Page 45 of Spark

“Have a seat, and I will be done as soon as I can.” She pointed to the empty chair next to Joe, who was still sipping hiscoffee. Mia turned away with a smile to grab a towel from the back to wipe the table up.

Flory followed behind her, hands on her hips and eyebrows raised. “Oh, girl, he gets my heart rate up!” She took one hand off her hip to fan herself. “What a catch, huh?”

“Flory!” Mia exclaimed, waving the older woman out of her way.

Flory was visibly pleased with herself as she raised her hands in surrender, throwing a wink at Aurelio. Mia passed by him, dodging his hand, fumes practically coming out of her ears as her face turned redder than the apples Luis made pies with. Aurelio chuckled as Flory passed him a slice of pie that was “on the house.”

Mia made quick work of the table, letting her embarrassment out on the red tabletop, stacking the remaining plates, and shuffling them off to the back. Aurelio was mesmerized by the pie. She was happy he was distracted; if she could continue to focus, she’d get her side work done and be out in no time. Luis greeted her at the kitchen door.

“Here, darling.” He handed her two closed containers. “Something for your man there, too.”

“Thanks, Luis.” She grabbed the containers. “Can I keep them in the window for now? I have some side work to finish.”

Flory’s small hand touched her back. “No need, doll. I got it. Go enjoy your night.”

“I don't mind…”

“Nonsense! I got nowhere to be, and there isn't much to be done anyway.” Flory waved a hand at Mia, guiding her towards the door.

“I need my bag.”

“I already gave it to him. Just go.”

“Flory… thanks.” Mia turned and gave her a hug.

“Enjoy yourself.” The older woman winked at Mia before pausing in front of Aurelio. “You, young man.” She crooked a finger at him.

Aurelio raised his brows but obliged, leaning down so she could whisper in his ear. Whatever she said put a smile on his lips, and he nodded. “Absolutely, ma'am.”

Flory nodded, shuffling off to help her remaining patrons.

Aurelio was holding her bag on his shoulder. She reached for it, but he only chuckled. “I don't mind carrying your bag, beautiful. Can I take those, too?” he asked, reaching for the containers.

She nodded; his gentleness was one more mystifying thing about him.

“Ready?”

She looked out the door; the rain had finally stopped. She felt taken care of, like he wanted to do everything for her as he opened the door. She was not sure how she felt about that. The yellow Mustang was parked outside, even more beautiful in person than it had been in any of the pictures he had sent her. She could see the love he put into it; he had to have rebuilt it himself.

“Wow.” That was all she could manage as Aurelio opened the passenger door for her. The Mustang was a classic. Aurelio was pleased with her reaction. His impressive figure walked quickly to the driver's door, got in, and patted the wheel like it was a baby he had to handle delicately. He caught her staring and smiled shyly.

“I, uh...” he stammered. The idea he was nervous was very funny. “I really like my car.” He shrugged, inserting the key in the ignition. The engine came to life, and Aurelio placed ahand on the dash, whispering, “Atta girl,” before reaching for his seatbelt. Mia realized she had not buckled in either.

“Ready?” Aurelio asked; his devilish grin was back.

The unspoken truth of what he was really saying hung in the air. She matched his grin, nodding quickly and holding the food tight. Without another word, the Mustang shot out of the parking lot, taking off along the highway. She watched as the scenery sped by, the car making quick work of the trip. Aurelio expertly shifted the gears, letting the car gain speed as it smoothly switched lanes. His focus was intense; his eyes watched everything around him. She found herself enthralled by the speed, the man behind the wheel, and the adrenaline pumping in her veins. Her legs tingled, her thighs clenching as she felt her desire rising. She tried to focus on something else, anything else, but Aurelio's draw was too strong.

She watched his mouth, which was set in a small smile as he drove. The way his hands gripped the shifter made her wish they were on her body. He casually leaned in the seat as he gained speed. There was no fear, no worries lining his handsome face. He glanced over, catching the look of desire in her eyes. His hand slid off the shifter onto her thigh, gripping it lightly. The ride was over too soon. Her car was parked in the same spot it had been in before, and without a word, he stopped behind the little blue Bug and shut off the engine.

“How was that?” he asked.

“Fast,” she said with a smile. “Almost too fast.” She winked, and he grinned at her, leaning close to press the seat buckle. He reached for the containers, placed them in the backseat, and kissed her. Her tongue grazed his, and he deepened the kiss by cradling her face close. She breathed him in; the kiss lit a fire in her thighs. She put her hand on his, urgingit up to feel between her legs. Without breaking the seductive contact, his fingers caressed her moist panties.

He groaned, pushing aside the fabric to feel the source of her pleasure. She moaned his name. Her lips were swollen from the force of the kiss; neither of them was willing to let go. He gently moved his fingers; her walls eagerly squeezed to hold him there.

“Shit,” he breathed against her. Aurelio’s fingers lingered along her entrance. He met her gaze; lust made the air around them heavy as he slowly slid two fingers inside.

She moaned against his lips. “Aurelio…” Her breath was ragged and needy as her eyes fluttered closed.

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