SLIVERS OF MOONLIGHT

Liz Davis
EROTIC ROMANCE Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com SLIVERS OF MOONLIGHT Copyright 2012 by Liz Davis E-book ISBN: 1-61926-423-4 First E-book Publication: March 2012 Cover design by Jinger Heaston All cover art and logo copyright 2012 by Siren Publishing, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

SLIVERS OF MOONLIGHT
LIZ DAVIS
Copyright 2012

Chapter 1
Maya was halfway home when her car decided to give her trouble. Strange noises were coming from the engine, and the brakes didnt seem to be functioning very well. And to top it all off, it was raining. Cold, wet, and miserable, it was the perfect weather for a breakdown. So when she saw a convenience store up ahead, she pulled into the lot and parked. She supposed she could make it home all right, but on a rainy night like this, she didnt feel very good about taking that chance. Weak brakes and wet roads just didnt mix. The rain drummed loudly against the roof of her car, filling the space around her with the sound of its steady beat. Retrieving her cell phone from her purse, she then searched through the menu items and , began flipping through her list of contacts. Her car had been having so many problems lately that she actually had the number for roadside service

plugged into her cell. She waited impatiently as the automated voice went through the list of options, and then she pressed the key to speak with a live representative. The person who came on to help her had a thick Southern accent. Thank you for contacting roadside service, this is Debbie. How may I help you? My car broke down, and I need to have it towed. No problem, I would be happy to help you. May I have your membership number and name, please? Maya gave her all of the information, and once Debbie brought up her account, she gave her an estimate of how long it would take for the tow truck to arrive. Maya thanked her and hung up. Glancing at the clock, she saw that it was nearly six thirty. It was a bit chilly in the car, so she stuffed her hands into her pockets to try to keep warm. The heater had stopped working months ago, so she was used to having the tips of her fingers frozen. Sighing, she closed her eyes and listened to the sound of the rain. Light from the moon shone faintly through the windshield, casting her face in its silvery glow. She wished she were home right now, safe and warm in bed and buried beneath her nice thick comforter. She tried to imagine herself sitting in front of a warm fire, hoping it would make her feel a little better, but it didnt work very well. She could imagine all she wanted to, but the reality was she was stuck in the parking lot of a 7-Eleven, miles away from home. Feeling the need to hear a familiar voice, Maya flipped her phone open and searched through the list of contacts until she found the number she was looking for. The line rang and rang, but nobody picked up, so she flipped the phone closed and gave a frustrated sigh. She needed someone to talk to right now, and it would have been nice to hear his voice, but of course, he wasnt available. He was never there to help her out when she needed him. She still had a ten-minute wait before the tow truck would arrive, so she decided to go into the convenience store and get a cup of coffee. The rain was still coming down pretty hard, but luckily the jacket she was wearing had a hood, so at least she could protect her hair. Maya pulled her hood over her head and grabbed her purse, allowed a few seconds to prepare herself, and then she opened the car door and made a run for it. She made it to the door of the shop and walked in, grateful for the temporary shelter. Coming to a stop in front of the coffee machine, she then grabbed a Styrofoam cup and filled it up with the hot liquid. She also added a bit of sugar, and then topped it off with some cream. After fitting a top over it, she headed for the cashier and paid for the drink. As she stepped back outside, an especially strong wind came along, and the power of it whipped her hood back, drenching her hair with water. Walking quickermore quickly, she rushed toward the car. As soon as she reached it, she pulled on the door handle, yet was dismayed to find that it wouldnt open. Oh no, please dont tell me Ive locked myself out, she thought. She was certain she hadnt locked the door before closing it, but when she tried to open the door a second time, she realized she had.

Unbelievable, Maya. How do you get yourself into these jams? Fumbling through her purse, she began to look for her keys, but then suddenly realized she wouldnt find them in there. Peering into the car, she saw that they were still in the ignition, just where she had left them. So here she was, unable to do anything more than stand out in the rain and get soaked. She supposed she could go back into the store and wait, but she would feel kind of weird just hanging around inside of a 7-Eleven. Still, though, she figured it was better than just standing out here getting drenched. Just as she decided to go into the store and wait, a tow truck pulled into the parking lot. She flagged it down so it could find her, and it came to a stop next to her car. The driver got out of the vehicle and came over to talk to her. Standing at six feet tall, he had a lean build and handsome face, with a strong, chiseled jaw and structured cheekbones. His hair was shoulder length and pulled back into a ponytail, and as she studied the features of his face, she realized that he was most likely of Native American descent. The name tag embroidered on his shirt identified him as Evan, and as Maya looked into his brown eyes, she saw they were soft and warm. Giving her a friendly smile, he asked, Can you start your car and pull it out for me? I need to hook it up so it can be lifted onto the back of the truck. She couldnt help feeling lame as she responded to him,. I cant get the door open. My keys are locked inside. Thats no problem. I can get them out. Ill just go back to the truck and get something to help me pop that lock. Be right back. Then he ran off, heading back to his truck. She watched as he climbed up into the cab, then got back out and came over to her. She was expecting to see him bring back some type of special tool, but was surprised that the only thing he had was a coat hanger. He also had an umbrella, which he handed over to her. Although she was already soaked, it was still a nice gesture, so she popped the umbrella open and watched him go to work on the lock. After slipping the coat hanger into the crack between the rubber insulation and the window, he jiggled it back and forth a few times. Then he yanked it upward, and the lock clicked open. Maya breathed a sigh of relief as he opened the door. Hey thanks. He smiled at her. No problem. She got into the car and pulled it out of the parking space, positioning it in back of the tow truck so that he could attach the chains to the underside of the bumper. When she got out of the car, she saw him pulling the hook and chains from off the back of the truck. Maya stood off to the side trying to shield herself from the wind and rain, but unfortunately, the small umbrella wasnt doing too good of a job. .Noting her water watersoaked hair and clothes, Evan offered a suggestion. You can wait in the truck if you like. No need for you to stand out here in the rain. He glanced over at her, his biceps flexing as he hooked one end of the chain to the underside of the bumper. Then he tested it to make sure it was tightly in place.

