Chapter 2 Two

"That's fine, you are safe now," he said, looking at her hands that were still shaking. "Just try to relax."

She nodded as he drove away from her scene of her near abduction.

Once he started the car, Hank didn't utter any word again. His focus was entirely on the road.

Finally, they pulled up to the ranch entrance. The security men on duty called out their greetings to their boss. And Maya opened her eyes and sat upright.

One of the men opened the gate and Hank drove through. After a short drive, he stopped the car in front of a magnificent cottage.

"Wow," she thought. She had never been on a ranch and didn't know what she was expecting. But the big and beautiful edifice in front of her was a surprise.

"This is where I live," he said and killed the car engine.

She opened her door when he opened his and they both climbed out of the car. He helped her with her bag and led the way inside into his cozy living room. He placed her bag on a side table and led her to the kitchen.

"Sit," he pulled out a chair for her. "Thank you," she sat down.

"I will make you some herbal tea to calm your nerves." He moved around the kitchen, opening cabinets and drawers to bring out a mug, a teaspoon, and a pack of tea bags.

"This will make you relax and sleep well later," he raised the tea pack up and made a big cup of tea for her. He added a generous amount of honey and set the cup in front of her.

"Thank you so much Hank," she stirred the tea and tested the temperature. It was just right. "I am so grateful for your kindness. I don't know what would have happened to me if you didn't come to my rescue."

"Stop thanking me," he chuckled. "If you do that one more time, I'm going to send you back to your boyfriend." He winked, a mischievous glint in his eye.

"Okay, I will stop." Maya couldn't help herself, smiled too. "But you saved me, Hank," she protested, her voice, stillp a little shaky. She raised up her hands. "Okay, I'm going to drink my tea and stop thanking you."

"That's better," he said. "What would you like for dinner?"

"I don't think I want to eat anything," she said. The tea had made her completely relaxed. "I just want to sleep."

"No, you've got to eat," he protested. "You know what? I will make a sandwich for you. "What about some minced beef sandwich? I have pre cooked minced meat in the fridge."

"That will be fine," she nodded with a smile.

He made a sandwich for her and himself in no time. It was obvious he was a domesticated man, moving around with finesse in the kitchen.

"I take it you and your boyfriend had a fight," he said when he finally placed two plates of sandwiches on the table and he pushed one to her.

"Not really a fight," she glanced up into his eyes. "I caught him in bed with another woman on our bed. He's a perpetual cheater who wouldn't change."

"Huh huh," he nodded and turned around to bring a large bottle out of the refrigerator, the amber liquid shimmering in the soft light of the evening. He brought out two glass cups and filled them with the amber liquid.

He placed hers down beside her plate. "homemade ginger ale. You will like it." he winked at her and sat down to his food.

"I packed out of his apartment and I haven't seen him since until this night. He didn't even try to stop me the day I left and he never called to apologize. And now he wants me back." She heaved a heavy sigh as she finished.

"It's okay," he bit into his sandwich. "You know what you want. Just follow your heart."

Maya cautiously lifted the glass to her lips. A delicate scent of ginger, sweet and spicy, tickled her nose. She took a sip, the fizz dancing on her tongue. The ginger's warmth spread through her, a comforting hug from the inside out.

"This is good," a smile bloomed on her face. "It's delicious, Hank. Did you make it?"

"No," he sipped from his drink, too. "My housekeeper made it."

"I like it." She took another long sip. "Everybody does, Patricia is good with things like that."

They both fell into silence for a moment as they ate their sandwich. Before he looked into her eyes and said, "I presume the two of you were living together, right?"

"Yes," she bit into her sandwich. "We met over two years ago when I first got into town to start college. He immediately asked me to leave the apartment I was sharing with some girls from work and move in with him. I'm on a scholarship, and he's been taking care of my other needs."

He looked straight into her eyes, and said, "I'm sure this can't be an easy decision for you."

"Not at all," she shook her head. "But I will get through this," she affirmed and gave a wry smile. "I only need a job now," she shrugged. "To feed myself and to get an apartment or pay for a dorm room on campus. I am twenty-two. I need to start earning my keep by myself."

"What about your parents?" He asked, his brows furrowing.

"They are both late," she said.

"Oh, I am so sorry," he reached out and squeezed her hand. "Don't worry, everything is going to be alright."

They lapsed into silence, they each concentrated on their food. Until he spoke again.

"What are you studying in school?" He asked her with his gaze fixed on her.

"Accounting and Business Management." "Wow, that's a nice course," he said. "Would you mind workin..."

The phone in the corner of the kitchen shrilled, cutting him short.