Page 33 of One Steamy Night

“What in the world!”

She heard the startled astonishment in his voice, and then he pulled the car over to the shoulder of the road. She followed his gaze as he stared out the window and into the sky. She saw what had him so captivated. The Milky Way could occasionally be seen in this part of Wyoming.

It was known that the state of Wyoming was one of the only states in the country where an individual could enjoy the beauty of the universe. Over the years she’d seen planets, nebulae, a multitude of stars and galaxies. It was the best place for stargazing and most people around these parts owned telescopes. Tonight, you didn’t need one. The sight before them was a spectacular view with clarity.

“I’ve never seen anything so beautiful.”

She nodded, understanding completely. That was usually a person’s reaction upon seeing the Milky Way for the first time. “On those nights when the skies were really dark, Dad and Mom used to gather us up in our pjs and drive us to Peake Row. It’s the best place around here to see the Milky Way.”

“Peake Row? I’d love to go there. And I’d love for you to go with me. You can even wear your pj’s.”

She turned to look at him and could see the seriousness in his gaze. He wasn’t teasing. Clearing her throat, she said, “Thanks for the invite, but I’ll pass.”

She glanced back into the sky when suddenly a mass of red seemed to circle around the stars in the shape of an arrow. “My goodness!” Now she was the one with startled astonishment in her voice.

“What is it?” he asked, staring up into the sky and seeing the same thing that she did.

“That rarely appears, what looks like a huge ball of fire encircling a cluster of stars. It’s beautiful.”

“It is. Have you ever seen it before?”

“No.” There was no need to tell him that around these parts there were some who believed if a couple saw it together, it was a sure sign of everlasting love. She was glad she wasn’t one of those believers.

When the sky began getting dark again, he said, “I guess the show is over.”

“Yes, I guess it is. It was beautiful while it lasted though.”

An hour later they were pulling up in her yard. The floodlights from the house shone into the car and highlighted his features. “It’s late but at least I got you back safe and sound.”

“And I appreciate it,” she said, flashing him a smile.

“I enjoyed your company,” he said, opening his door to get out.

She watched him come around to her side of the car to open the door and wondered if he’d felt the sexual chemistry between them that she’d been feeling all day. She’d spent the entire day with him and had enjoyed it. When they reached her front door, she thanked him for the ride into Valley Bluff.

“Don’t mention it. Are you sure you have a way to pick up your car tomorrow?”

“Yes. Rissa will be taking me. Like I told you, Steve’s Auto Repair Shop is open all day on Saturdays.”

“Okay. Flick the blinds when you get inside to let me know you’re safe.”

Nadia nodded, a little disappointed he hadn’t asked to come inside. Would he kiss her goodbye? He was standing close but not too close. “I will. Thanks. Good night.”

“Good night, Nadia.”

Her key was in her hand and she turned to her front door. She heard his footsteps moving down the stairs and when she opened the door to go inside, she turned to look over her shoulder, certain he’d made it to his car by now. He hadn’t. Instead, he stood on the last step. Their gazes met and held.

She was going to ask if anything was wrong, but couldn’t. It was as if she was in a trance where her vocal cords weren’t working. Nadia swallowed as she slowly turned back around to face him. She felt the pull, the connection, and all that chemistry Lilli had teased her about earlier that day. She also felt something else she couldn’t explain.

Time appeared to drone on endlessly before he spoke in a low, deep voice. “You’re killing me, Nadia.”

She was killing him?Did he not know what he was doing to her?

“How?” she heard herself asking.

“Do you not feel it? All that chemistry? Have you not felt it all day?”

No need for her to play dumb. They were both adults after all. “Yes, I feel it and yes, I’ve felt it all day.”

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