Maya walked over to the truck and climbed up toward the cab, which proved to be a bit difficult for her since the truck was so high up off the ground. But once she finally made it up there, she swung her body inside and slammed the door shut. The interior of the truck was nice and warm, and she could smell mint in the air. Glancing at the rearview mirror, Maya noticed there was a small flag hanging from it. The flag featured a red background with a star-shaped design upon it, and the words Proud to be Oglala were printed on it in bold white letters. Looking up into the reflection of the mirror, Maya caught sight of the tow truck driver. She could see him adjusting the straps and chains that would hold the car stable, and as she watched him, she noticed that his uniform was completely soaked. A few strands of hair were plastered against his forehead, and rain was dripping from his face. Yet despite all of this, it didnt seem as if he cared. In fact, he seemed almost oblivious to the miserable conditions all around him. She didnt know what it was about watching him work laboriously out in the rain, but something inside of her responded carnally to it. Peeling her eyes away from the rearview mirror, she decided to turn her attention to her own reflection instead. Maya dug through her purse to find her compact, and once she located it, she pulled it out and flipped it open. When she caught sight of her face, she found herself dismayed at her appearance. Her hair had been pressed into a beautiful style earlier that morning, but it now resembled little more than a disheveled mop. She reached for a jaw clip in her purse, and once it was found, she dug it out and swept her hair up off her shoulders. After securing her locks in place with the hair accessory, she then retrieved a tube of lip gloss and applied some to her lips.. These little changes didnt make very much of a difference, but hey, at least she was making an effort. There was the sound of the pulley as it was activated, and as Maya looked into the rearview mirror, she could see her car being drawn up onto the flatbed of the truck. Once it was secure and in place, Evan came around to the drivers side door and climbed in. This is some seriously bad weather. Its really coming down out there! He grabbed a napkin from the dashboard and wiped off the droplets of water which were clinging to his face. Terrible, isnt it? I cant remember the last time it rained this hard. As if to confirm this fact, fat drops of rain pelted the windshield even harder. Evan turned the key in the ignition and then put the car into drive. So, where should I drop the car off? he asked. At my house. Ill take it in to have it looked at tomorrow. Okay, whats the address? Im located right off of Rockridge, on Delancey Street. As he plugged the address into his GPS device, a familiar tune drifted through the speakers. It was a song she had loved for years, and was sung by one of those seventies rock bands she was really into.

Great song. Her voice provided a welcome break in the silence. Yeah, the whole album is really good. So youre into classic rock, huh? He gave her a pleased look. Yep, lots of great music from that era. I pretty much prefer it to most of the stuff they currently play on the radio. Oh yeah, most definitely. My mom went to see these guys in concert when she was two months pregnant with me. Guess thats why theyre one of my favorite bands to this day. He chuckled. Maya smiled at him, noticing the way the corners of his eyes crinkled when he laughed. She also found herself admiring his dark tan skin and full lips. Judging from the way they looked, she guessed that he would be a pretty good kisser. She certainly wouldnt mind finding out. So whats wrong with your car? She shrugged. Not sure, really. I heard some weird knocking sounds coming from the engine, though. And there also seems to be something wrong with the brakes. Hmmm. Well, the knocking sounds could be your rod bearings getting loose. And the braking issues could be a result of overheated brake drums. You could be using the wrong kind of brake fluid, too, though. Do you have a good mechanic you could go to? No, not really. I was just going to look through the phone book and find someone. I used to go to this mechanic near my house, but every time I took the car in, it never really seemed to improve. I figured he was probably just cheating me, so I stopped going to him. Evan reached onto the dashboard and grabbed a business card, then handed it to her. She felt a little spark as the tips of their fingers touched, and it seemed as if he let his hand linger there just a little longer than necessary. The moment passed quickly, but she found herself wondering if hed felt it, too. You should bring your car into my uncles shop, where I work. I could take a look at it for you, if you like. Yeah? That would be great. Thanks. She slipped the card into her purse. They rode along in silence for a few moments, and then suddenly the sound of a melodic ringtone filled the air. She looked down at the display screen on her phone and saw that the call was from Dylan, her on-again, /off-again boyfriend. She let it ring, not feeling comfortable about carrying on a private conversation in the tow truck. But only a minute passed before the ringtone once again filled the air. She didnt need to look at the display screen to know that it was Dylan calling again. Some nerve he had. She had been waiting for his call all day, and now he finally decided to call her? That was just like him. Maya stared at the phone in annoyance, amazed how he always seemed to call at the most inopportune times. She wasnt going to answer. He would just have to wait until she got home. Dylan was too used to getting his way anyhow, and she wanted him to know that she wasnt always going to be available.

She started to hit the key that would turn her phone off, but just before she had a chance to, the phone rang once again. This time it was more than an annoyance. She was actually starting to feel embarrassed, and noticed from out of the corner of her eye that Evan had turned his gaze on her. No longer able to ignore the insitentinsistent ringing, Maya flipped the phone open and spoke into the receiver. Hello? Her voice was filled with irritation. Hey, babe, whats up? I was waiting for you to call me. Are you okay? No, not really. Why, whats wrong? My car was having some trouble, so I had to get it towed. Oh man, sorry about that. When did this happen? Maya, you should have called me. I did call you, but you werent available. Feeling self-conscious, she was trying to keep her voice low. Oh, well, I must have been busy or something because I dont remember the phone ringing. Yeah right, she responded flatly. No, really. Listen, Im sorry I didnt pick up, okay? He gave a pause and then asked, Whats that noise? Im getting a ride home in the tow truck. Oh, okay. So when will you be home? I dont know, half an hour maybe. What does it matter? Babe, please dont get mad at me. This isnt my fault, okay? So dont take it out on me. Im not, it just would have been nice if you had answered the phone. I said I was sorry about that. Look, when you get home, call me, all right? Maybe we can hang out or something. She knew what the words hang out meant. To Dylan, hanging out consisted of coming over and having sex, then waking up in the morning and expecting her to cook a full breakfast for him. No way, this time she wasnt going to give in. She was not in the mood for it tonight. No thanks, not interested. She said it with an air of indifference. Maya, come on. I just want to Cutting him off, she said, Just leave me alone, okay? Then she flipped the phone closed. All he had to say were lies, anyhow. She was done listening to him. Bastard. She said it quietly under her breath so that it came out as barely more than a whisper. Evan glanced over at her and offered a look of concern. Is everything okay? Yeah, Im fine. She turned her head to look out the window, watching the scenery of the town pass by.

