Catching Stardust

by Heather Thurmeier

  Her heart tightened at the thought of her sisters. Those girls could piss her off more than anyone she’d ever known—well, except for Orion, of course. But she missed her sisters more than she’d thought possible.

  If she’d found herself in this position with her sisters by her side instead of alone, she’d know what to do. She’d let Taygete figure out what needed to be done. Tay was the best problem solver she knew. Maia had no doubt it would take her sister roughly fifteen seconds to figure out a way home. If only Tay were here.

  Maia sniffled back the tears threatening to make an appearance. If there was one thing her sisters most certainly would not do, it was cry about it. So neither would Maia. Crying wouldn’t help her get home.

  Besides, if she were being honest with herself, this wasn’t her worst trip to Earth. Far worse things could have happened to her instead of meeting Zander and spending time with him. He definitely wasn’t anything to complain about.

  Seeing him at the hotel so unexpectedly this morning had caught her off guard. She would have preferred it if she hadn’t had her face snuggled against his coat when he’d found her, but she hadn’t been able to help herself. She thought she’d never see him again and she needed one last whiff of his delectable scent before she left his jacket at the front counter for him to pick up.

  Now she didn’t have to worry about never smelling him again since they were going on a date again tonight. A real date.

  The idea of another evening with Zander caused her head to swim a little. She didn’t want to get attached to a guy from Earth and going on a real date with him was the last thing she should be doing right now. But she couldn’t help it.

  When she’d seen him again in the lobby, her resolve from the night before disappeared entirely and left in its place a quivering heap of hormonal lustiness. She wished she could resist him, but she couldn’t. Seeing him again this morning made her realize leaving him on Earth when she went home to the stars was going to suck no matter if she spent more time with him or not. So why not do what she really wanted to do and worry about the rest later?

  And what she wanted to do was see Zander again, and she would—tonight. The thought of spending more time with him made her feel giddy and happy in a way she hadn’t in a long time.

  As she moved one branch of the bush and then another looking for any kind of clue that might help her understand why she was here to begin with, or maybe even a note that had fallen out of the fashion mistake bag, Maia’s mind imagined all the things she might do with Zander later.

  Maybe they would go to another telescope somewhere so she could look at the stars up close again. Maybe he’d bring her back to Central Park since she’d asked him about restaurants in the park. Maybe after they had dinner together, he’d kiss her. Maybe this time his hands wouldn’t stop at her waist. Maybe this time, hers wouldn’t stop either.

  A crumbled scrap of paper caught her eye, taking her mind from the places it was currently exploring with Zander. Really good places…

  The paper was snagged on a branch—probably nothing more than someone’s discarded receipt, but she had to check every possibility while she was here. She pulled the little paper from the bush and opened it expecting to see a list of items and prices. Her heart skipped a beat at the sight of words on the paper.

  This wasn’t a receipt at all. This was a note. Addressed to her.

  “M, this is for your own good. qct Your dad made me do it. Think of it as a little vacation while we figure out what to do about Orion. I’ll get you back as soon as possible, I promise. Z.”

  “I’ll get you back too, Zeus.”

  An additional sentence was scrawled across the very bottom of the note, as if it had been added in at the last second. “Please bring me back some of those candied peanuts from the nut cart. I love those things.”

  Maia’s temper spiked in her veins. “Oh, I’ll give you candied peanuts, all right. I’ll candy your peanuts as soon as I get off this planet.”

  She had to get herself home and now she was more determined than ever to make that happen. And she knew just the person to talk to about it.

  But first, she had a date with Zander.

  ***

  Zander stood in the lobby of Maia’s hotel, sucking in a quick breath as she walked off the elevator and toward him. He didn’t know how it was possible, but she was even more beautiful than the last time he’d seen her. She changed out of the capris she’d been wearing earlier and had on another sundress, this one falling to just above her knee.

  He wasn’t used to being around a girl who wore dresses so often—or so well. Usually, the girls he’d dated in the past only wore dresses if they were going somewhere fancy and formal, which this date most certainly was neither.

  Part of her hair was pulled back loosely into a shiny silver clip while wispy tendrils framed her face. The rest fell down her back in long waves. He wished he could tangle his hands in it, knowing it would feel every bit as silky as it looked. Those silky waves would probably feel just as amazing falling across the bare skin of his chest as she straddled him in bed and kissed his lips, his neck…

  “Hi,” she said. “Have you been waiting long?”

  “Not at all. Are you ready to go?”

  She nodded. “Where are we going?”

  “It’s a surprise.” He grinned at the expression of annoyance on her face.

  “I don’t really like surprises. Tell me.” She smacked him on the arm playfully as they made their way out of the hotel and headed down the crowded street.

  She was feisty. He liked that. And she was cute when she didn’t get her way. He liked that too.

  “I’m not trying to be difficult. But I know you’re not from around here, so if I tell you where we’re going, you’re not going to know anyways. So why not just let me take the lead and surprise you?”

