~ "I know you're no good, but you're stuck in my brain." - Anonymous ~

THE NEXT DAY... 

I awoke to the enticing aroma of food coming from the kitchen. With a yawn, I stretched and checked my phone-10:05 am.

"Well, I might as well get up," I muttered as my stomach growled in agreement. After cringing at my bedhead in the bathroom mirror, I brushed my hair and tied it into a ponytail before heading downstairs.

"Morning Maya, sleep well?" Rachel greeted me warmly as I stepped into the kitchen. Her long, dark red hair and hazel eyes gleamed in the morning light.

"Yes, very well, thank you," I replied with a smile.

"Maya!" Kayla's excited squeal rang out as she rushed over, tackling me in a tight hug.

"Kayla! I've missed you so much!" I gushed, pulling away to admire her sparkling dark brown eyes and long, wavy light brown hair.

Before I could say more, I felt arms wrap around me from behind. "Maya!" Gracie squealed, hugging me tightly.

Laughing, I turned to embrace her. "Hello, Gracie." Her long, light brown hair was pulled back into a ponytail, and her hazel eyes- so much like her Momma's- glowed as she grinned up at me.

"Alright, everyone, sit down. Breakfast is ready," Rachel announced as Jacob and Theo entered the room. We took our seats, said grace, and dug into the amazing breakfast Rachel made.

Rachel turned to me, "Maya, would you like some help unpacking your things?"

"I think I'm alright," I replied, helping her clear the dishes.

"I would help, but I've got to head to work." Kayla sighed.

"Same here," Jacob added. "I'll drop Gracie off at her friend's house on the way," I remembered Jacob mentioning he'd transferred to a restaurant under the same company he had worked for in Wichita.

Theo chimed in, "I'll be back in a couple of hours, but then I'll be in the recording studio most of the day."

Rachel nodded, "I've got to go in for an extra shift today, but I should be home by dinner. By the way, just so we're clear, I know you guys enjoy smoking green, and that's fine as long as it's done responsibly. You must always be in control. Understand?"

"Yes, I understand." I assured her, "Is it all right if I just stay here and unpack?"

"Absolutely. Also, you can find the stuff you need if you wanna partake is in the coffee table drawer in the living room." She added with a knowing smile.

"Thanks. Oh, and I was wondering, would it be alright if I cooked dinner for everyone tonight? Just a small thank you for letting me stay here."

Rachel's face lit up. "That would be wonderful! There's cash in an envelope in the drawer by the front door, meant for groceries and such. Use whatever you need, just leave the receipt in the jar on the table."

"Perfect. Later, everyone." I waved, heading upstairs. Soon, the house grew quiet as I unpacked. After a relaxing bath, I rummaged through my bag to find my speaker and connected it to my phone. I turned on some music and sang along to, 'I Know You Got Away' by R5 while I finished unpacking my clothes. I was nearly finished when I heard the door slam and Theo's voice calling out, letting me know he was home and would be in the recording studio. Glancing at the clock, I realized it was already 1 pm. I quickly changed into a yellow sundress, styled my hair into a ponytail with two curled strands framing my face, and applied a touch of makeup. After checking the cabinets for what I needed, I grabbed some cash and headed to the store. I already had a menu in mind, and hoped it would be a hit. At the store, I gathered ingredients for a fresh spinach salad, brownies, and cold sweet tea with a touch of spice. I also picked up everything needed to make goulash, one of my favorite comfort meals. Back home, I set the grocery bags on the counter, ready to start preparing dinner. I let out a little squeal, a mix of excitement and nervousness bubbled inside me- I wanted everything to be perfect.

"Well, hello, sexy."

I jumped at the sudden voice behind me, my heart racing as I felt arms wrap around my waist. Instinctively, I twisted away, slapping the man across the face. My glare was ice cold as I backed away.

"EXCUSE ME?! WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE TO TOUCH ME LIKE THAT?!" I snapped, taking in his appearance. He was dressed in a black T-shirt, dark skinny jeans, and a black leather jacket. His smug expression did nothing to calm my anger.