Unsurprisingly, her cell phone began to ring once again. This time she switched it off before it could make it to the second ring. She continued staring out of the window, hoping they would arrive at her house soon. It had been a long, difficult evening, and she just wanted it to be over. As if to cut the tension, Evan cleared his throat. Listen, I know its none of my business, but if that guys harassing you, there are ways to get him off your back. Howd you know it was a guy? She turned her attention from the window to look at him. Well, I just assumed. It was, wasnt it? She nodded. Yeah, my ex-boyfriend. Glad to hear hes your ex. He doesnt seem like he cares very much about you. Even though it was the truth, it still hurt for her to hear it. The words stung a little. How would you know how he treats me? Im sorry, but you have no idea what our history together is like. Well, that is true, but having some experience with relationships, I can tell when someone is being taken advantage of. Ive been in your shoes before. She didnt say anything, only stared ahead as they made their way down the highway. He was the first to break the silence. So you are in a relationship with this guy, then. What do you mean? I thought you said he was your ex. He is, sort of. Were just going through a rocky time right now, but were still seeing each other. Oh, okay. She could hear the puzzlement in his voice and knew he was probably wondering what the heck she meant by that. Even she realized what shed just said hadnt made much sense. What I mean is were in a strange place. Sometimes were together, and sometimes were not. On and off, huh? he asked. Yeah. She didnt know why, but she felt comfortable opening up to him. Although he was a complete stranger, there was something about him that made her want to share her troubles. Been there, done that. Just got out of a relationship that nearly drained the life out of me. If I can give you some advice, it would be to leave and dont look back. It really isnt worth it. Sometimes thats easier said than done. Yeah, I know it takes time. Believe me, I know. Just dont let him take advantage of you. You deserve better. Her eyes came to rest upon him once again, and this time she realized that his interior was just as attractive as the physical features he had been blessed with.

Thats nice of you to say. I appreciate it. Well, its the truth. As the truck pulled off the highway and onto the street, the sound of the Pet Shop Boys singing about West End girls floated from the speakers. When they came to a stoplight, she couldnt help noticing from her peripheral vision that Evans eyes were studying her. Every few seconds he would look away, but then she would feel him watching her once again. Feeling too shy to meet his gaze, she pretended as if she didnt know that he was looking at her. She knew she must have Notwasnt currently in top form appearance wise, she and found herself intrigued by his interest in her.. . Her hair was wet and clipped into a messy updo, and nearly every trace of makeup had been washed off by the storm, so all that was left was Maya in her bare, natural state. If there was something to be thankful for, she supposed it had to be her smooth, flawless skin. It was of a medium- brown color and her even- toned complexion allowed her to still feel comfortable without wearing any foundation. Moving her hand up to her neck, she began to toy with a brass locket which hung there. Her fingers slid over the fan design which was engraved in it, and she gave a little sigh as her mind began to recall events which were long past.

Still eyeing her with a curious look in his eyes, Evan decided to inquire about the piece of jewelry around her neck. Nice locket. The statement was short and simple, but it instantly gotAs Evans voice cut through her thoughts, Mayas attention. TurningMaya turned her head to look at him. she said, Thanks. If you dont mind me asking, who gave it to you? Maya held the keepsake in front of her eyes and gave it an admiring glance. My aunt. It was one of the last things she gave me before passing away . Sorry to hear. She was touched by the sincerity in his voice. Its one of the few things I have to remember her by. You must have been pretty close to her. She was the only family I had. What happened to your parents? The words he asked caused a feeling of unhappiness to wash over her, and she retreated into a gloomy silence. Im sorry, I shouldnt have asked you that. Glancing out of the window, she stared into the stormy night. Its fine., I wasnt bothered by you asking., She allowed a few moments of silence to pass between them and then said, My dad split before I was even born, and my mom abandoned me when I was

six years agoold. She just dropped me off at my Aunts house one day, and then never came back. Thats awful. Im sorry you had to go through that. He felt uncertain about what else he could say, so he chose instead to remain quiet.

Following the directions on the GPS, Evan made a right onto Delancey Street and pulled up in front of her apartment. He exited the cab to release her car from the flatbed, and she waited patiently as he did it. As she watched him work, she found that she was actually hoping to see him again. She checked her purse to make sure the business card he had given her was still in there, and saw that it was. She was definitely looking forward to taking her car in tomorrow. Once her car was off the flatbed, he climbed back inside and began to fill out a form which was attached to a clipboard. Once he was finished he handed it to her so that she could sign it. Glancing at her fancy signature, he was just barely able to make out her name. Maya. Thats a nice name, I like it. Her face heated up from his compliment. Thanks. You know, I could just tow your car into the shop right now, if you want. You said it was having some issues with the brakes, right? Yeah, but I think Ill be okay to drive it tomorrow. Its not supposed to rain, so I can bring it in. You sure? There was concern in his warm brown eyes. Yeah. Thanks for asking, though. As he finished filling out the papers, she found herself sneaking little peeks at him and realized that he wasnt just handsome, he was gorgeous. Besides his looks, there was something else about him that drew him to her. She supposed it was the fact that hed seemed genuinely concerned about her. In fact, he seemed to be the exact opposite of Dylan. She found herself wondering if he had a girlfriend, and if so, what did she look like? Maya was curious about the type of women he went for. She didnt know why she wondered this, because it wasnt like they were ever going to be together. It was a foolish thought, and she knew it. He tore off a copy of the papers and handed them to her, then said, Well, I guess thats about it. Yep. She stuffed the paper into her purse then opened the passenger door. Wait. Placing his hand on her arm, he looked into her eyes, fixing her with an intent gaze. Yes? There was hope in her voice, and she felt her heart jolt a little from his touch.

