Maya sat on the plush hotel bed, the glow from the TV casting soft shadows in the dimly lit room. She had spent the evening indulging in some self-care-watching a light-hearted movie, applying a soothing face mask, and listening to her favourite playlist. It was nice to unwind, but as the night wore on, she couldn't help but feel a little restless.

She glanced at her phone, hoping for a message from Chloe or Serena. Chloe had left earlier to see Landon, and Serena had promised to be back soon after spending time with Rex. But it was getting late, and the silence in the hotel room was starting to weigh on her.

"Where is Serena?" Maya wondered aloud. It wasn't like her to forget her plans, but then again, Vegas had a way of making time slip away unnoticed.

Maya slipped on a light jacket, deciding she didn't want to spend the rest of the evening alone. She remembered that Alex had mentioned he'd be closing up the restaurant around this time, and she figured she might as well take a walk and see if he was still there. At the very least, she could get some fresh air and clear her mind.

Maya's Outfit

When Maya arrived at the restaurant, she saw Alex inside, tidying up the last few things for the night. He looked up and smiled when he saw her through the glass door.

Maya opened the door and stepped inside, the warm, inviting smell of the restaurant instantly putting her at ease. "Hey, I hope I'm not bothering you."

"Not at all," Alex replied, wiping his hands on a towel. "I was just about to finish up. What brings you here?"

"I didn't feel like staying in the hotel alone," Maya admitted, shrugging slightly. "Thought I'd come by and see if you were still around."

Alex smiled warmly. "Well, you're just in time. How about we chill here for a bit? I can whip you up something to eat, and you can see my cooking skills up close."

Maya's face lit up. "That sounds perfect. I'd love that."

They settled into one of the cozy booths near the kitchen, and Alex quickly got to work, preparing a simple yet delicious meal. Maya watched in awe as he expertly moved around the kitchen, his passion for cooking evident in every precise movement.

"This is amazing," Maya said as she took a bite of the dish Alex had prepared. "You really know your way around the kitchen."

Alex grinned, pleased with her reaction. "I'm glad you think so. Cooking is kind of my thing, you know?"

Maya nodded, savoring the meal. "I can tell. It's not just food; it's like...an experience."

"That's what I aim for," Alex said, leaning back in his chair. "It's nice to share that with someone who appreciates it."

They chatted for a while longer, the conversation flowing easily between them. There was something comforting about Alex's presence, and Maya found herself relaxing more and more as the night went on.

When it started getting late, Maya hesitated for a moment before speaking up. "I really don't want to go back to the hotel alone. Would you mind if I...you know, came back to your place for a bit?"

Alex looked at her with a gentle expression. "Of course, you can. I'd love the company."

They left the restaurant together, walking through the quiet streets until they reached Alex's apartment. It was a cozy, well-kept place, filled with the kind of warmth that made Maya feel instantly at home.

They settled onto the couch, the soft hum of the city in the background as they talked about everything and nothing. Eventually, their conversation trailed off, and they found themselves sitting in comfortable silence, just enjoying each other's presence.

Alex turned to her, his gaze soft. "I'm glad you came by tonight, Maya."

Maya smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. "Me too."

Without thinking, she leaned in, closing the small distance between them. Alex met her halfway, and their lips brushed in a gentle, tentative kiss. It was sweet and unhurried, a quiet moment of connection that felt just right.

When they finally pulled away, Maya couldn't help but smile. "I should probably head back soon."

Alex nodded, though he didn't make any move to get up. "You're welcome to stay as long as you want."

Maya considered it for a moment but knew she'd eventually have to return to the hotel. "I'll head back, but thank you. For everything."

They shared one last, lingering kiss before Maya finally stood up, feeling a sense of contentment she hadn't expected when the night began.

As she left Alex's apartment and headed back to the hotel, Maya couldn't help but feel like she had found something special-something worth exploring.