Spark of Desire ; All for You

by Sheryl Lister

  Myles spoke for her. “Dad, this is...Aria. A friend.”

  Her eyes flashed to Myles, hurt that he’d downplayed what was obviously more than a friendship. She tamped down her emotions and reached out to shake his father’s hand. “Nice to meet you.”

  “A friend, huh?” Dr. Jackson mused. “Good.”

  Did he just say “good”? Like she wasn’t worthy of being more than a friend to his son. Her body tensed, and heat flushed through her. Memories of previous relationships with men who’d told her she was good enough, only to later demand she change to be more suitable for their world, assaulted her.

  “I expect to hear from you, Myles,” Dr. Jackson said. “We have a short timeline to get everything done.”

  Myles didn’t answer his father. He simply nodded. There were no goodbyes or even a fatherly hug. Dr. Lawrence Jackson just walked away, along with Aria’s appetite.

  She stood. “I’m ready to go.”

  Myles frowned. “Why? We haven’t eaten yet.”

  “I’m not hungry. Take me home.”

  Aria headed toward the door without another word.

  Back at her house, she kicked her shoes off and headed toward the kitchen. Myles followed her.

  “Are you going to ignore me forever?”

  She poured herself a large glass of wine and gulped it down. “It’s tempting,” she replied, refilling her glass.

  “Aria, I—”

  “I’m not sure how I feel about that interaction with your father.” She took another sip of wine before she set the glass back on the countertop. “Scratch that, I know exactly how I feel. You introduced me as your friend, like I’m nothing more than a casual acquaintance.”

  “Aria, will you let me explain?” He stepped forward and she held up a hand, signaling him to stop where he was. His shoulders fell. “My father is—”

  “I don’t care who your father is!” she yelled. “This isn’t about him. This is about you. And me. This is about the fact that you downplayed our relationship. You acted like I’m nothing to you.”

  Myles frowned. “You don’t get it.”

  “Really? I think it’s pretty clear.”

  “If you’d just let me talk,” he grumbled, “maybe you would understand.”

  Aria shook her head. “You know what? Maybe you should go.”

  “I’m not leaving.”

  She shot him a hard glare, crossing her arms over her breasts. “Fine. Tell me how I should take this. Why didn’t you tell your father that I’m more...?” She swallowed over a hard lump in her throat. “That I’m your girl, that we’re together.”

  He reached out and swiped a tear that she didn’t even realize had fallen. “Aria.”

  “No. Are you ashamed of me?” Her chin trembled, which made her angrier. With herself for letting him make her feel like this. With him for making her question her value.

  “Hell, no.” His voice came out like a loud boom, and Aria retreated backward in response. He is pissed. “Why would you say something like that?”

  She was pissed, too. “Because you dismissed me!”

  “I didn’t dismiss you. I protected you.”

  “From what? From your father?”

  “Yes. You don’t know him. And I didn’t want him to insert himself into our relationship like he’s done with everyone else in my family.” He let out a slow, exasperated breath. “Meeting my father as my girlfriend would have made you run far and fast.”

  “Why?”

  “Because he’s not a nice man. He’s cold, calculating and manipulative. He’s everything you thought I was. Aria, I just found you.” He caressed her face, searched her eyes. “I’m not ready to lose you.”

  Aria backed out of his hold, grabbed a bag of chips and her glass of wine, and walked over to the patio door. She slid it open and stepped outside. The night air centered her, made her feel normal for just a moment. Because nothing about this situation was normal for her. She took a seat on one of the wicker chairs and set her glass on the table. Myles joined her moments later.

  “My father wasn’t easy to love,” he said. “He... Hell, he wasn’t here. He worked all the time. And my mother was so busy pretending to be the perfect wife and mother that she forgot to be one.”

  Aria rocked in her chair silently. Their experiences were so similar it was uncanny.

  “It’s funny because all of my brothers...” He continued, “We had one person who stood in the gap for us, someone who provided that nurturing we needed to adjust.”