Will you be coming by the garage tomorrow? Im just wondering so I can tell my uncle that youre stopping by. We can get pretty busy sometimes, so I just wanna make sure that we have space for your car. Yeah, Ill stop by. Probably not until the afternoon, though. Okay, cool. Ill see you then. He offered her a soft smile. Yep, later. She hopped out of the cab and onto the pavement, then closed the door behind her. Maya could still hear his truck idling as she unlocked the door to her apartment, and it wasnt until she made it inside that she heard him put the car truck in gear and take off down the street. She was touched that hed actually waited to see that she was safe before driving away, and was impressed by the fact that he seemed so gentlemanly. It wasnt a huge thing, but she did notice small things like that about a person. Feeling an urge to look outside, she walked over the window and parted the curtains, glancing out just in time to catch sight of his red taillights as they faded into the distance.

* * * *Chapter

As the clock ticked closer to noon, Maya found herself brimming with excitement. She didnt have to go into work until after two, so she had taken her time getting ready. After taking a shower and eating breakfast, she did her hair, straightening it into the pressed style that she preferred. She applied some lipstick and mascara, and then she got dressed. Before she left the house, she took a quick look at herself in the mirror, making sure that everything looked okay. The jeans she had on emphasized her small waist and curvy hips, and the white uniform top she wore for her job clung tastefully to her bust. It almost felt to her as if she had been getting ready for a date because she found that she was actually feeling nervous. She wasnt sure why, though, nor was she entirely certain just how interested Evan truly was. The way hed touched her arm before she exited the car truck last night had silently expressed that he did have some interest, but then again, guys could be funny sometimes. One day it seemed as if they couldnt stop calling you, and the next it was as if they were bored and couldnt wait to move on to the next woman. After grabbing her purse, she exited the apartment and made her way towards her Honda hatchback. As she drove along the streets, she noticed that there were still knocking noises coming from the engine. She was also having the same issues with the brakes, but she didnt feel as nervous about driving it as she had the previous night. According to the driving directions shed gotten off the Internet, the travel time to the repair shop wouldnt take more than fifteen minutes. As she was driving along, flashes of the previous night came back to her. She thought of his eyes and his smile, and she also thought of his hair. It had been black and shiny, and shed found herself wondering what it would feel like to touch it. And those lipsthey looked soft and sensual, and she was certain that he knew exactly what to do with them. She found herself getting a bit worked up at the thought, so she pushed the erotic images out of her mind and focused on the road. Before she knew it, she had arrived at the auto repair shop and was pulling driving into the back parking lot. The door to the garage was pulled up, and she could see a couple of mechanics inside working on cars that were on the lifts. After she pulled up near the garageputting the car in park, she got out of the car and followed a sign that directed her to the office. As she passed by the mechanics, she could feel their eyes on her, watching her as she walked., and a As she entered, the office, she saw a middle-aged man sitting at a desk typing something into a computer. He looked up at her as she enteredtook a glance up at her.

Hello, what can I do for you? His hair was graying around the edges, and he had a baseball cap on. I need to have my car worked on. Im having some issues with the brakes, and theres a weird noise coming from the engine. She saw from the embroidered tag on his shirt that his name was Gary. We can take care of that for you. Have you been here before? No, I got your business card from the tow truck driver who took me home last night. His name is Evan. Thats my nephew. Hes here right now, actually. He told me you would be coming in today. Youre Maya, right? He gave her a funny little smile, as if he knew a secret that she didnt. Yep. So do you think youll have time to inspect my car? Oh yeah, sure. Are you parked in the back? Yep, I pulled up right next to the garage. Its a blue Honda hatchback. Okay, great. Just follow me, and we can go take a look at it. He gestured for her to walk through a door that led straight into the back area. Mayas car had already been pulled into the garage by one of the mechanics, and she was surprised to find that someone was already beneath the car working on it. She watched as Gary headed towards her car and bent down to speak to the mechanic. Hey, Ttonska, the lady you were talking about is here. Evan slid out from under the car on a trolley, then placed his tools on the ground and stood up. His uniform was smudged with grease, and he smelled heavily of WD-40. It wasnt a bad smell, though. She liked it. Hey there, Maya. His eyesHe gave her an appreciate appreciative once over, and then quickly brought his gaze back up to her eyes.. Good to see you again. Do you have a moment to talk? His eyes broke from hers and darted towards his uncles in a brief glance. It seemed to her that Evan had relayed a silent cue with his eyes, because Gary broke out in a smile. Well, guess I better make myself scarce. I have lots of paperwork to do anyway. Your car is in good hands, Maya. Hes the best mechanic here. He gave her a friendly smile, then walked away. Once Evans uncle left, Maya found herself seeking the answer to a curious question. So is tonska your other name? Evans eyebrows lifted in surprise, and his eyes glinted with amusement. Tonska means nephew in Lakota. Oh. She felt herself grow hot with embarrassment and couldnt help feeling a little stupid. He laughed a little then said, So I checked your engine out, and it looks like the rod bearings are loose. When is the last time you had your oil and filter changed? He may as well have been talking Greek to her because when it came to cars, she was clueless.

