“You work here.” A statement not a question, as he tugged at the apron string wrapped and tied around her waist.
After giving his fingers a quick squeeze, she replied, “Yes, I work here, which means I’ve got to deliver these drinks. Have a seat. I’ll be over in a minute.” She lightened her brush-off with a quick kiss on his cheek.
Circling the tables, she noted Terran had joined his friends, who were surrounded by the tabby party.
Katie bumped Melissa off a barstool to make room for him.
Maya waited until he surveyed the room and caught her eye. She winked, letting him know she had watched his progress.
Terran winked back then turned to Katie, who attempted to tug off his sleeve in order to gain his attention. “The sticker” perched next to him, hands animated as she related some exciting tale then listened, entranced by his response.
What a moon-calf.
Maya delivered drinks and engaged in light flirtations with regulars before stopping at Terran’s table.
Katie’s mental shock hit like a mighty squall, followed by jealousy and a not so nice opinion of Maya’s person. Her heavily lashed eyes narrowed as she considered ways to make Maya’s evening hell.
Oh, my little daisy, don’t go swimming in the big pool.
Maya bared her teeth in a grin, looked directly at Terran, and bit her lower lip. Keeping her gaze on his, she blew a bubble with her gum, and then used the tip of her tongue to draw it back into her mouth. “What can I get you, handsome?”
Terran shifted forward in his chair, a slight flush on his cheeks. “If Green Moose is on draft, would you mind bringing three pitchers and seven glasses?” Trust him to be precise.
“Anything you need, honey.” She capped off the flirtation with another teasing wink. After gathering more orders, she returned to the bar. A glance in the bar mirror gave Maya a moment’s pause as she repeated her orders to Moose.
A very perturbed Katie approached.
Maya turned to allow Katie her say.
With pinched lips and fisted hands, Katie blurted, “I don’t know what’s going on, but I want you to leave Terran alone.” She paused and folded both arms across her chest. “I’m not sure what kind of girl you are, but we’re trying to develop our relationship.”
“That’s a nice thing to say—‘develop our relationship.’ I bet you’re a college girl, ain’t ya?” Maya picked at her front teeth with a plastic cocktail sword.
Katie’s brow furrowed, and she tapped her foot against the sticky floor. “I’m not sure what you mean.”
Maya smiled at Moose as he finished her first order. “Katie-girl, I’m sorry, I truly am, but I don’t believe you’ll ‘develop a relationship’ with Terran. Your heart may hurt now, but there are a lot of men who would be interested in what you have to offer. Terran is not a good match.” She lightly squeezed Katie’s hand. “I apologize for my bluntness, but your life is short. Don’t waste time chasing after a man you cannot have.”
Maya walked away while Katie sputtered and tried to pick her jaw off the floor. When Maya delivered the pitchers to Terran’s table, she gleaned an extremely hostile vibe coming from the tabbies all huddled together. They glared as she placed their glasses on the table.
Why were they angry about truthful words? Was allowing Katie to believe she had a chance with Terran, a kindness? Humans had such short lives. Why permit them to waste time hoping for something that would never happen?
Maya had used harsh words to clarify the facts. Heartbreak was something she’d experienced during her human life, so she had sympathy for the girl. Katie was too young to realize this moment was only a quick flash. A fleeting instant of temporary heartbreak in a life filled with more sorrows and joys. Katie would find happiness when she found the right person to share her life.
As Maya walked away from the table, she heard someone ask—Who is that girl?
Very good question and after almost one hundred thirty years, she still didn’t have an answer.
Chapter 13
Terran tipped back his bottle and drained the last swallow. His gaze followed Maya as she flowed from one table to the next, her laugh a balm to his soul each time the husky echo hit. Still a mystery, but at the same time, he understood they fit together. Behind their physical attraction was an indefinable chemistry, bubbling like the potent mix of an acid and base.
The bar stool by Maya’s station opened. He crammed his empty bottleneck into the ice-filled bucket on the table and hustled through the crowd to fill the empty seat.