  She closed her eyes. “Ms. Pennie.”

  “Yes.”

  She looked at him then, studied the profile of his face as he stared out into the dark. “So, your brothers had a Ms. Pennie?”

  “Yeah, they did. Drake had Love’s mother. Ian had Dr. Solomon and his family.”

  Aria knew Gloria, Love’s mother. The older woman had joined them on one of their ladies group outings. She was a hoot. She also knew Mia, who was Dr. Solomon’s daughter and Ian’s best friend. “What about El?”

  Myles tapped his fingers against the table. “El would disappear and go to church when we were kids. I suspect his nurturer was there.”

  She stared down at her bare feet. “Your parents sound like my mother. I think that’s why I got so upset. She was... I don’t know.” She hunched a shoulder. “She was her. My father always told me to love people where they’re at. So I learned to never expect more from her. If that makes any sense.”

  “It does.”

  “The older I get, the more I know I’ll never be the woman she wants me to be.”

  “You’re okay with that?”

  “Yes.” She snickered. “Don’t get me wrong. It would be nice to have her support, and even her approval to some extent. But I don’t need it. Because the woman she wanted me to be was some Stepford wife whose sole existence was finding a husband, having kids and maintaining status.”

  “My dad is the same way. He always made these rules for us, required us to be part of his society. Whether that meant taking part in formal balls, playing sports or being available as an escort to his friend’s daughters. Aria, my life wasn’t easy. My father forbade me to play my music. He would have never supported my lessons with Ms. Pennie, which was why she did them secretly at no cost. My way to cope was to fly under the radar. I didn’t get in trouble, I excelled at school and at baseball. I followed the family path.”

  “And you’re okay with that?” she asked, throwing his question back at him.

  “Oddly, I am. When I went to medical school, I was doing it for him. But I found that I actually like the work. It’s not a chore. My brothers and Mel... They don’t get it. They think I’m doing this solely for my father.”

  “You’re not?”

  He shook his head. “I’m not.”

  He picked up her hand and kissed the inside of her wrist, holding his lips to her pulse point. “I’m sorry I hurt you, because that wasn’t my intention. Everything about this feels right to me. You feel right to me. I’m not ashamed by you, I’m in awe of you.”

  Aria’s pulse raced against his fingers. He’d just melted her with his words. In a minute, she might be a puddle on the floor. In a minute, she might be in love with him. If she wasn’t already.

  “I hate that your mother doesn’t realize how badass you are.” He brushed his lips against her palm and up her arm. “Your career is pretty amazing.”

  Aria smiled. “How would you know? You’ve only seen one collection.”

  “Google.”

  “You researched me?” She’d definitely looked him up, stalked social media for him only to find that he didn’t have a single page anywhere.

  “Yeah. I did.”

  “Okay.”

  “Okay, what?”

  “I forgive you.” He dropped his head onto her arm, and Aria ran
her fingers over the back of his neck with her other hand. “Myles?”

  He lifted his head, stared into her eyes. “Yes?”

  “You’re pretty badass yourself. It’s a shame your father doesn’t realize it.” She stood from her chair and climbed into his lap. He wrapped his arms around her and burrowed his head into her neck.

  “Thank you,” he murmured against her skin.

  “Myles?”

  “Yes, Aria.”

  “Thank you.”

  Chapter 12

  Ann Arbor was jam-packed with people from all around, browsing displays, eating carnival food and fellowshipping with friends. The sun burned hot, but Myles didn’t notice. All he could see was Aria. She hadn’t stopped smiling since they’d arrived an hour ago.

  She’d printed out a map of the many booths and then led him around to those she’d starred in red ink. Today, she wore black shorts that showed a little too much of her legs, a pink tank and a pair of black-and-white Chuck Taylors. One word. Adorable. He wanted to eat her up.

  As they strolled down Main Street, Aria waved at a few artists and stopped to talk to others. Many vendors had congratulated her on her exhibit at the Charles H. Wright Museum. While they were there, Aria was invited to show her work at several galleries including the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, or MOCAD.