Shrugging her shoulders, she replied, I dont know. But the last time I took it to the mechanic, Im pretty sure I remember them saying that they changed it. And when was that? At least eight months ago. Okay, well youre supposed to change it at least every six months, so youre overdue. The bearings are pretty worn down. Now, I can replace the bearings, and this will buy you some time, but in the long run, it looks like the crankshaft will have to be resurfaced. She didnt know what the crankshaft was or what it did, but it wasnt difficult to figure out that it was a pretty serious issue. And how much will it cost to have the crankshaft fixed? Well, thats basically an engine overhaul, so it could run you anywhere from two thousand to twenty-five hundred dollars. Oh wow. Okay. She was nearly speechless. With a steep price like that, she knew she couldnt afford itat least not right now. If you want I can just replace those bearings. That should keep you going for a while at least, but in the long run, youd still need to get the crankshaft fixed. Well, I guess I really dont have much of a choice, do I? So Ill just have the bearings replaced. All right. Well, it usually runs just a little over five hundred bucks but I could bring the price down to three for you. Wow, really? That would be great. I know how expensive car parts can be, so I dont mind cutting you a deal. That would be wonderful. Now how much will the brakes run me? Well, luckily thats a simple job, so it shouldnt cost more than eighty. All I have to do is go in and bleed the brake line. No big deal. Okay, so how long will all this take? Two, maybe three days. He reached over to grab a clipboard from off a counter where a computer was located. Just fill out your information, and Ill give you a call once the car is done. She filled out her information then handed the clipboard back to him.. Taking note of her work tT-shirt, he noticed the silk screened logo on it. You work at Shortys? Yeah, howd you know? Your tT-shirt has the logo on it. His lips curled upward. Oh, right She gave a sheepish smile.. If you need a ride to work I can take you. Glancing at her watch, she replied, Well, I do have to be there in the next half an hour, so that would be great. As her dimples made an appearance, Evans eyes were instantly drawn to them. Great, well, Im parked out in front, so follow me.

Evan led her through the door and back into the office, where his uncle sat at the desk talking on the phone and typing something into the computer. Back in a few. He waved to his uncle, and Gary waved back, giving them a smile. Evan led her to a red Jeep wrangler that was parked in the front of the building. Once they were inside, he started up the car and asked, So which Shortys do you work at? She gave him the directions to her place of employment and then they were off. As they drove along, Maya snuck curious little peeks at him every now and again, and it seemed that with each glance she found her attraction was growing. This excited her, but in a way it also had her worried. She knew it wasnt a good idea to get involved with another guy right now, not with all of the baggage she was carrying around from her relationship with Dylan. As they pulled up to the restaurant, she grabbed her purse and offered him some parting words. Thanks a lot, Evan. I appreciate it. Hey, no problem. Have a good day, okay? Sure thing. See ya. She waved then got out of the car. **** He waved back, and after she closed the door, he took off. As she made her way to the restaurant, his gaze remained fixed on her reflection in the rearview mirror. His eyes admired her retreating form, and the slight switch of her hips drew his attention to the curve of her buttocks. Evan eyeballed her with deep longing, only diverting his gaze once shed disappeared inside the building. A tightening in his pants drew his eyes to his nether regions, and his hands worked to adjust his hard-on. As his car drove along the streets, the distance between them grew even further, and yet still vestiges of Maya remained. The scent of jasmine lingered in his car, surrounding the air around him with its sweet, pleasant scent.

* * * *Chapter

Mayas shift at the restaurant was turning out to be quite profitable. It seemed that most of the people shed served tonight were turning out to be generous tippers. As her quitting time approached,shift neared its end, she counted out her money and was delighted to find that shed made $350. Glancing at the clock, she saw that there was only an hour left in her shift, and the customers were beginning to thin out, so she kept herself busy by refilling drinks and checking up on the tables she was working. She had just finished delivering a meal of hamburgers and fries to a family of five when she turned and saw Evan sitting at a table a few feet away from her. As her eyes locked with his, he smiled. Bringing a menu with her, she walked over to where he was sitting. If I didnt know any better, Id think you were stalking me. She gave him a flirtatious wink. Hey, I cant help it if I got hungry. His smile became a grin. No other restaurants closer to where you live, huh? I like to expand my horizons. He grabbed the menu from her and pretended to look over at it. Pulling out her little pad and pen, she said, So, what can I get for you? Ummm His eyes scanned the menu as he tried to decide. I think Ill try the catfish. He closed the menu and gave it back to her. Really? She cocked her head a little, giving him an amused little smile. Yes really, why? Whats weird about that? The tone of his voice came out light hearted. Oh, nothing. Just didnt take you for the Southern food type, thats all. And what does a person who enjoys catfish look like? I didnt know there was a particular demographic. She offered a little smirk. I dont know. Guess I judged you wrong. Evan leaned forward and placed his arms on the table. Well, if you get to know me better, you can find out all sorts of things about me. I know there are things Id like to learn about you. He looked v deeply into her eyes, as if searching for something that was hidden inside of her. Maya held his gaze for a bit before shyly looking down. Then she glanced back up at him through her thick lashes. Well, who knows, maybe youll get the chance. She gave a flirtatious glance over her shoulder as she walked away.