  She squinted up at him, but not because of the bright sun, which was setting behind the skyline. “That’s a pretty good reason to keep me in the dark about where we’re going, I guess. Any hints?”

  He thought for a moment, trying to decide if there was anything that might make her excited for where they were headed without spoiling his surprises for the rest of the night. “The view is spectacular.”

  “Well that’s vague,” she quipped. “There’s a billion spectacular views in this city.”

  “Who said anything about staying in the city?” He pulled open the door to Grand Central Station and held it open for her to pass through in front of him. “Have you ever been on the Metro North Railroad before?”

  “I can’t say as I have. But I can’t say as I’d know why we’d need to leave the city either. Can’t you get anything and everything right here in New York City?”

  “I can think of about a million things you can’t get in the city, but you’ll have to wait and see for yourself. Until then, how about we grab a coffee and go catch our train?”

  They made their way into the basement of the terminal to the little shops and restaurants. After a quick stop for a couple of coffees, they boarded their train and found a quiet section to sit. The train was still busy since it was the tail end of the commuter traffic, but their car was far enough away that most people didn’t walk all the way to the end to get to it.

  They sat across from each other, their knees almost touching in the small space between the seats. The closeness to her made him feel slightly nervous suddenly, like he might say the wrong thing and she’d walk away from him. Thankfully, they’d timed it well and the train pulled away from the station after only a few minutes so there was no chance of her walking off the train until they got to their destination.

  It was silly to be so nervous. He was a grown man who’d gone on plenty of dates. He’d never had trouble talking to girls before so he had no reason to believe he’d suddenly become some awkward, bumbling idiot. Yet he couldn’t help but worry that he’d lose this girl before he ever really had her.

  He took a sip of his coffee and leaned back i
nto his seat. Maia did the same. Then she smiled at him. A slow, sexy sort of smile that instantly put him at ease. And a little turned on. Goddamn she was sexy as hell. How had he ever managed to luck out and find this girl in the park that night?

  “Still not telling me where we’re going?” She took a sip of coffee, peering at him over the rim of her cup with those amazing green eyes.

  Green eyes he was supposed to do more research on after his date. Damn. Had he screwed up by joining forces with Jude? If Maia found out what he was up to she’d never trust him or believe his intentions on this date were true, real, and heartfelt.

  Saying something stupid wasn’t really his biggest risk for losing her. But being stupid enough to listen to Jude was. He couldn’t worry about that now. Right now he wanted to focus on only his date with Maia and then later he’d figure out what to do about everything else.

  “Nope. But don’t worry. You won’t have to wait long to find out now. We’re almost there.” He glanced out the window, watching as they pulled away from the next stop. Unfortunately, they had to take a local train because the stop closest to where they were going was a small one. That also meant they had to stop at every other little station along the way.

  “So, is this somewhere you like to go on a regular basis?”

  “Nope. I’ve actually only been out to this particular spot once before, but when I was thinking of where I could take you tonight, it came to mind. I know you’re going to love it.”

  “Really? How can you be so sure when we barely know each other?”

  “I just know.” He shrugged. “You’re right, we do barely know each other. But I’d like to change that. I’d like to know more about you, Maia.”

  “Ask me something.”

  He tapped his lip, trying to think of the perfect question to ask her. “Last night at dinner, you said you have sisters, but not how many?”

  “Six of them if you can believe that.” She laughed, but it didn’t reach her eyes. She glanced out the window instead.

  Huh. Another coincidence that Maia would be named after a star in the seven sisters constellation and she had six sisters herself.

  Forget about it. On a date.

  “Do you miss them?” he asked, forcing the other thoughts away. Lots of people came from big families. These weird coincidences were just that, coincidences. Nothing more.

  She nodded and sipped her coffee, not responding to him verbally.

  “Why didn’t they come with you?”

  “I’m not sure. This was kind of a—spontaneous trip.”

  He didn’t like the look of sadness in her eyes. Obviously she was close with her sisters and missed them terribly, but he didn’t want that to put a damper on the rest of their night. “Ask me something. Anything.”

  “Anything? Hmm,” she tapped her bottom lip. “Do you have any siblings?”

  “One older brother. My parents tried for more after I was born but it never happened. They always wanted a big family like yours.”

  “That’s too bad—that they would want something but not be able to get it.”

  He shrugged. “They don’t talk about it much anymore. It became a sore topic and ultimately contributed to their marriage ending.” He sighed. “This isn’t really putting our date off to a happy start, is it?”

  “Not so much. But I still like hearing about your life.”

  “How about a happier question? What do you like to do for fun when you’re not on vacation?”

  “I like being outside, hiking, swimming, that sort of thing. What about you?”

  “The same. And I like hanging out in the dark so I can see the stars too. Oh and going to the movies.”

  “I didn’t take you for a movie buff.”

  “I don’t like all movies, but if there’s anything sci-fi playing, I’m there—even if it’s a cheesy, implausible movie.”

  “What’s your favorite sci-fi movie?” She rested her head on the back of the seat as he thought for a moment about his answer.