He nodded and smiled at a blonde lady with a very low cut V-neck shirt as he sat beside her. The deep crease of her breasts, created by the visible straps of her purple Wonder Bra, was adorned by a variety of gold necklaces. Terran motioned for Moose, ordered a shot of Zaya for himself and his jeweled companion, and waited for Maya’s return.
Throughout the rest of the evening, he chatted with Maya when she came to pass along her drink orders. They discussed people in attendance, the town, and Ethan’s funeral. Moose and his barstool buddy, Margie, piped in at times.
Terran rolled his empty shot glass on the bar. When Maya placed her tray full of empty glasses beside him, he said, “When do you get to clock out?”
The crowd had died down. Funeral attendees, regulars, and tourists all headed to their homes or wherever they had found comfort for the evening.
“Why?”
“I thought we could take a drive.” He placed his hands on the sides of her waist and pulled her between his legs.
She reached past him to grab her drink. “Sounds perfect.” After taking a sip, she placed the empty glass back on the bar.
“What were you drinking?” He lifted the glass and sniffed.
“Adam’s Ale.”
“Never heard of it.” He sniffed again, but didn’t detect any lingering beer aromas.
“Adam’s Ale is water, Terran.” She ran a finger along his bottom lip. “Just water.” Wrapping her arms around his neck, she swayed back and forth to the rhythm of an old country song playing on the jukebox.
He remained on the stool and drew her closer. Their bodies perfectly aligned. Even after a night delivering all flavors of alcohol, she still smelled like a freshwater spring. He rested his head against the soft blonde waves of her hair. Eyes closed, he flowed with her dance.
She stepped back after the song ended and motioned for Moose. “Rafferty’s on a toot again. You’ll have to call his wife. I’m heading out with Forrester here, all right?”
Moose pulled his phone from his pocket and nodded as he eyed Rafferty tottering by the pool tables.
Maya shot her apron into a basket sitting by the sink.
Terran stood and jiggled the keys in his pocket, while he watched his blonde retrieve her bag from behind the bar.
She took his hand. “Are you ready?”
He nodded, but caught a flash of uncertainty as it crossed Maya’s features before she turned away. She squeezed his hand and drew him toward the door.
Are you ready? Had she meant more by that question? If not, then why the uncertainty? Had a greater question gone unasked?
This woman tied his mind in knots. Dizziness threatened each time he stared into her eyes’ blue depths. The only thing he was sure of right now was, yes, he was ready.
Chapter 14
A crisp chill remained in the air, but the skies were clear. The stars radiance had shuttered out long ago, yet their light still traveled across the night sky. The only other illumination came from a lamppost erected in the center of the parking lot. The lamp’s beam cast a glow in a wide circle around the solitary pole. Terran unbuttoned his long-sleeved navy shirt and slipped it around Maya’s shoulders.
Pine trees formed a line that blocked the bar’s parking area from neighboring businesses. His truck sat alone, parked along the back aisle.
Following Maya to the passenger side, he hit unlock on the key fob. After glancing at her feet, he commented, “Glad to see you’re wearing s
hoes tonight.” He took her hand before she could hop into the seat.
She raised a single brow as he traced his finger down the edge of her cheek.
“So fair, like a pale moon beckoning until your curiosity about what lies on the dark side has you willing to risk any journey to unearth its mysteries.” He kissed her, tilting his head to deepen the plunge.
Their linked hands were held at his side, restraining any exploration of those mysteries here in the parking lot.
She met him with intense eagerness, dueling for mastery over the kiss.
On the verge of losing control, he pulled back. “Get in the truck.”
Maya shoved his chest. “I was trying to get in the truck. You’re the one who stopped me.”
He chuckled. “You’re right. I’m sorry.” After helping her up, he circled around to the driver’s side. Clicking his seatbelt, he left the parking lot and drove to the south end of Emma Matilda Lake. He talked about Ethan’s death, and the town’s shock that his father, Carlyle Crowder, hadn’t attended the funeral.
