Page 44 of Spark

“No, this one is perfect,” he said, not missing a beat.

Aurelio was at the edge of the counter, his body poised in a silent plea to be closer to her. She headed to the opening in the counter, and he frowned as she moved away from him. Time seemed to stand still as he reached out to her. Her feet picked up speed as she passed through the gap. A second later, she was wrapped in his warm arms.

“Okay, lovebirds. I’m trying to enjoy my pie!” a gruff voice announced, breaking the moment as time resumed around them. Aurelio frowned; his arms tensed around her, and she patted his back before pulling free.

“Oh, Tom, you stinker,” Flory admonished, pouring more coffee into his cup. “Ignore this bitter old man and have a seat in the corner booth.” She pointed, but Mia knew which she meant and was already pulling Aurelio to it. He slid in after her, resting his hand in hers.

“Hi,” she said, settling in next to him. Her eyes searched his as he smiled wide, leaning down to plant a gentle, quick kiss on her lips.

“Hello, beautiful.” His voice was light, playful even. “I'm sorry I had to send Mac to drive you.” His smile faltered slightly; eyes locked on the red tabletop.

“Oh, that's okay. Thanks for coming in.”

“I promised,” he said. “Can't break two promises in one day, can I?” A small chuckle left his lips. Mia was glad for the easy conversation as serenity surrounded them.

“Mac was super nervous on the drive over here.” She gave him a knowing look. “Did you have anything to do with that?”

Aurelio snorted, his eyes brightening. “I may have been a little harsher than needed when telling him to bring you here, safe and sound.”

“And ‘untouched?’” she added.

“Mmmm, I don't remember my exact words…” Aurelio avoided her eyes, a devilish grin on his lips. “But I already talked to him about it. No harm, no foul, right?”

Mia sat back a little, her fingers still intertwined with his, her other hand resting on his thigh. “Yeah, sure.” Her voice betrayed her uncertainty.

Aurelio seemed to sense it. He turned to her, their thighs pressing together. “I was wondering when you got off tonight...”

Mia thought about the work she still had to do on her dissertation and the six pages due the next day. She didn't have to be at the school till later in the day, and since her T.A. position was remote, she would be able to spend more time in the library. Aurelio sat expectantly, waiting for her to say something.

“Sorry,” she said, meeting his worried gaze. “I was thinking about my class schedule.”

He nodded. “Are you too busy to hang out after work? Cause that's fine. School is important.” He leaned away as if she needed to go, and he was in the way.

She pulled him close to kiss him, tugging his hand to her chest. “No, I have time,” she whispered against his lips.

“You take my breath away.” He closed his eyes, forehead against hers.

The comment took her aback. She stole his breath.

“I think you have that backward,” she told him, her thoughts spilling from her mouth. “You are absolutely the mostinteresting person I have ever met, and I am blown away.” She closed her mouth, cutting off any more thoughts, but the damage was done.

Aurelio was smiling wide, knowing she had shared more than intended.

“Same.” He placed another sweet kiss on her lips. “Do you need to finish your shift?” he asked, moving to slide out of the booth.

Mia sighed, nodding sadly. “Yeah, but my last table left a few minutes ago. Flory likes to stay behind the counter. She says being busy on her feet keeps her young.”

Aurelio laughed, holding out a hand to help her up. She placed her hands in his, realizing how well they fit together. This man had a way of making her body react in a way she had not felt before.

“I should be able to finish up pretty quick, and then, oh shit,” Mia swore, remembering her car was still downtown. She cursed herself for having let it totally slip her mind.

“What's wrong?” he asked, placing a hand on her waist to casually hold her.

“My car.” She rolled her eyes to the ceiling, letting her head fall back. “'Can you give me a ride to it after I finish my shift?” she asked with a pleading smile, batting her lashes at him softly.

Aurelio let out a soft chuckle, the sound music to her ears. “It would be my pleasure,” he said, moving with her as she made her way back to the counter.

“Thank you.” She rose onto her toes to give him a kiss. He leaned over to meet her halfway.

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