As she waited on her other tables, she could feel his eyes on her, watching her every move. Every once in a while, she would take a quick glance over at him, and hed give her a little smile. Having him watch her like that made her nervous, but that didnt mean she didnt like it. She was flattered, and found that her stomach was doing little flip-flops from his attention. When his food was finished cooking, she retrieved it from the pickup window and brought it over to his table. Heres your catfish dinner. Enjoy. She was about to walk away when he placed his hand on hers. She turned, feeling a jolt of excitement from his touch. Sorry to bother you, but I forgot to order a drink. Could you get me a root beer? Her eyes sparkled at him. Yeah, sure. When she returned, she saw that he seemed to be enjoying his catfish dinner. He had devoured half of the fish and was now working on the hush puppies. Is the food all right? Fantastic, he said through a mouthful of food. He took a large sip of root beer then wiped his mouth off with a napkin. So what time do you get off? Glancing at the clock, she saw that it was nearly the end of her shift. In fifteen minutes. Think you could give me a ride home? Of course, Id love to. Great. Ill meet you out in the parking lot at nine. She let him enjoy the rest of his dinner, and the end of her shift arrived, . she She grabbed her purse and said her good-byes to her coworkers. As she exited the restaurant, she noticed Evan standing by the door,. Hey there, you all ready to go? Yep. As they walked to his car, she noticed that it was nearly a full moon. It was shining very brightly, and she found herself pulled toward the beauty of it. Once they were in the car, he took off out of the parking lot and onto the road. They made pleasant chitchat as he drove to her house, laughing and joking, and as they came closer to arriving, she realized she was sorry to have her time with him come to an end. She considered inviting him in for a drink of tea or a cup of coffee so they could chat some more, but she didnt want to seem too eager. As he pulled up in front of her house, she turned to him and said, Well, thanks for the ride, and good night. Hey wait, Ill walk you to your door. He got out of the car and followed her to her apartment. Once they reached her door, she turned awkwardly to him, unsure of just what to say. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, a nervous habit she did whenever she was feeling awkward. Id like to call you sometime. Can I get your number?

Maya thought of Dylan, but only for one brief moment. They werent really together anyhow, so she figured it wouldnt hurt to start dating someone new. And she really did like Evan. Quite a bit, actually. Yeah, sure. She pulled a pen from out of her purse and searched for a piece of paper, but couldnt find one. Ill have to go inside and get some paper. I dont have anything to write on. Hey, thats cool. Just write it on my arm. He rolled up his sleeve and held his arm out. All right, she said with a laugh, and she pressed the tip of the pen against his arm. As her hand touched his skin, she was certain she felt sparks, tiny explosions of electricity, jolting beneath her skin, making her feel more alive than she ever had before. Shed never experienced this with anyone, not to this intensity. And as their eyes locked into a gaze, she knew that he felt it, too. The moon shone through the leaves of the tree branches above them, casting a silvery light on her skin and hair. Reaching out to touch her face, he slid his thumb along the curve of her cheek. His finger traveled down further until it came to rest upon her lips, stroking the softness of them as he gazed into her eyes. And then suddenly his hands were wrapped around her waist and he was pulling her toward him. His head tilted downward, moving closer and closer until she could feel his breath against her skin. His grip upon her waist was firm, yet gentle, and she found herself incredibly turned on by the way he was looking at her. Evan gazed deeply at her, stirring emotions around inside of her that she didnt quite understand. Everything she felt in this moment was so intense, and her eyes seemed to view things with crystal clarity, as if magnified under a microscope. What was happening to her right now had to be a dream. It had to be because it felt too good to be real. Then his lips were upon her, soft and warm and gentle. When he kissed her, it was so light and tender that it only made her want him more. She felt his lips press a little harder, coaxing her mouth open as his tongue ventured within. It was quite an erotic kiss, considering they were still getting to know one another, but she was too wrapped up in the heat of the moment to even think about stopping him. And then suddenly he released her lips, leaving her in a whirlwind of passion and arousal. I better go inside. Mayas voice sounded husky, and her eyes were clouded with desire. Her lips formed the words, but her heart was saying something else. Ill let you go then. But he didnt make a move, only stood there with his hands wrapped around her waist. Then she felt his lips press against hers once again, and she heard herself moan, parting her lips to receive the taste and feel of his tongue. She could feel his hands on the small of her back, thumbs stroking along the hem of her shirt. Then she felt the tips of his fingers begin to touch her, skating along the softness of her skin. Her body instantly reacted, nipples tightening beneath the fabric of her shirt, followed by a tingling sensation that stirred in her belly. The touch from this man seemed to be awakening every nerve inside of

her. Mustering all her strength, she pulled back from the kiss, removing her lips from the heat of his mouth. I have to go. Her palms pressed softly against his chest, pushing him away from her. She noticed his brows knit together, as if he were puzzled. Why, did I do something wrong? No, of course not. I just have to go inside and get ready for bed. I have work tomorrow, and I need to get my rest. She really didnt want to leave. What she felt like doing was standing out here and letting him kiss her some more, but she was afraid if she didnt leave now that then she might get carried away, might do something shed later regret. Hey, no problem. Ill give you a call later, all right? Sure thing. And thanks again for the ride. She opened the door and crossed the threshold. Good night,. sShe said over her shoulder. Night. As soon as the door was closed, she leaned back against it, her pulse racing from the strength of emotions that ran through her body. She could still taste him on her lips and could remember the feel of his warm breath ghosting against her skin. It took a few moments for her to come down from her high, but once she finally did, she took off her shoes and tossed them by the door. Then she walked into her bedroom and undressed, still in a daze. After taking a nice long shower, she slipped into her favorite chemise nightgown and flopped into bed. As her head lay comfortably on the pillow, she found herself daydreaming. She wondered what kind of a lover Evan was and what sort of things he would do to her in bed. She also thought about those lips of his and found herself growing wet at the thought of him placing them between her legs. He certainly knew what to do with them, that much was for sure. The melodic ringtone of her cell phone filled the air, and even before she looked at the display screen, she already knew who it was. Her suspicions were confirmed as she saw it was Dylan. She wasnt in the mood to talk to him, though, so she shut the phone off and rolled over onto her side. Only a minute seemed to pass before her home phone rang as well. Giving a sigh, she leaned over and answered the call, preparing herself for the onslaught of emotions that were sure to come. Hello? Hey, Maya. Her heart lifted as she realized it was Evan. A small tingle rushed up her spine from the sound of his deep, sexy voice. Evan, hi. So you made it home. Yeah, just got in a few minutes ago. So what are you up to? Not much. Just stretched out on my bed, relaxing. What about you? The same. I just wanted to call and make sure you were okay.