"Be quiet!" He hissed, rubbing his cheek where my hand had landed.

I opened my mouth to yell for Theo, but before I could, his hand clamped over my mouth. I frowned, prying it off, his warm touch still lingering on my skin.

"What do you think you're doing? Who are you?" I demanded, glare still in place as I moved further away from him.

"I'm Grayson. Grayson Wells," he introduced himself with a smirk, extending a hand towards me. I stared at it without moving until he awkwardly retracted it, scratching the back of his neck. "Look, I didn't mean to startle you." Apologizing, his gaze flickered to the grocery bags on the counter before returning to me.

"You're very beautiful," He said, his blue eyes locking with mine. For a moment, his words caught me off guard, and I felt the heat rising in my cheeks. I quickly looked down, composing myself, before I glared at him again.

"What are you doing in this house?" I asked sharply, crossing my arms.

"I help Rachel and Theo with housework when they need it," he replied casually, shrugging and leaning against the kitchen island like he owned the place.

"So why did you insist on scaring the crap out of me and being a total creep instead of just introducing yourself?" I scoffed, rolling my eyes.

He shrugged with that same infuriating smirk. His eyes glimmered as he ran a hand through his black strands, "I don't know, you just looked so beautiful."

I let out an irritated sigh, "Just go do whatever you're supposed to be doing and leave me be." I waved him off, turning back to the groceries. But when I glanced up, there he was, leaning against the counter, watching me intently.

"May I help you?" I asked, folding my arms in annoyance.

"Yes, you may. I don't believe I caught your name," he said smoothly, mirroring my posture.

"It's Maya. Now leave," I snapped, trying to figure on unpacking the groceries. Attempting again to ignore his presence.

"Ah..." he murmured, suddenly stepping closer. He was leaning in just enough to breathe softly in my ear. "Beautiful name, for a beautiful girl."

A shiver ran down my spine, and for a split second, my knees felt weak. He lingered just a moment longer before the sound of the front door slamming broke the tension. When I turned, he was gone, and I let out a shaky breath I hadn't realized I was holding.

Shaking my head, I forced myself to focus on the task at hand. After setting everything up to cook, I raced upstairs to grab my speaker. Back in the kitchen, I connected it to my phone and let the music fill the space, finally starting to relax.

"Nice music!" Grayson's voice startled me again. He strolled in, smirking as I glared at him, wiping down the windows with a rag. Before I knew it we were both singing along to, 'Wild Hearts' by R5.

"You like R5?" I asked, dropping cut-up carrots into the salad.

"Yeah, they are pretty good." He said, flashing a smirk.

"Yeah, that's one of my favorite bands," I muttered, feeling my cheeks heat up again. Why was I blushing? I had no idea.

Just then, Theo entered the kitchen, his expression wary as he glanced between Grayson and me, "Grayson- um hey."

Grayson straightened immediately, his tone shifting to a respectful one, "Mr. Miller, I finished everything that needed to be done. May I go now?"

Theo smiled, nodding stiffly, "Yes, you may."

As Grayson headed towards the door, I surprised myself by speaking up, "Wait- if it's not too much trouble, Grayson, why don't you stay for dinner? I'm making-"

"I'd love to," he interrupted, his grin widening as he cut me off.

"Great," I said, nodding like an idiot, "It'll be done soon."

"I'm going to go run some errands first. I'll be back." Grayson informed us before he left, slamming the door behind him. I turned back to my goulash, allowing the smile that'd been tugging on my lips to appear into a giddy grin.

Theo's eyes narrowed as I turned back to him, "He didn't hurt you or say anything inappropriate, did he?"

I hesitated, biting my lip before forcing a smile, "Let's just say it was interesting."

Theo's eyes narrowed. "If he gives you ANY trouble, you tell Rachel or me immediately. That boy is bad news."

"You're telling me," I muttered under my breath as Theo left the room.

