Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman

Chapter Fourteen: Turnabout Forever Fools

"I have so much more to be sorry for than just being a completely clueless moron with Tiffany tonight." Phoenix took a step away from Maya and hung his head in shame. "I am so sorry that it had to be resorted to Edgeworth confronting me with that card and Franziska whipping sense into me, literally, to make me see what everyone, from your baby cousin to Larry Butz, could see. Looking at your beautiful face right now, I feel every bit the fool that German woman has always accused me of being. I have no idea how all this time, I could have missed it."

"Missed what?" Maya breathed.

"The love in your eyes." Tentatively, he reached for her hand, which she gave him willingly, pleasantly surprised by how good it felt as he traced circles on top of it with his thumb before raising her fingertips and softly brushing each of them with his lips. "Historically, I've never been brightest bulb in the drawer when it came to the ladies, but with you I'm ultra-embarrassed that I've been so dumb, Maya, and so damn blind. We're both pretty unconventional, and I guess I used to think we were friends mostly out of self-protection than anything else. But how could I ever ask for someone more loyal to me than you? You've always been around whenever I've needed you, from channeling Mia, to supporting me in court to taking a Taser for me while trying to gather evidence. You did it expecting nothing in return, except maybe a little friendship. I'd be lost without it. I'd be lost without you. You brighten up my whole world, Maya." He lightly traced her lips with his fingertips, staring at her in wonder before he went on.

"That beautiful, contagious smile of yours, that irrepressible youthful spirit, that overall effervescent disposition...it's all brought so much joy and fun and cheer into this boring lawyer's life. I know it's taken me awhile, but I've finally come to realize where my heart lies. I'm telling you now that in spite of the fear that my feelings were unrequited, which may have kept me from showing it sooner, there's a little part of my heart that always belonged to you, Maya Fey. I'm ready to give it all to you, if you're willing to accept it."

Maya nodded, her heart in her eyes. "I accept all of you, and all you have to give, Nick."

Phoenix leaned down and softly pressed a kiss to her forehead. Then he flashed her a wicked grin. "That was a kiss of friendship. Now I'll show you the kiss I've been wanting to give you for far too long."

His eyes locked on hers. Sapphire against topaz. He leaned forward and kissed her, slowly, reverently, no longer quite so surprised that this was happening, that he needed her so badly. She responded in kind, letting him know now in all certainty that his ardor was most definitely not one-sided.

They molded together, fitted against one another with stunning perfection. Maya had never felt as she did now, exploring the taste of him. Feeling the strength of his arms around her. Inhaling his musky, masculine scent. She felt as though she'd found a moment of forever. Like this was how they should've always been.

When they finally parted, both were breathless and panting. Phoenix rested his forehead against Maya's, pulling her so tightly against him she could feel his rapid heartbeat against hers.

"I love you," she whispered against his chest.

"What was that? I didn't hear you."

"Don't push me."

"I love you, too," he said. He put his cheek against hers. "So much."

Maya's throat was aching with unshed tears. "I always wondered what it would take to make you realize you loved me. One near-death experience? Two? A cross-state move? A killer red dress?" She managed a watery smile even as two teardrops rolled down her cheeks.