Yeah, of course Im okay. Why? You pushed me away when I was kissing you, so I thought I may have done something to offend you. Shifting onto her side, she cradled her head in her hand. No, not at all. I was just starting to feel a little overwhelmed. In what way? I dont know. You just brought these feelings out of me, and I started feeling really turned on. And thats a bad thing? His voice was tinged with humor. No, of course not. Its justI She was searching for the words, trying to find a way to tell him, but she just couldnt figure out how. Were you thinking of your ex-boyfriend? No, thats not it. Its just She paused for a moment, staring up at the ceiling. I just want us to take our time, is all. Because I like you a lot, and I want to keep seeing you. Well, I like being around you, too. And we will keep seeing each other, so nothings going to change that. And just so you know, Im not looking for a casual thing with you. I know we only just met, but youre the type of girl I would want to have a relationship with. So dont think Im just trying to get what I want and then dump you after. That isnt what this is about. Maya felt her heart lift from his words, and she sank back onto the pillow, pulling on the cord of the phone. Okay. There was a short moment of silence between them, and then she said, I enjoyed seeing you at the restaurant tonight. It was a nice surprise. Really? I was hoping you wouldnt mind me there. I just felt like I had to see you again. Of course I didnt mind. Well, good. He was quiet for a few moments, and then he began to speak. Would you like to go out sometime, Maya? She felt the pace of her heart quicken. Yeah, sure. That would be nice. Great. How about we do something this weekend? I know this great sushi place downtown. Would you like to try it out? Sure, I love sushi. Cool, then its a date. ,Looking forward to it. Her lips turned into a smile. So youre not seeing your ex-boyfriend anymore, right? No. I havent talked to him since that night you towed my car. Its over between us.. Glad to hear it, responded Evan. You deserve better anyhow. A brief moment of silent passed between them and then he once again spoke. Youve grown quiet all of a sudden. Can I ask what youre thinking?

,Im thinking about what a good kisser you are. Youve got some talented lips, you know that? As she heard him chuckle, she imagined the corners of his eyes crinkling in amusement. Shed noticed it that day hed driven her home in the tow truck. Well, thanks. Glad I could put them to good use. Youre not so bad yourself, you know. Grinning, she twirled a lock of hair around her finger. Id love to get in some extra practice with you again. His voice was seductive. Not that you need lessons or anything. It would be purely for my own self-improvement. She laughed, flexing her toes into the mattress. Oh right, like you need to get any better. Kissing is not anything you need to improve upon. Im good at more than kissing, though. She felt her face grow hot, and she twisted the phone cord around her finger. Like what? She already knew, but she wanted to see how he would respond to her question. Oh, I think you know what I mean. Do I? she teased. Evan chuckled. Lets just say I havent had any complaints. Well, do you have any references? His laughter floated through the receiver. Youre fun to talk to, Maya. I like you. Well, thats good because I like you, too, she replied. She could almost hear him smiling through the phone. So, would it be too forward if I asked what you were wearing right now? She stared up at the ceiling, playing nervously with the hem of her nightie. Ummm, a nightgown. And what about you? Only thing covering my body is skin, he replied. The visual of him lying on his bed naked while talking to her sent a delightful little tingle between her legs. Oh really? So youve been talking to me this entire time naked? He gave a little chuckle, Sure, why not? Its not like youd have known any better unless Id told you. Well, no, I suppose I wouldnt. So do you always sleep naked? Yep. Its more comfortable for me that way. What about in the winter, when it gets cold? I just bundle up beneath a heavy comforter. I see, she replied. And what about you? Dont you ever sleep naked? Yeah, in the summer if its been an especially hot day. Sometimes Ill even walk around the house naked. Of course, I close all the shades before I do, though. Now youre just teasing me. She released a giggle. .

That really was a great kiss we had, wasnt it? Her face creased into a smile. Oh yeah, it was fantastic. And it was only our first try. Imagine what itll be like once we get in more practice. Mmmm, I know, right? She slid one of her hands across her thigh. You smelled lovely tonight. That scent you were wearing, was it jasmine? Yep. She found herself pleased that hed noticed. Shed applied the scented oil earlier in the morning in hopes it would have some effect on him. Yeah, I thought so. It was really nice. I bet you smell good all over, though. His voice turned husky. Her pulse quickened from the tone of his voice, and her body became tense with desire. The sound of his voice alone was making her wet. Closing her eyes, she began to imagine what he looked like naked. I wish I could touch you. His voice came out in a deep sort of whisper. Would you let me, if I was there? Still caressing her thigh, she allowed it to travel further up until it reached the junction between her legs. I dont know, maybe. She closed her eyes, imagining that the hand between her legs was his. Where would you let me touch you? She could hear him shifting on his bed, moving into a more comfortable position. On my stomachand my legs She wanted to say more, but found herself suddenly shy. Her face was getting hot with desire. And where else? His voice was full of tension and desire. She grew quiet, feeling too shy to continue. What about your thighs? Could I touch you there? She pressed her fingers firmly against the space between her legs. She could feel a bit of moisture dampening the fabric of her panties. Yes. Her voice sounded tiny. And what about between them? Stifling a moan, she rubbed herself harder. His voice had her so horny and wet for him. I bet you smell incredible, Maya. Id really love to taste you. Her free hand was caressing her breasts, playfully pinching and twisting her nipples. Maya, are you still there? Say something. Im here, she responded. Am I making you uncomfortable? No. Okay, good. Sorry if Im getting carried away. I just got so turned on thinking of you lying on your bed in that nightie. Deciding to have some fun with him, she responded, Who says Im wearing a nightie?