By the time dinner was ready, everyone else was home. Grayson hadn't returned yet, though I found myself glancing at the door more than I cared to admit. As if  Jacob noticed my anticipation, I could feel his eyes watching me. When the doorbell rang, my heart leapt, and a grin crept across my lips.

"You ok?" Jacob asked, I just nodded. Jacob went to open it, stiffening as he saw who it was, "Ah, Wells. Why are you here?" He asked, folding his arms.

"Maya invited me," Grayson said, smiling at me as he stepped inside. He dug his hands in his pockets; his ease was unaffected by the weight of everyone's eyes on us. "So what's for dinner?" He asked casually.

"Goulash," I replied, trying to ignore the tension thickening in the air. Rachel, sensing it too, spoke up quickly.

"Let's all take our seats," she said, motioning for everyone to sit.

As I filled their glasses with tea, I could feel Grayson's gaze on me, intense and unrelenting. It made my skin prickle, though I wasn't sure if it was annoyance or something else entirely.

"I hope you guys like the food and everything." I smiled, taking my own seat, finally.

Jacob turned to me, "Maya, did you get a chance to look at the email I sent you?"

"Not yet. I got busy unpacking and cooking. I'll look at it tonight or tomorrow."

"Maya, why are you here?" Gracie suddenly blurted out, earning a sharp reprimand from Rachel.

Grayson's voice cut through the awkward silence, "Yes... Why ARE you here?" His tone was low, and his piercing blue eyes locked onto mine, my breath got caught. All the heads at the table turned towards him, but he didn't waver, his face digging into me like he was searching for something.

"Um, well." I started, my voice trembling slightly under the weight of everyone's attention. I swallowed hard and pushed forward. "Now that I'm twenty-one, Jacob and I have been looking up some information on my birth Mom. Turns out she lives here, so I'm here to find her... and to go to school. I'm really hoping I'll get to meet her."

The room fell silent for a moment. I stared down at my plate, the nerves tightening in my chest, but I could still feel Grayson's intense gaze locked on me.

"You're adopted?" Grayson was the first to break the silence. His voice was quieter now, softer even. I glanced up briefly, hesitating before meeting his eyes.

"Um, yeah," I replied, my voice almost a whisper, "Since I was three." I mustered a small, shy smile.

"That's cool," he said, and his genuine smile made my knees weak. My cheeks warmed as I gulped a quiet, "Thanks."

"Maya, this food is incredible," Kayla chimed in, breaking the tension. Her enthusiastic comment felt like a lifeline, and I shot her a grateful look.

"Aww, I'm glad you like it," I replied, my nerves easing just a little. As the conversation moved on, I dared to take a deep breath, hoping the rest of the dinner would be a little less nerve-wracking.

AFTER SUPPER...

"I think we're going to turn in. Goodnight," Theo said with a yawn as the others headed upstairs.

"Goodnight. I'll finish up the dishes and then I'll head to bed too," I called after them, though I couldn't shake the feeling of Grayson's gaze. He hadn't stopped watching me all night, his eyes burning into me even now.

"Toss me a towel," his voice broke the silence as he appeared beside me. Without looking, I tossed one in his direction, my heart pounding for no reason I cared to admit.

"Thanks for coming," I replied washing a plate and handing it to him to dry. I kept my eyes fixed on the soapy water, while his next words caught me off guard.

"No problem, you did a good job."

"Thanks," I murmured, my voice softer than I intended. I didn't dare look at him, afraid of what I'd see- or feel.

We finished the rest of the dishes in a silence that was anything but calm, the air heavy with unspoken tension. When the last dish was dried, I led him to the door, eager to put space between us and the strange pull I felt.

But just as he stepped out, he turned back, his smirk more dangerous than I'd ever seen. "Goodnight, beautiful," he said, his voice low and deliberate, each word sinking deep into my thoughts. Before I could respond, the door closed behind him, leaving me leaning against it, my heart racing and my mind spinning.