  He didn’t have to think for long. “Contact.”

  She shook her head. “I don’t know that one. What’s it about?”

  “Making contact with another planet.”

  She twisted the edge of her skirt in her fingers. “You like that kind of thing?”

  “Of course I do. What’s not to like? Imagining what it could be like on another planet somewhere out there in all that space is awesome. I can’t help but wonder what it would be like—making contact and traveling to some far off place in the corner of the universe would be amazing.”

  He sat silently for a moment. That scenario would be a dream come true for any astronautics engineer. Making contact with another place in the universe really would be the discovery of a lifetime…it would effect all the lifetimes to follow.

  They pulled into the station at Valhalla. “We’re here.” He rose from his seat and reached out a hand to help her up. Her small hand fit into his nicely and he gave it a gentle squeeze, not dropping it again once she was standing. He didn’t want to let go of her yet and since she didn’t try to take her hand back from him, he continued to hold it as they exited the train. He led her across the street and down the road as the sun continued to set lower and lower on the horizon.

  “It’s not far now.”

  They rounded a corner and in front of them stood the massive stonewall of the Kensico Dam. The lush green lawn in the valley in front of the dam was busy with people getting fresh air while exercising after a long day of work, while many others lounged on picnic blankets.

  “Are we having a picnic here too?” Maia asked from beside him. She looked genuinely thrilled at the idea and he knew his plan for their night had been the right one.

  “Yes and no.”

  “You’re very mysterious tonight.” She laughed and stroked her free hand up and down his arm. Her hand on his bare skin made a million nerve endings come to life.

  “I’m pretty sure you’re far more mysterious than I am. There’s still so much I don’t know about you. I feel like I’ll never figure it all out, but I’m going to start trying to tonight.”

  She frowned at him a little and he instantly wished he hadn’t said that. “Sometimes a little mystery is a good thing.”

  “True.” He stopped walking and turned to face her, stroking her cheek with his fingers. “Whatever you’ll share with me, I’d like to know.”

  Her frown softened and his spirits lifted again. What was it she didn’t want him to find out? Was she hiding something? Something big?

  “A tiny bit farther and we’ll be there.” He ducked under a low canopy of trees, pulling her with him.

  She stopped under the tree near the opening. “Where are we going exactly?”

  “Just up those stairs to the top of the dam.”

  She glanced up the stairs then back at him, uncertainty and logic clearly bothering her in this situation. She definitely wasn’t comfortable going into dark, secluded places with a man who was barely more than a stranger. But she didn’t have anything to worry about as long as she was with him. He’d protect her from anything, never hurt her or take advantage of her being in a situation like this—a situation that promised privacy.

  “I promise I’ll tell you the second I intend on become a murderer so you never have to wonder with me, okay?” he teased. “And I have no intention of becoming one tonight or any other night.”

  She smiled at his joke. “Okay. I’ll trust you. But if you try to murder me up there while we’re alone, I’ll throw you over the side of the dam.”

  He laughed. “Deal. I’d like to see you try to throw me anywhere. You’re too tiny to be effective.”

  She gave a quick pull on his arm and he stumbled. “You might be surprised,” she said with a big grin. “I’m stronger than you think.”

  “I bet you’re a lot of things.” He recovered his footing quickly and squeezed her hand

  Hot, sexy, smart and sassy were all among the things he already knew about her. N
ow he could add funny and feisty to the list—a long list of qualities he was growing to really like about her.

  They climbed to the top of the stairs and ducked under another low canopy of trees. The stairway hadn’t been maintained in a few years since it wasn’t in use anymore. There was a time when anyone visiting the dam would have been allowed to climb to the top to take in the view, but those days were long gone now that homeland security was tighter everywhere with possible risk or vulnerability.

  Maia sucked in a breath beside him. Her eyes were focused on the site before her. A large picnic blanket with a few pillows sat waiting for them. A basket of food and a bottle of wine chilling in a bucket of ice were engulfed by a glow from the multiple lanterns surrounding the whole area. It really was beautiful and as romantic as he’d hoped it would be.

  I’m going to owe James big time.

  “Worth the climb?” he asked.

  “Absolutely.” She squeezed his arm with both hands almost giving his arm a hug.

  Feeling her body pressed up against his side made his pulse race. The evening was off to a great start and he couldn’t wait to see where the rest of the night took them.

  Chapter Ten

  Maia couldn’t believe the sight before her. The picnic itself was outstanding, but the view beyond it was absolutely breathtaking. On one side of the dam was the park they’d just walked through and on the other side was a beautiful blue lake, twinkling in the twilight.

  Zander was so sweet to plan all of this for a girl he barely knew. How had she been so lucky to find him out of all the people she could have run into that first night in the park?

  “How did you arrange all of this?” she asked, stepping forward to get a better look at the picnic spread before them.

  “I have a buddy who works for the Westchester Parks Department. He made a few calls on my behalf.”

  “This is too much, Zander. You shouldn’t have gone to all this trouble.”