Page 16 of Turbulent Fires

He pulls back far too soon, his lips still a breath from mine. I’m expecting him to ask me to his room. I’m not sure if I’ll accept or not. But his next words shock me to my very core.

“Think about how good we can be together,” he murmurs. He lets me go, turns, and walks away, his gait full of confidence. I take a step toward him, my knees shaky, my heart racing. I barely stop myself. What spell has this man put me under?

I stand in the moonlight, trembling like a fool who’s just been kissed by a man who might be my undoing. I’m in trouble, huge trouble, and there’s no one around who can save me... especially myself.

Chapter Six

Audrey

Has it already been two weeks since I danced beneath the stars and was kissed by a man like he already knew the taste of my soul? Has it been two weeks since that same man left me standing on that patio breathless, wondering what in the heck had just happened?

I’d been the one putting on the brakes, then he turned it around and was the one to walk away. Payback? Possibly. Did I deserve it? Most definitely. Did I like it? Hell no. No one wants a taste of the medicine they’ve been so diligently doling out for long periods of time.

Has Wolf Young disappeared from my life since that fateful dance I haven’t been able to forget? Nope. Not even close. Even though I haven’t seen him since that night, we’ve been texting. Yes, I know this is what teens do, but Wolf doesn’t text like a child, not at all. He makes me burn, and makes me want to see him again no matter how much I’m trying to fight the feelings he’s been consistently building within me.

Wolf doesn’t send one or two-word texts. He doesn’t do simple. He’s clever, persistent, and maddingly flirty. He’s a pro with well-timed emojis that should be illegal when paired with the man’s incredible looks and unmatched charm.

I look through my texts with Wolf, the first one coming in the day after our dance in the moonlight. I’d thought about ignoring him, had even managed to do so for about three hours. But, of course, I caved. He intrigues me too much not to do that.

Wolf:You left before I could make breakfast. I make an incredible burrito, extra spicy. I was counting on you providing dessert.

Me:Sounds like a health code violation to me.

From that one reply I’ve re-read in the dark tucked beneath my warm blankets, a digital volley of one-liners and teasing have been thrown back and forth between us. There’s safety in a text message, a liberation of what can be said.

The messages started out a bit flirty, but cautious, as we felt each other out. Each morning he sends me a hello, and each night, sweet dreams. But it’s the messages throughout the day that have really gotten to me. It shows he’s thinking about me 24/7, just as I’m thinking about him. I have no idea what it means in the long run, but I’m not going anywhere yet, even though I haven’t agreed to meet with him again. It helps my conviction to stay away that we’ve both been incredibly busy.

My favorite messages from him are the photos from his travels with silly passengers, incredible sunsets from high in the sky, and my all-time favorite, a picture of him in nothing but a pair of swim trunks as he steps out of a pool with water dripping down his chiseled body. I suspected he was rocking an incredible body, but I’d underestimated what was beneath his clothes. The man is damn fine.

As much as I appreciate how funny, charming, and great-looking he is, it’s also the biggest negative for me. Why would a man like him want to lock himself down? Why settle for one woman when he can have a new piece of candy in his bed each week? With a man like Wolf, will I ever feel safe and secure, or will I worry each time he’s traveling? I don’t do cheating, but there are many people out there who think monogamy is against our nature. I don’t want to be one of those women who are always worried and jealous. That means it would be best for my sanity not to date him, but I can’t seem to stop texting with the man.

Wolf:How’s the haunted bed today? Is it still creaking in the middle of the night?

Me:I don’t know as I sleep like the dead all nice and cozy and by myself.

Wolf:Isn’t it lonely? It’s such a shame to waste all of that space. I could change that for you.. and even bring snacks... like whipped cream.

Me:Do you honestly think snacks will get you into my bed?

Wolf:Oh yeah, I see how much junk food you consume on flights.

This makes me laugh. The man isn’t wrong. When I’m home, I’m pretty strict with my diet, but the second I start traveling I crave everything from Ding Dongs to Doritos to extra-spicy jerky. In my defense, I work out extra long after my binges. The thought of whipped cream, Wolf, and a cozy bed doesn’t sound too bad. How bad would it be to have a wild weekend with him?

It would be foolish to get into a relationship with Wolf, but to never get to taste him seems like a crime, however I’ve always followed the letter of the law, so I shouldn’t stray off the beaten path now, should I? Ugh. Why can’t I get out of my own head long enough to simply make a rash decision? I’m sure he can make my body sing. I’m not going to pretend I’m not into flirting with the man.

Right now, I’m home in my robe, brushing my teeth, and mentally planning my newest review for a boutique inn nestled on the coast in Oregon. It’s another rainy state, but they have great summers, and it’s close to travel to. My heart jumps when I hear that all-too-familiar sound of my phone alerting a new message. It doesn’t necessarily have to be Wolf, but I’d be disappointed if it’s anyone else.

Wolf:Woke up thinking about your laugh after having a great dream about us that would make even the birds flying by the windows blush. It’s a problem. You need to either send help... or have mercy and send me a voice memo.

I spit toothpaste out and glare at my reflection in the mirror as I lecture myself. “Don’t smile. Don’t smile. Don’t smile. Ugh. You freaking man.” Why does he have to be so charming and know just the right things to say? How am I going to keep my distance if I’m obsessed with each message he sends?

Wolf:I know you’ve read that. I saw the dots. If you don’t reply I’m going to have to text your mother.

I laugh. There’s no stopping it. This man is bold, and I wouldn’t put it past him to do just that.

Me:What makes you think she’d answer? And I can guarantee she’d be on my side.

Wolf:I can win over a ninety-year-old woman with a cane she’s used to hitting children with, so your mama would be a cakewalk. She’ll be eating out of my very big, strong, magical hands. I can move my fingers in ways you’ll greatly appreciate.

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