His truck bumped along a forgotten dirt road. Deep pits filled with remnants of the summer rains jostled them in the cab and water splashed against the sides of his truck. He followed two narrow strips lit by his headlights before stopping along an outlet stream’s grassy bank. Pine forest densely populated with spruce and fir surrounded the lake. The white-tipped Teton peaks were illuminated by moonlight.
“This is a popular area for serious climbers during the day. Most novice hikers don’t make it this far from the main road. We should be alone out here tonight. Hold on a minute.” Terran twisted and reached behind the seat for his backpack. He dragged it over the top and onto the seat between them, pulling out a thermal camping blanket. “Would you like to sit outside?”
Maya nodded. “Let’s sit in the truck bed. I’ve been inside most of the day. I’d like to enjoy the night.”
He went around to open her door, but he found she’d already jumped down. “I’ve been inside all day as well. Everything seems fresher at night, like the world is renewing in the darkness. I hike out here sometimes and sit along the bank. I enjoy the earthy smell of wet grass.”
A frog croaking and the rustle of night creatures created a musical chorus only a forest lake could provide. Sounds of hoo’s and whoop’s from a female great gray owl echoed across the night, which added a comical element to the mix.
Terran pulled down the tailgate and helped Maya into the truck bed. He settled the extra wide blanket and sat with his back against the truck. “Sit with me.” He pulled her down between his legs. “Are you cold?” He wrapped his arms around her.
“No. I don’t really get cold.” Yet, she snuggled between his thighs.
Odd, women were always cold, or maybe he wanted an excuse to warm her. He played with her hands, running his fingers between hers, and then massaging her palms. Her skin was smooth against his rough hands. “How long have you worked at Mo-swa’s?”
“Is that really what you want to talk about?”
“Sure, why not? Let’s do small talk.” He kissed the back of her hand, returned it to her lap, and continued toying with her fingers.
Maya sighed and relaxed against him. “The bar isn’t a full-time job. I go in on the weekends and sometimes Thursday nights. Moose doesn’t mind the help, and I make good tips. I’ve only been here a few months. I don’t know how much longer I’ll get to stay.” She ran a hand down his thigh and squeezed his knee.
The pressure trembled up his leg straight to his groin.
“Mother has me moving all the time. I think the longest I’ve stayed in one place was…um… a long time ago. I lived in Hawaii for a couple years. I liked being on an island surrounded on all sides by water.” Her hair tickled his chin when she laughed and shook her head.
“Where is your Mother now?”
“She’s around.”
“Are you tired? I got tired just watching you work.” He rubbed her shoulders.
She bent forward so he had better access to her entire back. “I’m not tired, but don’t stop. That feels wonderful.”
A soft moan erupted from her throat, shooting a jolt of lust straight through his body. The wild side of his nature threatened to stand up and howl.
He maintained his calm when she asked about his family, childhood, and school years. Her interest sparked when he commented on his Conservancy projects. Shifting to face him, she fired off question after question on water’s ecosystems and whether or not prions could affect other animals besides cows and sheep. She had a ready grasp of everything and appeared to absorb all he said like a sponge. “Have you been to college, Maya?”
“No, attending college wasn’t possible. I left home when I was young. I wish I was smart, like you.” She slumped a bit and rested her head against his shoulder then pointed to a grouping of stars. “Do you know the constellations?”
“That is Cepheus-the King and there is Cassiopeia-the Queen.” He pulled her against his chest, and then used his hand to guide her finger. Together, they traced the star patterns in the sky.
“Stars are amazing, aren’t they?” Maya sighed. “And the moon, he and I, we’re friends of a sort. He guides me. I drift with the tides at his direction. Would you like to be a star, Terran? Your light remaining, spanning lifetimes, and appearing to never die out?”
He brushed a kiss against her temple. “Stars are spheres of gas, technically plasma, held together by their own gravity.”