  Aria had taken and handed out business cards left and right. And had even managed to talk to one of the board members of the Ann Arbor Art Fair. He was pretty sure she’d have a booth next year.

  They stopped at the Food Court for lunch. A live band played original tunes while people danced and sampled food from the various trucks. Aria ordered a huge corn dog, cheesy fries and a large lemonade. Myles bought sausage and peppers and a bottle of water.

  “Want to sit?” she asked.

  He nodded.

  They found a table near the stage and took their seats. “Fry?” she asked.

  He snatched one from her plate and popped it into his mouth. Greasy foods weren’t his thing, but there was something about carnival food that made him want to eat everything in sight. “Good.”

  She dipped her corn dog into some ketchup. “This is great. I’m sorry Ms. Pennie couldn’t be here.”

  Myles was sorry, too. That morning, he’d dropped by her house to pick her up, and she’d told him that she was in a lot of pain and didn’t think she should go. He’d thought about calling Dr. Kirk to ask if he should bring her in, but before he could suggest it, Ms. Pennie had told him to “mind your own business, I’m fine.” He knew a losing battle when he saw one, so he didn’t fight her. He’d check on her later.

  “I hate that she couldn’t be here,” he said. “I know she’s disappointed.”

  “Is she okay?”

  “She’s still in a lot of pain from the fall.”

  “So, it’s not the cancer.”

  Myles had shared more about Ms. Pennie with Aria over the last week. “No. The doctor has confirmed she’s still in remission.”

  “But you’re still worried.”

  Although it wasn’t a question, he answered her anyway. “I am.”

  Ms. Pennie and Sharon had started packing up the house slowly but surely. His Realtor had agreed to put it on the market, but there was some work that had to be done before it was listed. Myles had hired painters and a landscape artist. He’d even gone over to the house and helped clean out the attic while Ms. Pennie barked orders.

  Aria placed her hand on top of his and squeezed. “That’s normal. She’s like a mother to you. I would be worried, too.”

  He sighed. “Right. The problem is, I know she’s good. I saw the reports. There’s no need to be so worried.”

  “Listen, medicine is one thing—an emotional connection is another. Your brain knows, your heart feels. That’s all there is to it.”

  Myles dropped his head and she hugged him to her, offering him a comfort only she could give. He wrapped his arms around her waist. “Thank you,” he mumbled.

  “I have an idea,” she said. “Does Ms. Pennie have any dietary restrictions?”

  “Not right now.”

  Aria hopped up and pulled him to his feet. “Let’s take the fair to her.”

  An hour later, he knocked at Ms. Pennie’s door with Aria by his side. He could hear Ms. Pennie cursing him out through the door.

  “I told you not to come back here, boy!” The door swung back. “And—” The curse died on her lips when she noticed he wasn’t alone. “Oh.” She smiled and held the door open. “You brought your friend. Come in. What brings you my way?” Ms. Pennie had turned on her nice voice, as opposed to her pissed-at-Myles voice.

  He held up the bag of greasy food. “Brought you lunch. Ms. Pennie, this is Aria.”

  Aria hugged Ms. Pennie. “It’s so good to finally meet you. I’ve heard so much about you.”

  Ms. Pennie ran her fingers through her hair. “It’s about time he brought you to meet me. But I wish he’d told me ahead of time. I’m in the process of packing, and I could have cleaned up a bit. And combed my hair.”

  “You look lovely,” Aria said. “And you should see my house.”

  The grin that spread across Ms. Pennie’s face made him smile. She looped an arm through Aria’s and led her to the sunroom. “I would say we can go outside on the patio, but it’s hot as hell outside.”

  Aria giggled. “I love it. A woman who tells it like it is. I’m the same way.”

  Ms. Pennie turned to Myles. “I like her already. You betta do the right thing, boy.”

  “All right now, Ms. Pennie,” he told her.

