𝑺𝑬𝑬 𝒀𝑶𝑼 𝑨𝑮𝑨𝑰𝑵, javon walton

013

The next morning, Mae felt a sense of calm wash over her as she descended the grand staircase of the hotel. The day outside was bright, with the sun glinting off the fresh layer of snow from the night before. She headed straight for the breakfast area, craving another bagel like the one she'd had the previous day.

The dining hall was quiet again, most guests still sleeping in or off on their own adventures. Mae made her way to the buffet and grabbed a bagel, lightly toasting it before layering it with her favorite combination of cream cheese, smoked salmon, and capers. Satisfied with her creation, she sat down at the same table as yesterday by the large windows, enjoying the early morning light.

Just as she was about to take her first bite, she sensed someone approach. She didn't even need to look up to know who it was; there was a familiar presence about him.

"Good morning, Mae," Javon greeted, sliding into the chair across from her, his voice laced with the kind of playful warmth that sent a jolt of excitement through her.

Mae glanced up and smiled, her eyes lighting up with amusement. "Morning, Walton. You're really getting used to stealing my breakfast time, huh?"

Javon grinned, eyes dropping to her plate. "Looks like you're becoming predictable with that bagel of yours. You gonna share again today?"

Mae feigned a sigh, dramatically rolling her eyes. "Fine. Only because I'm generous like that." She cut the bagel in half, handing over one side to him, their fingers brushing briefly in the exchange. The touch, though fleeting, was enough to send a thrill down her spine.

Javon took a bite, savoring it like yesterday. "I've gotta say, your bagel skills are on point."

"I told you, bagel queen," Mae teased, smiling as she watched him enjoy the food.

They ate in comfortable silence for a few minutes before Javon leaned back in his chair, his eyes scanning her face with curiosity. "So, tell me something embarrassing. I feel like you've got stories."

Mae chuckled, wiping her mouth with a napkin. "Oh, I've got plenty of embarrassing stories. You sure you're ready?"

"Always," he said, grinning in that easy, confident way of his.

"Alright," Mae began, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Once, when I was snowboarding, I managed to break my knee in the dumbest way possible."

Javon raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh no, this already sounds like a disaster."

"It was," Mae laughed, shaking her head. "I was trying to show off a little—you know, trying to impress someone. Long story short, I hit a patch of ice, lost control, and landed so awkwardly that I completely twisted my knee. It hurt like hell, and I was stuck there on the slope, totally mortified."

Javon burst out laughing, the sound rich and genuine. "That's brutal, Mae. So, did you at least impress the person?"

"Nope," Mae said, shrugging with a laugh. "I ended up getting carried down the mountain on a stretcher. Not my finest moment."

Javon shook his head, still chuckling. "I can't even imagine. I'm guessing snowboarding hasn't been your thing since?"

"Oh, I still snowboard," Mae said proudly. "I just try not to break anything in the process."

Javon gave her an impressed look. "You're braver than me. I stick to boxing where my feet stay on solid ground."

Mae smiled at that, appreciating the way Javon seemed genuinely interested in her stories. There was something so effortless about their connection, the way they could go from teasing banter to meaningful conversation in the blink of an eye.

Once they finished their bagels, Mae stood up and motioned for Javon to follow her. "Come on, I want to show you something."

Javon followed her out of the dining area and into the spacious grounds of the hotel. They walked past a few scattered guests until they reached the stables, where Mae's prized horse, Gabbana, stood tall and majestic.

"This is Gabbana," Mae said, her face lighting up with pride. "She's my horse."

Javon's eyes widened as he took in the sight of the powerful brown stallion, his dark coat gleaming in the morning light. "Whoa. She's incredible."

Mae smiled, reaching up to stroke Gabbana's mane. "She's a sweetheart. I've had him for years, ever since I started riding competitively."

Javon stepped closer, holding out his hand cautiously to let Gabbana sniff him before giving the horse a gentle pat. "I can't believe you've got a horse this cool. You must be an amazing rider."

"I like to think I am," Mae said with a wink. "Maybe I'll take you for a ride sometime."

Javon raised an eyebrow, grinning. "I'm gonna hold you to that."

After spending some time with Gabbana, Mae led Javon back toward the hotel, deciding it was time to introduce him to another beloved member of her extended family.

"And now," Mae announced with a flourish as they walked into the lobby, "it's time for you to meet Chicago."

Javon looked around, confused. "Chicago? Like... the city?"

Mae laughed and shook her head. "No, Chicago, my Cocker Spaniel. He's kind of the hotel's mascot."

Just as she said that, a small, lively Cocker Spaniel came trotting into view, tail wagging as he ran up to greet them. Javon bent down, immediately reaching out to pet the dog, who eagerly licked his hand.

"This little guy is Chicago?" Javon asked, laughing as the dog bounced around him, clearly loving the attention.

"Yep, that's him," Mae said, smiling fondly. "He thinks he runs the place, and honestly, we all kind of let him."

Javon grinned, standing back up as Chicago happily trotted off to explore another part of the lobby. "I love how you just casually have a horse and a hotel dog. You've got it all, don't you?"

Mae shrugged, smirking. "I mean, I try."

Javon's eyes sparkled with something warm and teasing as he looked at her. "I'm starting to think you might actually be perfect, Mae."

Mae felt her cheeks flush at his words, but she quickly covered it with a playful roll of her eyes. "Oh please, you don't know me well enough to say that."

"I'm getting there," Javon said, his voice dropping just a bit, his gaze lingering on hers a second longer than usual.

Mae's heart skipped a beat, but she played it off with a grin. "Well, I'm not making it easy for you."

"Good," Javon replied, his tone light but full of meaning. "I like a challenge."

Mae laughed, shaking her head as they walked back toward the dining hall, their conversation flowing effortlessly between flirtation and fun, with every exchange drawing them closer.

For a moment, Mae allowed herself to think that maybe, just maybe, there was something here. Something that felt easy, real, and undeniable.