Page 6 of Flawless Lyric

“Thanks, sweetie. Could you check the lasagna while you’re in there? It should be almost done.” Ruth smiles at Micah like he’s an angel. If she only knew.

When his hand presses against my lower back, my heart begins to race. Why does the touch of this perfect stranger feel so right? Like a long-lost lover from a different life. Seriously, Lyric? Get a grip! And stop reading your sappy love stories. He’s just some guy you met in a bar who just so happens to be your new boss’s son.

Opening the door, he coaxes me inside. A sudden thought hits me: he’s luring me into the lion’s den. He wouldn’t dare try anything at his parents’ house. Would he?

“Let me show you to the restroom before I check on the lasagna.”

He leads me down a hallway off the kitchen and points to the third door on the left. “Right in there. I’ll wait in the kitchen.”

“That’s not necessary, and I really need to be leaving soon.” In the blink of an eye, he’s pinned me against the wall.

“Do I make you nervous, Beauty?” That would be an understatement.

“Not at all. As you know, I’ve had a long night and the sun’s making me sleepy.”

“Since neither of us had much sleep, we could always go upstairs. I doubt we’d get much sleep, but I’m willing if you are.”

I jump out of my skin when a door slams somewhere in the house. Micah doesn’t budge an inch. So I take matters into my own hands. I give him a push and hightail it into the bathroom, locking the door behind me.

When I’m finished, I open the door and hear Micah arguing with someone in the kitchen. As much as I’d love to walk out of here like I’ve not a care in the world, I decide to hunker down a bit longer.

“It’s none of your damn business, Maya. So drop it.” Well, now I know who the other voice belongs to.

“She’s a married woman…”

“Wasa married woman. And there’s nothing going on between us.” Oh, god. Is it that obvious?

“I sure hope you’re right, because Mom already warned you guys not to get involved with someone she knows or works with.” Oh, great. Just great.

“I haven’t forgotten. Now let me check on the damn lasagna.”

After that little fiasco, I’m more determined to leave than ever before. I give them a few more minutes and when I don’t hear their voices, I walk out of the bathroom. And right into Micah leaning against the kitchen island.

“If you overheard that conversation, I apologize. And just an FYI, it’s the first time I’ve ever lied to my family.” With that said, he walks out the door.

Damn him! He’s the one who’s been flirting with me all day. How dare he blame me for lying to his family when all he needed to do was walk away. As far as I’m concerned, I have nothing to feel guilty about.

With my head held high, I walk outside. Intent on leaving. Easier said than done when I notice Micah in the pool playing volleyball with his family. Reminding me that he’s surrounded by people who love him, and I’ll be going home to an empty house.

I decide to stay longer, and after a few hours I relax and go with the flow. I’m having a great time with Ruth’s wild gang of kids. They’ve all made me feel welcome, and for that I’m truly grateful. Now that it’s dark, we’re all enjoying the spectacular display of fireworks on the river. It’s the perfect ending to a somewhat perfect day. Until I realize Micah’s focused on me and not the fireworks, but I feel the sparks flying.

3

MICAH

I could stopby the real estate office to see Lyric, but that would be too obvious now that I know she’s working there. I’ll need to be creative just like Zander was when he was trying to win back Melody. I remember the guys busting his balls, me included, when he admitted all of the little things he was doing. Hey, don’t laugh, it all worked out and now they’re expecting their first baby.

I don’t normally obsess about a one-night stand. It’s always been about the sex. With Lyric, it’s different. Granted, I would have tucked away that indescribable force I felt if we’d never met again. Now I just can’t let it go knowing she feels the same. It was evident yesterday when she reacted to my touch the way she did. It was too intense to ignore.

She doesn’t know it, but I followed her home. No, I wasn’t stalking her. I wanted to make sure she got home safely since she left so late. Is it weird that I feel better knowing that she lives in a community setting? With tons of houses surrounding her so she’s not alone. Crazy, I know, since I wouldn’t have given it a second thought if we hadn’t run into each other again. Now my mind’s at ease. Knowing where she lives is just icing on the cake.

If I decide to pursue her, then I need to act fast before it’s too late. I have a feeling if I allow too much time to pass by, she’ll convince herself our meeting was just a coincidence. When in all actuality I believe it has more to do with our intentions and vibrations as a whole. If our thoughts and emotions are in alignment, it could very well be our attraction that pulled us in. I’m probably not making any sense, but I’ve had other occurrences in my life that have led me to believe it’s true.

Lyric mentioned that making jewelry was her passion, but sailing is mine. There’s something about being out on the water that allows me to think more clearly. There’s a possibility that it could be the combination of the waves smacking against the boat and the fresh air. It’s the perfect day to take the boat out. Unless one of my siblings decided to take a leisurely cruise on this glorious Sunday. I could send them a group text, but if I go and do that, I’d be willing to bet someone will want to tag along. Not happening. Today’s a solo trip. If the slip is empty, then I’ll have had a leisurely drive.

Music will always be my first love since I’ve been doing it all of my life, but sailing surely comes in a very close second.

After placing a quick call to get the ball rolling, I drive to the marina with adrenaline pumping through my veins. Hoping thatSerendipityis still in her berth. It’s a full, covered slip since we store her here in the winter months.

---