What was it about him? Why was he invading every corner of my thoughts, controlling my every breath? I didn't know who he really was or why he'd suddenly appeared in my life, but the grip he had on me was undeniable and maddening.

With a deep breath, I grabbed my phone, disconnecting it from the speaker. As I got ready for bed, my mind betrayed me, circling back to him. His smirk. His voice. His striking gaze. No matter how hard I tried to shake it, Grayson Wells refused to leave my mind.

THE NEXT DAY... 

"Hey, Maya," Jacob's voice cut through the quiet hum of the dining room. I glanced up from the folder spread across the table, filled with details about my birth mom.

"A friend of mine, I haven't seen in years wanted to hang out today. Is it okay if we dot his tomorrow or something instead?" He asked, his tone almost pleading.

"Sure," I said with a shrug, keeping my focus on the papers in front of me.

"Thanks! You're the best." He winked before heading out the door.

The moment the door clicked shut, another voice broke the silence. "You know, you shouldn't have let him back out like that," Grayson's deep voice carried from the doorway.

I stiffened, turning to find him leaning against the frame, his arms crossed, that infuriating smirk playing on his lips.

"It's not a big deal. We've got the whole summer. Then I'll start classes after summer is over." I replied casually, pretending his presence didn't unsettle me.

"Yes, it IS a big deal," he countered, striding into the room and sitting beside me. Without asking, he reached for the papers in my hands, his movements deliberate and sure.

"Grayson," I warned, trying to grab them back, but he leaned away, holding them out of reach. That damn smirk deepened.

"I didn't ask for your help."

"And yet, here I am." His eyes glinted with amusement, and I let out an exasperated sigh, finally giving up. What was the point of fighting him?

"What's her name?" He asked after scanning the papers in silence.

"Why are you helping me?" I asked, frowning. His piercing blue eyes met mine, sending a shiver down my spine.

"What's. Her. Name?" He repeated, his voice slower this time, steady like he already knew I'd cave.

"Stacie Allie Taylor," I muttered with a huff, hating how easily he could pull answers from me.

He nodded, studying the page with quiet intensity. "Says here she works at a diner in the city. Want to call and see if she's there?"

My stomach twisted at the suggestion, "Uh, I guess." I hesitated, biting my lip.

Grayson looked up, his expression softer, almost understanding, "Maya, you don't have to do this if you're not ready." With a sigh, he placed the papers on the table and leaned closer, his voice low. "But tell me, what's really stopping you?"

I shifted uncomfortably under his gaze, avoiding his eyes. "Nothing," I said, but it came out more like a whisper.

He leaned in further, his hand resting on my knee. His touch was light but commanding, slowly traveling upward his voice dropped even lower, "Maya, tell me."

I froze, my breath catching. His presence was overwhelming, suffocation in the most intoxicating way. Just was I opened my mouth to reply, another voice cut through the changed air.

"Wells." Theo's sharp tone shattered the moment like glass. Grayson's hand dropped instantly, and he stood quickly, straightening himself.

"Um, Mr. Miller," Grayson stammered, his confidence faltering. "Maya and I were just-"

"Enough," Theo interrupted, his glare icy and direct. Maya, upstairs. Now."

I hesitated, glancing at Grayson, whose jaw was clenched, his gaze pleading. "Go," Theo ordered. I stood, turning on my heel and heading for the stairs, "I'll be up there shortly."

Just as I reached the first step, I felt Grayson's hand wrap around my arm, stopping me cold. I tried to pull away, but his grip held firm.

"Grayson, please," I pleaded softly, barely able to speak over the pounding of my heart.

"Maya-"

"I believe she asked you to let go," Theo interjected, his voice a sharp warning. Grayson's hand fell away, and I hurried up the stairs, not daring to look back. I knew Theo wouldn't start talking with Grayson until he heard my door close, so I opened it and shut it again, but instead of going in I sat outside the door and listened to the conversation.

"I warned you to stay away from her," Theo's voice was low but laced with anger.

