Risking the Long Game ✅

11. Sick Days and Fights

"I think that's kind of a permanent feeling" I reply as I take his hand in mine. "But at least you know they loved you" I smile making him squeeze my hand.

"You don't talk much about you dad. Your real one" he clarifies causing me to sigh.

"He left my mom. Remarried and had a new family. One he was ready for" I shrug causing Josh to pull me into his arms so that I'm lying beside him with my head on his chest while he runs his hand down my back soothingly.

"I find it hard to believe that someone could say they found someone better than you" he says making me smile as I snuggle against his chest.

"You're sweet. I like sweet Josh."

"I like you too" he replies as he kisses the top of my head before yawning. "I'm kinda tired. Wanna take a nap?"

"Mhm" I smile as I snuggle closer to him, hearing the steady rhythm of his heartbeat as I drift off to sleep.

~ 📚 ~

Josh's POV

When I wake up Maya is still fast asleep beside me. I like having her here, even though my conscious is telling me that I should've made her leave the second she showed up this morning. She was skipping because of me and on top of that I was probably going to get her sick. She looks peaceful as she sleeps, her head resting on my chest and her arm draped over me.

I glance at the clock and sigh when I notice that there's only a half hour left in school, meaning Riley would be home in fourty-five minutes.

"Maya" I whisper as I shake the gorgeous blonde lightly. "Babe you gotta get up."

"No" she moans in annoyance as she grips me tighter. "I'm sleepy" she adds making me chuckle as I stroke her hair.

"You're welcome to stay but Riles is gonna be home in less than an hour" I say softly making her moan as she opens her eyes, glancing up at me.

"Okay" she gives as she sits up, but not making an effort to climb off my bed. "Call me tonight. Please. I'll worry if I don't hear from you."

"I have a cold Maya. I'm gonna be fine" I assure her as I tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. "Need a ride?"

"Riley is gonna think you ditched school" she points out causing me to shrug.

"She probably already thinks that. Come on" I insist as I push her off my bed playfully.

"Fine" she smiles as she catches my wrist as we both stand. "But I want something first" she smirks as she reaches up to try to kiss me.

"I'm gonna get you sick" I argue making her roll her eyes.

"I don't care" she smiles as she successfully catches my lips in a kiss that I'm dying to keep going but I know I need to get her home.

"Enough distracting Ms. Hunter. Let's get you home" I smile as I take her hand and lead her out of the loft.

~ 📚 ~

Maya's POV

My phone buzzes while I'm doing my homework later that night and it's a text from Riley.

RILEY: New game! Guess the random slut Josh skipped school to hook up with

I sigh as I stare at the phone. The random slut in question would be me I guess. I knew Josh shouldn't have driven me home. He really was sick but of course Riley didn't believe him.

MAYA: Don't care

RILEY: You've been so boring lately! I feel like he's brainwashing you instead of tutoring you

Brainwashed is definitely the wrong word but I can't think of one to describe what's happened with Josh and I. He's not the person I thought he was, and I'm falling fast and hard for the person I know him to be now.

MAYA: My brain has not been washed. He's an amazing tutor Riles. I can't help that I enjoy spending time with him!

RILEY: YOU ENJOY SPENDING TIME WITH HIM?!?! Who are you and what have you done with Maya?

I'm getting pissed at this point. It's becoming more and more obvious that she can never know that I've kissed her uncle or that I plan to do it over and over again as long as he's honest with me.

MAYA: I'm still me Riles. And Josh isn't that bad! Stop being so judgmental and give the guy a break!

RILEY: G2g

I sigh as I throw my phone onto my desk. Why is she being so damn stubborn? I know she's trying to protect me from getting hurt but right now it feels as if she's protecting me from happiness too. I glance at my clock and notice it's almost ten o'clock and I'm beyond exhausted despite my peaceful nap with Josh this afternoon. I grab my phone and compose a text once more, only this time to Josh.

MAYA: It's been a very long night. I'll tell you about it tomorrow if you come to school. I miss you and I hope you feel better. I'm going to sleep. Goodnight 😙

I power off my phone and climb into bed, letting everything fall away.