For a moment, there was silence on his end of the phone, and she knew what he was visualizing. So youre not wearing it anymore, then? You took it off while we were talking? She giggled softly. No, Ive still got it on. I was just joking around. You know its really cruel the way you tease me. She could tell from the tone of his voice that he wasnt genuinely hurt, just playing around with her. Sorry, I couldnt help it. She grinned, stifling a yawn. Not keeping you up, am I? Turning over onto her stomach, she responded, No, not really. I usually stay up kind of late anyways. Are you working tomorrow? No, I have the day off,. Im working on Friday, though. What time do you go in? Noon. I could give you a ride if you like. That would be nice. Ill pick you up at half past eleven. How does that sound? Sounds good. Great, so Ill see you on Friday. Sounds good. Ill see you then.. After saying their good-byes, they hung up the phone and Maya flopped back against the pillows, already buzzing with anticipation of their next meeting. **** It was half an hour later and Maya was still wide awake, staring up at the ceiling as she thought about Evan. She still felt stimulated from the conversation theyd had, and could hardly wait for the next twenty-four hours to pass. Friday had always been her favorite day of the week, but now more than ever, she longed for its arrival. Words he said kept replaying in her mind, and the memory of his deep, sexy voice sent jolts of pleasure between her legs. Shed just closed her eyes and started to indulge herself in a fantasy of him when she heard the phone ring. Reaching for the receiver, she lifted it off the cradle and placed it against her ear. Hello? Hey, babe. What are you up to? Giving a little groan, she flopped back onto the bed and replied, I was sleeping. What do you want? I just felt like talking to you. Ive been trying to reach you on your cell phone all day, but you refuse to pick up.

Well, now you see how it feels. Im sorry, okay? I really want us to work things out, so please stop ignoring me and give me another chance. Why? Because I love you, and I want you to move in with me. She tried to ignore the fact that the pace of her heart had increased. She also tried to pretend that excitement wasnt building in her stomach. Did he actually just ask her to move in with him? Dylan had been hinting that maybe one day they should have a talk about trying to move in together, but hed never actually asked her to do ituntil now. Why was he always doing this to her? Just when she was certain shed finally cut him loose and flushed him out of her system, he seemed to find a way to get back into her heart. Rolling onto her side, she responded, I dont know, Dylan. We have such an unstable relationship, that Im just not sure if that would be a good idea. Im not completely sure if it will work out either, but Im still willing to give it a try. I really want us to do this, Maya. Sighing heavily, she tried to ignore the emotions inside of her, but was unable. Shed been wanting this for so long, but never actually expected it to happen, and now here he was, asking her to take that next step. Theyd had a lot of ups and downs over the past four years theyd been dating, but shed stuck through it and put up with all of it. Shed been hoping that one day it would all be worth it and that they would finally reach that point of having a committed relationship. But now that he was finally asking her, she wasnt so sure. Part of the reason theyd had so much trouble was the distance between them. Dylan lived almost an hour away, which made it difficult for them to see each other as often as they would have liked. So if they moved in together, would things take a turn for the better, or would they only get worse? She wasnt so sure if it would be worth the risk. I dont think thats such a good idea. Truth be told, a part of her wanted to say yes, but the other half was thinking about the new man in her life. If she got back with Dylan, she would lose Evan, and she really didnt want that. Although theyd only known each other a few days, there was something about him that she really liked. There was a strong masculinity about him, and he also possessed a certain confidence that was irresistible. Yet despite that virile side of him, he also had an underlying sensitivity, something that seemed so in tune with her own needs and desires. Why not? I thought you wanted that. She could hear the puzzlement in his voice and knew he was wondering why she was no longer interested in taking things to the next level. He was so used to getting his way with her that he hadnt even considered the idea of her turning him down. I just dont think it would work out. He was silent for a few moments and then said, Please just give it some thought, okay? No, Dylan. I already said I didnt want to.

Maya, come on. The least you can do is think about it. I said no. Now please just leave me alone. I need to sleep. Im not giving up on us, Maya. Well, thats too bad, because I am. Im coming over. Dylan, no. Its nearly midnight. I dont care what time it is, I need to see you. Im willing to drive over there right now. Maya released a deep sigh of frustration. He could be so damn annoying sometimes, so unbelievably persistent. But the weird thing was, he acted this way when she was seeing someone new. It was as if he had some sort of built-in system that detected when other men were trying to date her.. . All right, fine. Ill think about it, okay? The truth of it was that she really had no intentions of doing so. Good, I was hoping you would say that. Because I miss you, Maya. A lot. She felt a fluttering in her stomach but did her best to ignore it. I need to get off the phone now. Im really tired, and I have work tomorrow. Okay, Ill let you go. But lets talk tomorrow, okay? Id really rather not. Good-bye, Dylan. She hung up before he could say anything else. She started to turn off the light, but decided to open the drawer of her bedside table instead. As she did it, a voice inside of her told her to close the drawer and just go to sleep, but she ignored it. Once her fingers found the piece of glossy photo paper, she retrieved it, pulling it out of the drawer. She needed to look at it one more time to see if she was truly ready to move on, once and for all. As she studied the photo, she found that her gaze was drawn to his eyes, which were large and of a cold, gray color. They werent soft and warm, like Evans eyes were, and now that she was closely studying his image, she noticed something else. The expression on his face was one of blankness, and his eyes seemed to be void of emotion. She found it funny that she was just now realizing these things about him, and began to wonder how she could have ever been so infatuated with him in the first place. Realizing she was spending too much time looking at the picture, she snapped herself back into the present moment and tossed it into the wastecan. It was over between them, so why did she still need to hold onto it? The only purpose it served was to hold her back from moving on. She was just reaching her arm out to turn off the lamp, when her eyes fell on the photograph in the trash. The voice in her head was telling her to just leave it there, but of course she went against it and pulled it out anyways. Shed keep it as a memento, and nothing more.

Maya slipped the photograph back into the drawer and buried it beneath a pile of papers, that way it would be hidden form her eyes. Just because she was keeping his picture didnt mean that she couldnt still make a clean break from him. After pushing the drawer closed, she turned the light off and settled into bed, giving a contented sigh as she laylaid her head against the pillows.

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