“That’s a very practical answer. Apparently, for you, stars aren’t glowing beacons to wish upon.” She sat quietly for a moment before questioning in a soft voice, “Do you think there is something more? A place where we go when we die?”
“No.” He softened his short response by kissing the top of her head. Religion was not a discussion to delve into at the moment.
“Would you wish to live longer? To walk the earth, never dying. If someone offered you a perpetuating life, would you accept it?”
He combed his fingers through her hair, pulling the strands away from her neck. Dropping a kiss against her pulse point, he answered, “That’s not possible.”
She twisted in his arms and clutched his bicep. “Consider it for a moment, please.” A slight quiver shook her voice, and her eyes sparkled from the moon’s light. “You are free from disease, hunger, and death. Your scientific knowledge would grow and you could develop ways to protect the environment. If you became peri-mortal the earth would benefit. I would—”
“Hey, what’s wrong?” He winced as her nails dug half-moon-shaped grooves on his arm. “Why are you so upset? It’s not something I can consider, because immortal life is not possible.” He brushed her hair away from her face.
She peered into his eyes, and her grip on his arm loosened. A single tear shimmered and fell down her cheek. “But what if a long life was possible? Why can’t you have a hypothetical conversation?” Rising, she tilted her head toward the sky and wrapped both arms around her body.
His arms empty and chilled without her close, he watched her shoulders rise and fall as she took a deep breath. This was why he didn’t discuss religion. The conversation never ended well. His mind didn’t process life in “what ifs”?
Hands fisted at her sides, she turned and said, “What if you received special abilities? Perhaps you could read minds or compel others to do your will. Would you choose forever then?”
These questions meant something to her, but why? “All right, Maya, I’ll consider your questions. I didn’t bring you here to upset you. So, would I choose an immortal life? This is what you wish to know?”
“Yes. Not really immortal per se, but continuous or long lasting.” She sat on the edge of the truck bed, and her knee bounced up and down.
“No,” He shrugged. “This is my one shot. I have a passion for life, now. If I could live forever that would be erased. I would get up and think, why not just do it tomorrow?” He reached over and stilled her knee. “The thought of what science will discover
ten, twenty years from now does appeal, but I’m happy with this life. I don’t need more.”
With her elbows resting on her knees, she bent and scrubbed her fingers through her hair. After nodding a few times, she sighed, and then lifted her head.
The mood turned gray.
His heart lodged in his throat. What did I say? Why did a wave of sadness and loss seem to flow from her? Like a dead tree branch breaking away and floating down the river away from his reach.
“I. Don’t. Need. More. Do you mean that?”
“Yes.” He hadn’t wanted to upset her, but he wouldn’t lie. He did need more. Only she was the more he craved.
“You’re very sure in your answers.”
“I know what I want.”
“A passion for life now, you say, and yet, all you’ve done tonight is talk. Since you’re not planning on becoming a peri-mortal, let’s not waste another minute.” She dropped to her knees before him.
He rose to meet her and gripped her head in his hands. “I have more than just passion for you. I cannot guess at tomorrow, but if you want absolutes then I’ll be clear. I want more moments like this. I want to know you. I want to lay you down and make love to you. I want to erase the sadness in your eyes. What is it you want?”
In answer, she gripped his hips, drew him closer, and locked her mouth over his, leading them in a flagrant kiss.
He spread his fingers through her hair and angled her so he could plunge deeper into her mouth’s warm depths. He spread his knees and leaned back, supporting her as she wrapped her legs around his waist. Not close enough. He craved the balmy heat of her skin, the cascade of her hair against his body. Withdrawing from the kiss, he leaned back and removed his T-shirt.
She reached out to touch his bare chest, but he stayed her hands. She still wore his flannel so he tugged it down her arms and off. She lifted her dampened T-shirt over her head.
He worked loose the bra hooks at her back, and then he fingered the straps over her shoulders. He arched her over his forearm, and ran a hand over her silky skin. Her bounty filled his hands and he teased her straining peaks.
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