It's About Time (GMW - Joshaya)

Chapter 23

Maya's POV

"Oh my god, I am stuffed," I rubbed my stomach to prove my point.

"Same, props to the chef. That was a damn good meal," Josh said gloating about his delicious creation. It was impressive, I will admit that.

"I hope you saved room for dessert," I motioned my head towards the bakery box that was now sitting on the kitchen counter.

"Don't tell me you forgot about my scientifically-proven theory Maya," he said looking shocked.

I didn't forget. And it certainly wasn't a scientifically-proven theory. But I loved watching him talk passionately about stuff even if it was completely absurd and silly.

"Hmmmm, I dont recall," I teased.

He gave me a daring look and said, "You know, the one about the two stomachs."

"Nope," I chuckled.

"Look there is a food stomach and a dessert stomach. These two stomachs are completely separate. Hence, why there is ALWAYS room for dessert," he emphasized the word always. "Plus, the dessert delivery girl was kind of cute." This time he offered me a wink as he got up to retrieve the box off the counter.

"Dork," I coughed.

"What was that?" he said, but I knew he heard me.

"Huh? Oh nothing," I played it cool.

"Oh really? I thought I heard a squeaky little voice speak. It almost sounded like a ferret," he pressed. 

Aww he remembered his nickname for me. I'm definitely blushing at this point.

"Hmmmm. I didn't hear--" and before I could get another word out, he was swiped a finger-ful of icing from my cheek down past my lips. A chill ran down my spine as he shot me a devilish smile.

"Ooooh Boing...you better run," I slammed my hands down on the table and stood up. Except somehow he got up faster and began to run around the living room. 

I gently picked up a cupcake. All I said was, "It's war,"   and  then I bolted towards him.

He jumped over the couch to avoid my wrath the first time. And after chasing him around the living room and kitchen a few times, I was finally able to catch him. I smashed the cupcake hard into his face. 

"'Smores is a good look on you Joshie," I smiled.

"Oh yea, but I bet it would look even better on you." 

Confusion was plastered across my face. But the moment I realized what he meant, he pinned me to the ground and rubbed his "cupcakey" face against mine.

He continued to do so until I finally lifted my hands to surrender.

"Guess you're not as tough as you used to be Hart," he said knowing that it would get to me.

"Nah, I've just learned which battles are worth fighting," I said.

He licked a little icing off my face and extended a hand to help me off the floor. My heart started racing. 

"Come on, let me help you get cleaned up," he said sweetly.

I took his hand, and he pulled me up. He let out a grunt and pretended as if it was such hard work helping me off the ground.

"I guess someone needs to hit the gym a little more. Do you even lift?" I gave him a playful slap on the stomach.

"Haha, very funny," he twirled me around and led me to the bathroom to clean up. 

He took a washcloth from the linen closet, turned on the water, and doused the washcloth in water. His strong fingers lifted my chin up as he delicately wiped my face clean with the washcloth. His touch was so soft, as if he might break me if he pressed too hard. 

My eyes met his gaze. There was something just so mesmerizing about his eyes; they were an icy shade of blue. Our stare finally broke as the doorbell rang. 

"I'll get it," he jumped. "Finishing cleaning yourself off, I'll be right back. It's probably just another girl scout," he handed me the washcloth.

He was already out of the bathroom before I could even protest. But then I realized that he was about to answer the door with a face full of frosting. What a goofball. I went to go save him from the girl scouts when I realized it was Cory at the door.

"Hey Cor," Josh spoke nervously. "What are you doing home already? And where's Topanga?"

"Well," Cory began with a huff and a puff. "We were out to dinner and I realized that I forgot my wallet at home. Obviously Topanga wasn't too happy about that. It kind of created this big scene in the restaurant and the waiter said that either one of us could go and get the money or he would press charges. So pretty much, I didn't argue too much because I knew that I'm already gonna be in trouble tonight with Topanga."

I watched as Cory frantically grabbed his wallet. Then he turned around as if he noticed something. I made sure that my shadow was nowhere to be seen and I listened from the hallway.

"Wait a second," Cory raised an eyebrow. "Why do you have icing all over your face? Wait?!" his eyes grew bigger. "Is she here right now Josh?!" 

My heart began to race again. BUSTED. WE. WERE. BUSTED. I couldn't help but peek my head out again.

"Is who here?" Josh asked sounding confused.

"The girl. Ya know, the one from last night. The waitress. You got her number. I didn't think you would act that fast, but atta boy," Cory slapped Josh's shoulder and Josh winced as instinct. "I'll let you two be, have fun."

As soon as the door slammed shut, I felt a salty tear slide down my cheek. Then, before I knew it, the one tear multiplied into endless tears. I slid down the wall as Josh called out to me, "Maya?"