, giving this part of the museum an almost sacred quality.
In truth, Alex felt beyond grateful for the lull. As much as he could summon charm when needed, his introverted nature craved these peaceful moments to recharge. Maia, on the other hand, seemed to effortlessly glide through social settings. He marveled at how she’d engaged with everyone from top executives to art curators, never missing a beat. Over the course of the evening, he’d come to rely on her uncanny knack for knowing when to step in and when to give him a reprieve.
He allowed his attention to wander briefly, soaking in the details of the corridor: gold-framed paintings shimmering under spotlights, the faint hum of air-conditioning, the distant echo of a final group of guests chatting somewhere behind them. Despite the hour, the museum’s bright lighting kept the space far from eerie. Quite the opposite, Alex thought. It was romantic, a bit like a private tour they had all to themselves.
He glanced at Maia. With each swing of her hair, he thought about how he’d felt when they first met—unsure, guarded. Now, she was the reason he no longer felt like a stranger here. Even in this grand setting, with all these powerful people, he belonged—because Maia was by his side.
An image of her laughing earlier that night flickered across his mind. She’d been listening to a marketing executive’s long-winded story, yet she’d managed to find genuine humor in his anecdotes. That laugh had tugged at Alex’s heart. I love her, he thought. And the moment he did, his heart jolted as if he’d caught himself stepping off a ledge. Love. It was the same word that had lingered for weeks, refusing to leave him alone.
Could he really be in love with Maia so soon after his painful divorce? Doubt gnawed at him, but it was overwhelmed by the simple truth—she made him feel alive again. She made everything seem possible. Maybe it was ill-advised, maybe it was faster than he’d expected, but he couldn’t deny his feelings any longer.
His palms felt clammy at the realization. He wiped them discreetly against his pants. What if she doesn’t feel the same? Or worse, what if she’s not ready to hear it? This was uncharted territory for him—opening himself up after heartbreak, daring to hope that a new love could blossom in the aftermath.
