Chapter 9

Jared's POV

"And Jared?" I looked over to Michael. Bill, him and myself were currently in his kitchen, discussing the plan for the next few days that he spends in New York.

"Take good care of her for me... And... Also be a friend, she needs one right now. I think her father's death affects her more than she let's me see..."

"Good morning" as if on cue, Maeve entered the kitchen, a moody toddler following close behind her, trying hard to get his mother's attention. She finally gave in and picked him up.

Is she allowed to carry him while pregnant? Does Michael know?

"Morning" Michael quickly kissed her cheek before she went straight for the coffee machine.

"Coffee?" She asked and Bill immediately answered "That would be lovely!" as she started making fresh coffee all while a clingy toddler held on to her and when she opened the cabinet to get some mugs out she stopped and looked at me.

"Jared?"

"Oh... um... yes please."

Quickly three mugs filled with coffee were placed on the counter, Bill was eager to get his since he practically lives off of caffeine but I hesitated as I stared at the counter where only yesterday I witnessed Michael and Maeve having sex at this exact same spot.

And as I kept staring at the space where once her naked ass was glued at, I wondered if her fluids could still be found somewhere on this piece of furniture as I still could see her naked body before my eyes. The way her head flew back, her thin hair falling down, revealing her beautiful face covered in pleasure.

"Milk or sugar?" Maeve's angelic voice brought me back from my daydream.

"Nothing, thanks."

Finally I took the mug and leaned against the counter before looking over to Bill and Michael who were deepened in their own conversation while standing a few feet away from us.

My body leaned over as I took the opportunity and whispered "Have you told Michael yet?"

Her eyes widened, knowing exactly what I was talking about, the pregnancy, to which she replied by shaking her head. "Stop! Don't talk about that!" she whisper yelled at me before taking a few sips from her coffee.

"Are you even allowed to drink coffee?"

Her actions stopped immediately as she turned to look angrily at me before putting Nicolas down, who immediately hugged her leg and started fuzzing. He seemed to be extra clingy today.

Maeve put both hands on the counter, slowly leaning over to me. Her eyes pierced aggressively at me while she spoke."If you want to live any longer, you better let me have my caffeine!"

Maeve's POV

As I kept my stern gaze on Jared, he apologetically put his hands in the air.

"Everything ok, Maeve?" I heard Michael's worried voice from the other side of the room.

"Suuure" I kept my glance at Jared but Michael knew I would tell him if something wasn't right so although he didn't believe my answer he let it slide.

Jared, who visible relaxed when Michael continued his conversation with Bill, apologized but added an "I was just worried."

What I hated out of all things, and that is something Michael also had to learn the hard way, is when I get treated like a child and people try to control me.

"It's not your job to worry" I scoffed back at him, immediately regretting even saying it. Jared probably meant well and I was extremely moody this morning, I wonder why.

"You know what Maeve? You either want me to be your friend or you don't!" With one huge gulp he let down the rest of the coffee before handing me the mug.

"If you'll excuse me Mrs. Jackson, my shift is over, see you in the evening!"

Soon after Jared disappeared through the door while Nicolas still hung at my feet, not bothering to let go.

"Come on, let's get you something to eat" I told Nicolas before picking him up again.

*****

"Oh no, not that one" I caught one of Michael's flannels that he proceeded to throw into his suitcase. "I'm keeping it!"

"Maeve!" he laughed. "You cannot keep EVERY shirt."

With my cutest puppy eyes I looked at him while he tried to keep consistent but eventually gave up and softly stroke my cheek.

"Ok... I'll... I'll just walk around shirtless then..."

"You could start right now, I wouldn't mind" I teased causing him to blush slightly but to my surprise he actually took off his shirt and threw it at me before walking back into the closet.

"I'm keeping this" I informed him while quickly changing into it so that when he came back with another pile of shirts, he saw me innocently standing there in his plain white T-Shirt.

His lips curled into a huge smile, the kind I adore so much as he shook his head at me. The shirts fell to the floor and he sprinted over to me, sweeping me off my feet, swirling us around until he let us fall onto the mattress with me straddling his waist.

My hands went straight to his face "You are a beautiful man, inside and out" I whispered before leaning down to kiss him on the lips.

"I love you, Maeve."

"I love you, Michael... but I'll miss you!"

"I'll only be gone for a couple days" he laughed at me. I suddenly became a little hurt since I couldn't control my feelings and right now, I wanted him to stay.

"Still..." I didn't know what else I could say and before he could see my eyes tearing up, I got up from his lap and sat dawn beside him with my knees to my chest.

"hey..." he whispered while sitting up and coming closer to me. I felt his nose brush my cheek, making me look at him as a single tear rolled down my cheek.

"You'll be alright..."

After he said that my tears started rolling down uncontrollably. Michael quickly embraced me in a hug while gently stroking my hair.

My nerves calmed down to him humming the sweet melody he always hums whenever I can't sleep. The song that has no words... yet. Michael's words.

His hug loosened as he looked down at me. "I get the feeling there's something bothering you..."

I was still pressed against his chest, comforted by his heartbeat.

"Everything's just too much right now" my voice was weak as I felt Michael place a long loving kiss at the top of my head. "Do you want me to stay?"

Yes.

Slowly, I shook my head. "No, I'll be fine, I just need you to hold me a little longer."

Michael's arms pulled me closer as I shut my eyes, relaxing in his embrace.

My safe place.

"One word and I'll be back as quick as I can."