For the first time since her arrival in Los Angeles, Helen was in high spirits. Her conversation with Michelle while on the beach had made things very clear to her. Even though Marcus had warned her about the risks, she would follow her heart. In her mind, there was nothing wrong with that. He was the first man, in a long time, who she had felt attracted to, and Helen was not willing to pass on the opportunity to get into a relationship with him, although such a thing could spell danger. The idea of dating a wanted man filled her with excitement. It was nothing like she had ever experienced. Moreover, the chances of having the same circumstances in her birthplace were very slim.

Michelle kept her promise that night. She drove her friend to “Enrico’s” restaurant and waited for her in the car. However, Helen was not going to just barge into the kitchen, like she had done the night before. Instead, she chose to walk around the building. Her heart sank at the sight of the basement. Of course, Helen did not need to lay her eyes on that room. The memory of the night before had been haunting her mind ever since the moment of Marcus’s sincere confession.

I don’t know if I can take away your pain. My God, that would be so hard; a lot tougher than anything I could have ever imagined. But, I want to be close to you, Marcus. I’ll hate it if you turn me down again.

Helen snuck a peek through the narrow window in the corner. There were four men in the kitchen, including Marcus. A mischievous smile formed on her face, as she noticed he was chopping a salad.

This gorgeous man is cooking. I am so turned on right now. I wish I could kill the power and seduce him right there on the counter, or out here. I wouldn’t mind. Get it out of your head, Helen! Focus! What should I do? Storm in? Nah. If I wanted to embarrass him, I would have used the kitchen door. I’m going to wait here. Sooner or later, he’ll come. I can’t wait to kiss him again.

Despite Helen’s expectations though, Marcus did not go anywhere near that door. Much to her frustration, he was very busy, cooking and ordering the waiters. Fifteen minutes later, she was left with no choice. However, just when she had decided to barge in, she spotted him heading towards the sink, under the window.

“Ok, now’s my chance,” she thought to herself, tiptoeing to the left. Her heart was pounding in her chest, as her slow footsteps brought her closer and closer to the door. Closing her eyes, Helen took a deep breath and knocked. Luckily for her, Marcus answered it, but, as soon as their gazes met, his jaw dropped.

“Hiiiii!” she sang. “How are you?”

“Um, hi,” He croaked, closing the door behind him. “What are you doing here?”

“I wanted to see you.” Helen said, her voice sweet, as she leaned forward. “Why else?”

“I thought I was clear last night.” Marcus spoke, a hint of annoyance in his baritone. “Are you looking for trouble or something?”

“No,” she whispered, raising her hands to his chest. “We just got off to a great start, Marcus. I don’t want to lose this. I don’t care about trouble. I want to be with you.”

His full lips curled into an evanescent smile, as his eyes blazed into hers. Marcus leaned in towards Helen, lifting his hands to her face, as she returned the smile. Cupping her cheeks, he tilted his head down. Their lips locked in a long, tender kiss, as she stroked his chest. Sliding her hands up his body, she pressed herself into him, as he gently pulled her closer. Marcus brushed her jaw with his beard stubble, as Helen circled her arms around his neck. His hands slipped up and into her hair, sending tingles down her body, as she caressed the back of his neck. The sensation of his thumbs, stroking her creamy cheeks made her heart throb with delight. Marcus let go of her left one and snaked his arm around her upper back, moving his lips to her cheek. A blissful smile spread across her face, as he pulled her into his embrace.

“God, what a big hug…” Helen purred, draping her hands over his back.

“You’re one stubborn country girl, you know that?” Marcus let out a short laugh.

“Please, don’t call me that,” she requested, leaning back. “What time do you get off?”

“I still need about an hour. Have you had dinner yet?” He asked.

“No. I was a little too anxious to eat,” Helen confessed, as her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

“You must be starving. Dinner’s on me. What are you having?” Marcus’s kind words made her smile reappear.

“Lasagna would be nice.” She said, as he pressed his forehead onto hers.

“Go get a table,” He whispered. “Please, do a favor for me; will you? Go around and use the main entrance. I don’t want customers to see a woman coming out of the kitchen. They may get the wrong idea.”

“You got it, Mr.” Helen winked at him. “Just don’t keep me waiting for too long. I’m starving.”

“I won’t.” He shook his head sideways. “Go.”

Overflowing with a sense of joy, she tilted her head up, as her hands crept around his neck. Helen planted a quick kiss on his cheek, as Marcus let his arms drop to his sides. She turned around, feeling like a child with a new toy. Helen had no idea what had made him change his mind, but she was too happy to ask. The two of them would be together. For her, it was all that mattered.

Eager to share the good news with Michelle, she quickened her pace. But Helen did not have to speak. Her broad smile gave her away, as she approached her friend’s car. She stopped inches away from the passenger door, but Michelle was the one who spoke first.

“There’s the happy girl I met.” She teased. “You kids have fun. I want all the juicy details tomorrow, ok? Goodnight.”