Page 12 of Spark

Suddenly, a shuffling sound sent a jolt of adrenaline through her. She froze, peering over the top step on the last set of stairs before her floor. Tufts of blonde hair drew closer, loud footsteps accompanying the approaching figure. Torn between bolting back down the stairs and her mind screaming that she was overreacting, she stayed still as the face came into view.

“Hi there,” greeted a handsome, tall man with long blond hair that hung partially over his deep green eyes.

Mia forced a smile and ascended the final steps to the landing.

“You wouldn’t happen to be Terry, would you?” he asked, his smile widening.

Mia let out an awkward laugh, shaking her head. “No, god no! Terry’s a sixty-something bald, fat man.” She looked herself up and down before meeting his gaze. “I don’t think I fit that description.”

“No,” he chuckled, a light sound from his full lips. “You definitely do not.”

Heat flooded Mia’s cheeks as his eyes roamed over her, making her acutely self-conscious in her classic 50s diner uniform that David had forced them to wear.

“I’m Mia.” She extended her hand, breaking his gaze as she tried to shake off her discomfort.

“Oh, right. Pleasantries.” He grasped her hand firmly, and she matched his grip as best she could, shaking it politely, just as her dad had taught her.

“I’m Oliver.”

She smiled again, releasing his hand, but his fingers lingered, sending a shiver up her spine as he caressed her fingers before letting go slowly. Caught in his gaze, she felt like a fish ensnared by a shark.

“Well, if you’re looking for Terry, he lives one floor up,” she said, pointing to the stairs behind her. “But it’s late for him to be expecting company.” Mia pulled out her phone, the screen illuminating the late hour—close to 11 PM, far too late for anyone not living in the building to be out.

“I worked a second shift at the station, so this is the only time I could meet,” Oliver explained, leaning casually against the wall.

Mia was acutely aware of the stairs behind her and the way he boxed her in with his presence. Steeling herself, she mustered a polite smile and attempted to move around him. Undeterred, Oliver fell into step beside her.

“Terry said to come by as soon as I was off,” he continued as they walked toward the doors.

“Well, like I said, he’s one floor up.” She reached the doorway and paused, a sudden instinct stopping her from revealing her loft. Following her gut, she pivoted to face him directly, turning toward Janet’s door instead.

“May I ask why you’re coming in so late?” she asked, projecting a bravery she didn’t feel. All she really wanted was to bolt into her loft and lock the door behind her.

“Yeah, I’m looking at the lofts,” he said, leaning closer. His breath was warm against her ear as he pointed to the door next to hers. “That loft right there.”

Mia didn’t need to look. She closed her eyes for a moment, overwhelmed by his cologne as he stepped back. Opening her eyes, she forced a smile, though her cheeks were tired of the effort.

“That’s great,” she said, a bit too loudly. “Well, I’m sure Terry will be down…”

As if summoned, the heavy sound of Terry’s footsteps echoed on the stairs. Oliver turned to see him as he rounded the last few steps, panting from exertion.

“Evening, Mia,” Terry greeted, his breaths coming in short bursts. “You must be Oliver.” He reached out a plump hand spotted with age. As the two shook hands, Mia seized the opportunity to slide her key into her door. She opened it quickly and quietly, slipping inside in one smooth motion. As she went to close it, a hand shot out to stop her.

Oliver stood there, that same smile beaming down at her. “Leaving so soon?” he asked, his voice dripping with sweetness.

“Yes,” Mia replied, clipping her words as her temper flared. “Good night.”

She pulled hard, feeling his grip tighten against the door. In that brief moment, as he relented and released it, she swore she heard him murmur, “See you soon.”

Inside, Mia shook off the bad vibes and made her way to the bathroom. She reached for her phone, fingers hitting Aurelios number without her even thinking. On the second ring he answered.

“Hello, Beautiful.” He called, his nickname filling her with glee, the earlier tension fading.

“Hello Aurelio.” She responded, her clothes hitting the bathroom floor. She turned the knob on the tub, the gently trickling of water sounding as she dipped a toe in.

“Ahh, tub time huh?” Aurelio said, “My favorite time.” He gave a little laugh, deep and mischievous. Mia let her body fall into the tub as she gave a simple ‘mmhmm’ as response.

“Sorry for hanging up earlier, was looking like a job I have lined up for tomorrow was not going to happen.” He said, a deep sigh escaping. “Anything happen while I was occupied?”

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