  Elbowing Myles not so subtly, Ms. Pennie said, “I remember when I used to wear short shorts. You couldn’t tell me anything back in those days.”

  Myles covered his face, shaking his head. “Ms. Pennie.”

  “I’m serious, boy,” the older woman continued. “I used to get a lot of male attention back in my prime.”

  Aria laughed. “I bet you did.”

  Ms. Pennie winked. “See.” She pointed at Aria. “She’s a keeper.”

  They spent the rest of the afternoon with Ms. Pennie. At one point, Aria had even started packing up boxes with her as they chatted about the weather and Avery’s television show, The Preserves. Myles noticed the ease with which Aria interacted with Ms. Pennie, and it endeared her to him even more.

  He couldn’t keep his eyes off Aria. For the first time in his life, music and work didn’t hold his undivided attention. And that meant one thing. I’m in trouble.

  “Can you tell this boy that he needs to play more?” Ms. Pennie asked after finishing off her lemonade.” And in public?”

  Myles groaned. “Ms. Pennie. Please.”

  “No, son. It’s time you get out of that box you put yourself in and share your gift.”

  “I agree, Ms. Pennie,” Aria said with a shrug. “He’s so talented.”

  “Can we not talk about this?” he asked. “We’re having a nice afternoon.”

  Ms. Pennie ignored him and talked directly to Aria. “He’s always been closed off. He keeps his music private because of his father. I know it.”

  Aria tilted her head, observing him. But she didn’t say anything.

  “I wish that damn Lawrence would just leave the kids alone.”

  Gotta love how she still called them kids when all of them were over thirty with the exception of Mel. “I’d rather not talk about my father, Ms. Pennie.”

  “Ah, fine.” She rolled her eyes. Hard. “Whatever.”

  “Glad to see you’re feeling better,” he said.

  “I just love you, boy. I want the best for you.”

  Myles knelt next to her. “And I love you, too. But we don’t have to do this every time I see you, ya know. We can just chill and talk about other things.”

  Ms. Pennie caressed his cheek. “I
wish you could see how special you really are.”

  Aria squeezed his shoulder and he froze. He hadn’t even realized she’d moved from her spot on the other side of the room. “He is special, Ms. Pennie.”

  He peered up at her and mouthed, Thank you.

  Ms. Pennie yawned. “I’m so tired.”

  Myles fought the warring emotions battling for dominance in his heart. On one hand, he knew better. The lab tests and the imaging studies had confirmed the cancer was indeed in remission. But his heart didn’t want to know a life without her.

  He smoothed Ms. Pennie’s gray hair back and kissed her cheek. “We’re going to let you rest.” Myles held out his arm, and Ms. Pennie looped hers through his and stood. He walked her to her room.

  “You didn’t have to do this, Myles.” Ms. Pennie squeezed his biceps. “Sharon will be back in a few minutes. She just had to run a few errands.”

  “I wanted to.”

  Inside her bedroom, she shuffled over to the bed and sat down on the edge. She peered up at him, a watery smile on her face. “You mean so much to me, boy. Thank you for being you.”

  “I don’t know any other way to be.”

  “That girl down there is perfect for you, two sides of the same coin. I think she will help you to live a little, to take chances. That’s all I’ve ever wanted for you.”

  “I wish you’d stop talking to me like you’re dying. You still have plenty of life left to live.”

  “I’m not dying. I just want to see my favorite person in the world happy.”

  Myles smiled. “I’m happy. Thanks for caring.”

  “All right. Now, get out. Go spend the rest of the day with your Aria.”

  My Aria. Myles liked the way that sounded.

  * * *

  “Domino.”

  “Shit,” Aria shouted. “Not again.”

  He shrugged. “Hey, I can’t help it if you suck.”

  Aria stuck her tongue out at him, and he laughed. “I can’t help it if you suck,” she mocked in a high-pitched, annoyed voice. “I have never lost this much in my life. I think you’re cheating.”