Chapter 38 - Treat Her with Extra Care

Maya's attire included a v-neck swimsuit in case she wanted to take a dip in the pool. She swiftly removed her dress, revealing her vibrant energy and playful demeanor. Without hesitation, she leaped into the cool water, her enthusiasm infectious.

She swam gracefully to the far end of the pool, then popped her head above the water, beckoning Talon to join her.

"Talon, come on, jump in! Don't tell me you don't know how to swim," she called out, playfully splashing water in his direction.

Talon, not one to shy away from a challenge, shed his clothes, revealing a fit physique with well-defined muscles. He took a confident leap into the pool, swiftly swimming underwater towards Maya. Emerging next to her, he was greeted by Maya's laughter.

"Showing off, aren't you? But I bet I'm still a better swimmer than you," she teased.

"Really? How about a swimming race, then?" Talon proposed.

Maya, brimming with confidence, retorted, "Oh, feeling cocky from your relay race win? Just so you know, I've won swimming contests before."

"Prove it by beating me," Talon countered with a grin.

After emerging from the pool, they stood at the edge, preparing for the race.

"Let's begin once I finish the countdown, alright?" Maya suggested.

"Yes, sure."

"Three, two..." Maya playfully interrupted as she jumped into the pool, trying to get a head start. Talon, not bothered by her trickery, followed suit and dove in.

Maya was a skilled swimmer, gliding through the water with ease. However, Talon could easily catch up to her and even overtake her effortlessly.

After reaching the other end, Maya, feigning annoyance, playfully hit Talon's shoulder. "Can't you let me win just once? Now you've hurt my pride," she said, her mock frustration unable to hide her amusement.

"I thought you were an amazing swimmer, but I have to admit, you were pretty good out there," Talon chuckled. "But I think I might be better."

After their spirited swim, they climbed out of the pool and settled into chairs nearby. Talon grabbed two towels and gently draped the one around Maya's back. They sat side by side, looking up at the moon, its light casting a serene glow over the scene.

"So peaceful," Maya murmured, the tranquility of the moment enveloping them.

"Uh-huh, agree," Talon replied, his voice soft.

As they sat together under the moonlight, the world around them quiet and still, Talon broke the silence with a gentle question. "Are you considering getting some rest, Maya?" he murmured softly.

"It's still early. Why are you eager to go to bed?" Maya teased, leaning her head comfortably against Talon's shoulder. "I think your shoulder makes a pretty good pillow," she added, her voice a whisper.

"I could easily fall asleep leaning on it," she added.

Talon simply nodded, content with the peaceful moment they were sharing. The night was a tapestry of silence, woven with the echoes of their laughter and the shared joy of the day.

After a moment, Maya said. "I remember when I first met you. I'll admit, I didn't think much of your guitar skills at first," she confessed. "But you surprised me. You were amazing."

Talon responded with a hint of humor. "So this is the first time you're acknowledging your admiration for me, Ms. Maya?"

Maya playfully pinched Talon's waist, a smile in her voice. "Just listen to me," she insisted.

She continued, her tone more serious. "And then, you just kept surprising me. You kept pushing yourself to do more and more. It made me realize that I had no idea where your limits were."

"Do you think you value me too much?" Talon asked, his words light but curious.

"No, not at all," Maya clarified. "It's just that you surpassed my initial expectations so much. It's only natural for me to be impressed."

Their conversation drifted into the night, a mix of reminiscences and comfortable silences.

Maya's expression turned serious as she faced Talon, gently pulling his shoulders so they were directly facing each other. A curious glint shone in her eyes as she asked, "Talon, have you ever been in love?"

The question seemed to take Talon by surprise. He murmured the question back to himself as if to weigh the meaning of it. His past had been a struggle for survival, leaving little room for romantic contemplations.

"Fall in love?" he echoed softly. "I'm not sure," he admitted, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Maya's gaze intensified, a mix of curiosity and slight frustration. "Talon, you're not so out of touch that you don't understand what I'm asking, right?" she pressed.

"My life before... it didn't really lend itself to thoughts of love," Talon replied, pausing to reflect. "I mean, I've never really allowed myself to think about it."

Understanding his perspective, Maya offered a gentle explanation. "Think about it this way: if there's someone you find yourself thinking about more than others, someone you miss when they're not around, and someone you want to spend more time with than anyone else – that's probably love."

Talon fell silent, contemplating her words. In his mind's eye, a face appeared, unbidden, but he quickly refocused on Maya.

"Now, is there someone like that in your life?" Maya persisted, her curiosity unabated.

After a moment of contemplation, Talon responded with a quiet admission, "I think there is." His voice was soft.

Maya couldn't help but giggle playfully as she teased Talon. "So, you finally confess! Thinking about other women while you're with me... Do you even realize how much that hurts me?" she asked, her laughter easing the teasing tone in her voice.

Talon, unfazed by her teasing, responded with a gentle denial. "I never mentioned any names. It could very well be you," he said, a hint of playfulness in his voice.

"Stop trying to make me feel better with sweet words," Maya retorted, though her smile betrayed her amusement.

For a brief moment, they simply looked into each other's eyes, sharing a silent understanding. Then Talon, noticing the dampness on Maya's cheeks, used the towel draped over her shoulders to gently wipe them dry.

"Are you feeling sleepy?" he asked, his tone soft and caring.

Maya's response was a small nod accompanied by a tired smile. "I am indeed feeling quite sleepy and exhausted," she admitted.

"It's already past midnight, and we have an early start tomorrow," he reminded her.

"I'm just so tired. My legs are sore from all the walking we did today," she replied wearily.

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

Maya's request was barely audible as she spoke softly, "Yes, there is. Please treat me with extra care."

Talon hesitated for just a moment before lifting Maya in his arms. With her thigh resting in his left hand and his right arm supporting her back, he carried her with ease.

"How could you possibly do this to me, Mr. Talon?" Maya exclaimed.

Talon's response was unwavering and filled with warmth. "This is simply what came to mind when you requested extra care."

As Talon held Maya in his arms, she closed her eyes and snuggled into his chest, her voice barely above a whisper. "I warned you not to treat me with too much care. You might just make me fall for you."