Grayson didn't back down. "Look- her best friend bailed, I was just trying to help. This obviously means a lot to her."

"She doesn't need YOUR help." Theo snapped, "Leave her be. If I see you around her again, you won't step foot in this house again. Do you understand me?"

There was a long silence as my heart screamed to get up and go stop everything.

Grayson finally sighed, "Understood."

The sound of a door slamming made me flinch, and I quickly shut the door quietly and moved to sit on my bed as I heard Theo's footsteps approaching.

He knocked softly, "Maya."

"Come in," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

Theo entered, his expression softening as he sat beside me. "You have to trust me on this. Grayson's not someone you should get close to. He's made... mistakes, and I don't want you getting hurt."

"But why does everyone hate him so much?" I pressed, needing answers.

Theo sighed, running a hand through his hair. "We'll talk more about this later. Just promise me you'll keep your distance. Please, Maya, I'm only trying to protect you."

Reluctantly, I sighed and nodded, giving in, "Ok, I understand."

"Good." He smiled faintly, patting my knee before standing, "Now I'll be in the studio if you need me." I didn't like the fact that Theo was getting so upset over Grayson just trying to help me- but either way, I had to stay away- he could send me home. Meeting my Birth Mom means more to me than anything.

THE NEXT DAY... 

Grayson had consumed my thoughts from the moment I opened my eyes. Why? Again, I couldn't tell you. Something about him had taken root in my mind: stubborn and relentless. I found myself at the dining room table with the folder of information on my birth parents spread out before me. The faint haze of smoke curled from the blunt between my fingers, yet I couldn't focus. My attention kept wandering to the window, hoping- no CRAVING- a glimpse of him.

I hadn't seen him all day, and the absence was maddening. Where was he? Why did it bother me so much? Just as I was about to shake off the distraction, movement outside caught my eye. My breath hitched as I spotted him, his back turned, his muscles flexing as he stripped of his shirt and tossed it carelessly to the side.

He turned slightly, but his sunglasses shielded his eyes, leaving me free to stare. my gaze traipsed over his ripped chest, carved and unapologetically bare, lingering too long on the sharp lines of his abs. He didn't have any tattoos, which surprised me. He seemed like the type to have one inker across his chest or etched along his arm. The thought made me bite my lip, heat crawling up my neck.

I forced myself to look away, shaking off the spell he had me under. Just as the lawnmower roared to life outside, the sound of the door slamming made me jump. I scrambled to gather my papers, my heart pounding for reasons I didn't want to name.

"Maya," Theo's voice cut through the silence, low and steady. I froze, guilt prickling at the edges of my mind as I turned to face him. His gaze was sharp and searching. I swallowed hard, pursing my lips in a thin line.

"Yes?" My voice came out tight, almost a whisper.

He hesitated, his jaw working as if searching for the right words, "About earlier-"

"Message received." I interrupted quickly, offering a tight- lipped smile, "I understand."

Theo exhaled, his expression softening. "It's not that you HAVE to stay away," he said, his tone gentler now. "We just don't want you to get hurt. Grayson... he's not a bad person, but he's made mistakes- ones you don't need to get caught up in. We're trying to protect you, Maya." His eyes softened, full of concern, and I couldn't bring myself to meet them.

"Thanks," I replied, forcing a smile. "But don't worry. I can handle myself, and we're just friends."

Theo studied me for a moment longer before giving a small nod, "I know you can." He winked, but it did little to ease the tension crackling in the air.

Without another word, I turned and bolted up the stairs, my mind racing.

Once alone in my room, I collapsed onto the bed, my thoughts spiraling. 'Why does everyone treat Grayson like the plague? Sure, he has a reputation, but what I'd seen of him didn't match the warnings. There had to be more to him, something deeper that no one else could see. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe he IS trouble. But then again... those piercing blue eyes made it hard to believe he was anything other than captivating.'

I groaned, burying my face in my hands. Where had THAT thought come from?

Either way, I needed to do something about this whole situation.