All The Way Down

Chapter 23

I made the turn off the highway at the stop light across from the mall. I parked the car at the curb in the suburban neighborhood, put the transmission in park, and left the engine running. The lights from the parking lot of a new apartment complex across the street bathed the interior of the car in a peach glow.

"I want to say something to you," I said.

"I'm not stopping you," she said flatly. She turned her head and looked out her window. Her profile was so stunning that I was unsure of how to express myself, but I tried anyway.

"I think you're beautiful," I said. "You're like a magnet to me. I want to be with you. But I feel weird that you were so close to Brick. It makes me feel like I want something I shouldn't."

She let out a sigh and shifted her position in her seat, making the upholstery creak a little. A new white Dodge pulled around us and into the driveway of the duplex. Michelle looked down at her hands.

"Del," she said, "If you think the reason I'm spending time with you is because I want to play private investigator, you're mistaken. I feel something for you, and I can tell you feel something for me, too. If we hadn’t been interrupted when we were in my bedroom I think we both know what would have happened. I really wanted you, and I could tell you wanted me, too. But I have to tell you…I don't want to hear any more about Brick and me. We weren't married. We just dated for a while and then he left me. That’s it. If you don't think you can get past that, then take me back to my car."

I let out a long breath.

"You don't have to say anything," she said. "Just drive."

I leaned towards her and she faced me. She looked deep into my eyes and we kissed. She smelled gently of perfume, and her lips were soft and warm against mine. I felt heat rising within me and I pulled away slowly, watching her and wanting her. Her eyes were locked with mine, and she began to smile.

"It's a start," she said.