When We Fall Silent

Chapter Four

And that's how it went for weeks. Sometimes Maverick would stop by the coffee shop when I was on my break and we went sit together in the booth in the corner and sip our coffee without so much as a word. Other times he would stop by the house for a quick conversation or more often than not to simply hang out for awhile. We fell into this weird, unspoken agreement as silent companions. There was something comforting about having someone there that took some of the loneliness away. I would be writing, and he would be on the couch reading. I would be cooking, and he would prepare the table or clean up afterwards. There were times where we would watch movies together or take short walks around the local park across the street. Of course, we talked but most of the time we just enjoyed the other's company.

There were days when Maverick had to go on business trips and would be gone for days and sometimes a week or two. But he also stopped by the moment he was back in the area—regardless of how late it was. The first time he surprised me, my heart nearly stopped.

There was a loud knocking on the door. I groaned at the interruption rubbing my eyes in defeat. I glared at my clock, the bright numbers letting me know it was 2am and way too late for anyone to be coming by the apartment.

Who the hell is at my door this late at night?

The suspicion in me ran cold and I grabbed the pepper spray off of my nightstand, the closest thing I had. I stepped quietly down the hallway, staring at the door nervously. I suddenly regretted only wearing a thin cami and short pajama bottoms to bed.

I pulled the door open slowly, pepper spray ready to be used. But when the door finally swung to its destination, I was caught in the gaze of a midnight sky.

"Maverick?" I whispered, shocked. I glanced around him down the hall before turning my worried eyes back to him. He was still dressed in a navy-blue business suit and even I couldn't help but admire the way he looked. A fallen angel. "What are you doing here? Are you ok—it's late! I thought you were on a business trip..."

His eyes flickered to the background behind me like he couldn't bear to look me in the eyes. If I didn't know better, I'd say he almost looked...embarrassed? There was no way to really tell considering his art of expressionless features.

"I just got back and wanted to stop by and see you since it's been awhile," he responded quietly, his words smooth and calm.

My eyebrows crinkled in confusion. "Oh. You could've just shot me a text. I feel bad that you came all this way before even going home and resting just to see me."

I noticed the hard lines under his eyes and could see the exhaustion that racked his body and my heart sunk. He was so tired, I couldn't believe he even bothered to stop by.

I nudged the door open further and waved my hand at him.

"C'mon, I'll heat up some leftover pasta for you. You can sit on the couch and relax. You look like you're about to fall over from exhaustion."

His eyes widened ever so slightly at my offer. I was always pushing boundaries, but even this was uncharted territory. Sure, he's over at my place a lot, but I've never invited him to stay late. But then again, he's also never come by this late.

"No, it's alright. It's late and I clearly woke you up," Maverick softly rejected the offer. "I should go."

As he turned to leave, I grabbed onto the elbow of his suit jacket.

"Stay and eat and rest your eyes for a little. You're too tired to drive," I frowned at him. "I'm surprised you were even able to keep your eyes open long enough to get to my place. I made too much pasta for myself anyways, you'd be doing me a favor."