Head Over Leather #Wattys2017

XVII. Ethan's POV

I couldn't put my finger on it, but something was bothering Maya. With her uncomfortable fidgeting in the seat next to me and refusal to actually look me in the eye, I wasn't sure what I had done wrong. At first, I assumed it had to do with visiting her dad, but after she dodged my kiss, I thought it might be something more.

As the stoplight ahead flicks to red, I brake and lean back into the leather seat, with one hand resting on the steering wheel. I take the opportunity to look at Maya, who's head is still turned to look out the window. Her hair is curled and rests on her right shoulder in a ponytail, with loose strands framing her face. Her hands are folded neatly in her jean clad lap and it takes everything in me to not reach out to hold them.

"It's green." I snap out of my daze at the sound of her soft, but emotionless voice and I swallow hard, hitting the gas. She's been quiet ever since last night and it was driving me crazy.

"What's wrong, Sawyer?" Her last name rolls of my tongue easily, just as her first name would, but I'd never give her that satisfaction. It would mean something. I can see her shift from the corner of my eye, her head finally turning to face forward so I can get a glimpse of her side profile. Does her face always have to look so smooth?

"Just nervous." She responds shortly and I feel my jaw clenching at her obvious lie. I sigh, letting my mind wander to the party. We flirted for a bit, then Rachel showed up, then I hadn't seen Maya for the rest of the night. Oh. Oh.

With a shake of my head, I let out a chuckle. Maya's head whips to face me, not finding my random fit amusing. Maybe I can play this up a bit. "Sorry, just thinking of a joke Rachel told me." She visibly tenses and I can make out an eye roll, but she doesn't comment.

"She's really hot. I can see myself with her. Maybe when this game is over, I will-"

"Shut up!"

Although I'm surprised by her outburst, I can't help but laugh. As her father's apartment complex comes into view, I pull into the parking lot and find a place near the entrance. Maya turns to me, a look in her eye I can't quite make out. She unbuckles her seatbelt as I do the same, but pauses for a moment before climbing over onto my lap. She holds my jaw in her hand, looking down at me, as her hair falls slightly onto my face.

"I don't like being jealous. I also don't like when my boyfriend uses it against me instead of comforting me." Her voice is low and hoarse and it's hard to think straight when she's pressed into me like this. Maya tilts her head tauntingly when I don't respond and I smirk, moving my hand up her thigh to rest underneath her shirt. I can feel her shiver under my hold, but she doesn't back down.

"We'll have to fix that then." I mutter under my breath, moving my thumb in circles on her hip. She leans down, pressing her lips to mine and I'm overwhelmed by cherry lip balm and mint. I reach my other hand up, entangling my fingers in her hair, probably messing up her hairstyle but I don't really care.

"I'm scared." Maya mumbles against my lips and I move back to look at her. Her eyes are filled with uncertainty and a pang of guilt shoots through me as I realize I really wasn't helping the situation with her dad with my teasing. I cup her cheek and she leans into my touch, shutting her eyes briefly.

"I'm here, okay? I'll be there holding your hand the whole time. You tell him how you've been feeling and it'll be alright." Maya nods and I open the door, allowing her to slide off me, ignoring the feeling in my chest at her absence. I shove my keys into my pocket and climb out, before kicking the door shut, locking it.

***
Maya knocks hesitantly on the metal door and stands back, before slipping her hand into mine. I throw her a smile and squeeze her hand in return. Sometimes I wish things were this easy. I could be with her and we would be an actual couple. But we're not. It's a game. And I never want anyone to hurt me like Eva did. I know, I'm such a cliche.

A woman in her early 30's opens the door, eyes widening at the sight of Maya. Her pin straight blonde hair falls behind her back and I can't help but be confused at her formal attire. "Hi, is my father here?" Maya asks, looking the woman up and down.

"Yes, he is. Come in." We enter the apartment behind the blonde woman and I glance at Maya to make sure she's okay. Instead I'm met by her questioning eyes.

"Charlie!" The blonde shouts, before offering us a somewhat forced smile and motioning to the couch. A man in his late forties enters the room, halting abruptly at the sight of his daughter. He opens his mouth as if to say something but we're met by silence.

"Maya. What are you doing here?" Charlie asks softly, his eyes trained on her. She shifts beside me, releasing my hand and lets out a bitter chuckle.

"Visiting my dad who promised to always be there for me?"

Silence.

"Maya-"

"No dad. I know what divorces are like. I know most kids have to schedule visits or stay with one parent on the weekend and another during the week. I know that. Which is why I kind of liked the fact that we were never like that. You came whenever you wanted and mom didn't mind and it was good. So good. It was like we were still a family." I can see Maya struggling to keep her composure as the tears well up in her eyes and my instinct is to wrap her in my arms, but I stay firmly planted on the couch knowing she needs to do this.

"Honey, I've been busy, okay? I've just..I've got a lot of stuff on my plate and.." Charlie's eyes briefly move towards the blonde woman and it finally clicks. She's his girlfriend. Maya seems to have figured this out too, because she stumbles back, her mouth parting in disbelief.

"You've got a new life. I get it. Listen, I really just came here to let this all out. I'm not gonna burden you more than I already have." Maya states calmly, holding out her hand behind her back and I grab it, pulling myself off the couch. She glances at the blonde and nods her head in acknowledgement,

"Nice to meet you."

Maya doesn't spare her father another glance and practically drags me out of the apartment, with her head held high. She holds onto my hand tighter and before I know it we're in front of my car again. She stops, folding her arms across her chest and the tears begin to flow down her flushed cheeks. I reach out, pulling her into a tight embrace and pressing a kiss into her hair. Her shoulders shake against me as she sobs and it's the worst thing seeing her break down like this.

"God, this is so stupid. Why am I even crying? Of course he's making things happen for himself, I'm happy for him. It's just..I didn't think he'd leave me behind in the process." I nod in understanding, brushing the tears off her cheeks, watching as she bites harshly down on her bottom lip.

"Let's get you home, babe." I mutter quietly, planting a quick peck on her forehead, before opening the door for her. I stop for a moment, taking in her messed up hair, mascara stained cheeks and red rimmed eyes. And the thing is, she's still so goddamn beautiful.

***
Surprise!!! Ethan's POV!!! I felt that I should show you guys how Ethan is feeling because I don't want it to be a one sided development. Hope you guys liked it and the question remains..
Is Ethan catching feelings?