Chapter Thirteen
Malee slipped out of bed at the crack of dawn to check to see if her note was still there. She tiptoed across the kitchen, and opened the door to the stairs slowly, cringing at every creak it made. Then she dashed barefoot down the wooden stairs. The restaurant and kitchen were dark, with only the glowing exit sign over the back door to light her way. She unlocked the bolt, opened the door that led to the alley, and peered outside, her eyes landing on the pipe. Her note was gone, and in its place was a folded piece of tan paper. She leaned out the door, her arm stretching until her fingers nabbed the note. She quietly closed the door and flipped the light switch for the bulb in the stairwell. She sat with her butt perched on the wooden step, her bare feet on the linoleum, and unfolded the paper. Smoothing it out lovingly, her eyes took in his scrawling handwriting, a script she was coming to love.
Any glimpse of you, I’ll take, so I’ll be watching for you.
I miss you, too, baby.
So much.
I’m happy your favorite aunt has come to visit, but I’m not sure how this is a good thing for us. Will she be just another set of eyes watching your every move like a hawk?
Something happened to me tonight, too. I found a young boy hanging around the gym. I’ve seen him before, but he never comes inside. He always runs off. Tonight his curiosity finally drew him inside. I think I made a connection. This kid really needs help, and it makes me feel good to think that maybe I can help him.
I’ll try to catch a glimpse of you when you’re at your aunt’s new place. Wave if you see me standing at the window. I won’t wave back, because I don’t want your aunt to see, but know in my heart, I’m waving back. Maybe we can have a signal. I’ll pull on my ear to let you know how much I miss you.
And lady, knowing you might be right across the street will mess with my concentration tomorrow! I know I’ll keep going to the window and checking to see if you’re there.
I’ll wait for you at the gym tomorrow night…if you can make it.
Max
Malee read the note twice. He’d called her baby. She smiled, her heart soaring. He missed her, too! And he was just as excited to tell her about his day as she had been to tell him about hers. She couldn’t wait until it was time to go to Aunt Tan’s apartment. She’d get to see him today. She was as excited as if it were Christmas morning.
***
At noon, Malee was waiting with Aunt Tan as the movers carried up the last of her Aunt’s things. The apartment was furnished, but she’d shipped a dozen boxes and several smaller pieces like artwork, a hand-carved teak hope chest, an oriental rug, and a carved four-panel dressing screen.
The apartment itself was quite lovely, with gleaming polished floors, fresh paint, and an updated kitchen and bathroom. But perhaps Malee’s favorite feature was the big bay window that protruded out the front of the living room, giving a wonderful view of the street and the mountains in the distance.
While her aunt was settling up with the movers and signing their paperwork, Malee moved to the window to look across the street to Max’s shop. There were three motorcycles parked in the spaces in front. The blue neon sign read, Brothers Ink. Max wasn’t at the window, but she could see him sitting on a stool, bent over the arm of a man sitting in one of the tattoo chairs. He looked intent on his craft. She admired what he did, being able to create something so beautiful, using skin for his canvas. It fascinated her. As if he felt her eyes, he glanced toward the window. A moment later, he said something to his customer, set his tattoo machine down, and stood. He approached the plate glass, and suddenly he was looking right at her.
She lifted her hand in a small wave.
A big grin spread across his face, and he tugged on his ear.
She couldn’t help the answering smile as her face glowed with happiness, and she returned the gesture.
The apartment door closed, and her aunt called her name. She turned her head, then looked back at Max and gave another tiny wave before retreating from the window.
***
Max stood in the shop window, the soaring happiness at just seeing her, at knowing she was just across the street, moved through his system like a shot of adrenaline. But at the same time, he couldn’t help but wonder if her aunt would be a help or a hindrance to their budding relationship.
He moved back to his client and took up his tattoo machine. It buzzed as he clicked it on.
***
Two hours later, Malee and her aunt had her clothes hung in the closet and her dishes unpacked and stored in the kitchen cabinets. They’d just unpacked a tea set.
Aunt Tan signed, How about some tea, dear?
Malee nodded, and her aunt pointed to a small wooden box.
There’s tea in there. Could you make us some?
“Of course,” Malee said. “Go sit down and rest, I’ll bring it out.”
Aunt Tan moved slowly toward the couch, and Malee could see her age was starting to catch up with her. No matter how vibrant her aunt was, there was no stopping the aging process. Malee noticed, for the first time, that her aunt was much frailer than she’d realized. She turned back and began preparing them both some tea.
A few minutes later, she carried it in on a tray to the living room, setting it down on the coffee table.
Her aunt patted the couch cushion next to her, and Malee sat while Aunt Tan poured the tea like a queen holding court. After they each drank a cup, Aunt Tan set her cup down and signed, So, what have you been up to Malee? Tell me everything.
Malee set her cup down and shrugged. “I work in the restaurant. I read. I’ve been doing a little drawing.”
How wonderful. You have to show me some of your drawings.
“I’ll bring them next time I visit.”
Her aunt nodded. What else is going on in your young life? Is there a boy?
Malee bit her lip, and her aunt pressed her.
There is! You must tell me everything, dear. Is he handsome?
Malee couldn’t stop the smile that burst across her face as she nodded.
Well, come now; tell me about him.
“He’s very kind to me. He’s even trying to learn sign, just for me.”
He must really like you, dear.
“I think so.”
Where did you meet him?
“I delivered food to his business. I’m not supposed to, but I snuck it out.”
Why on earth can’t you make a delivery?
“Father doesn’t want me to. He doesn’t want me to leave the restaurant.”
Why not? Are you afraid?
She shook her head. “No! I’m not afraid. I want more freedom. I long for it. But Papa is so protective of me.”
I see. Perhaps we can do something about that. Perhaps I could help.
“Will you talk to him about it?”
I have an even better idea. I’ll ask him if you can stay here with me a few nights a week.
Malee’s mouth dropped open. “Really?”
If you would like that, I could tell him I need someone to help me. Someone so I won’t be alone so much. Would you like to stay here with me? I have an extra bedroom. I would love to have you.
“I would love that, Aunt Tan!”
Good. It’s settled then.
“But what about Papa?”
I’ll handle him. Don’t worry, dear. Now, tell me more about this boy. Has he met your father yet? Malee flushed and looked down, plucking at the hem of her shirt. Her aunt reached over and tilted her chin up to see the sadness in her eyes. What is it, dear? Why are you sad? Doesn’t the boy want to meet your family?
“It’s not that. He does want to meet Papa. He wants to be able to come and pick me up and take me out on a proper date like normal people do, but we can’t do that.”
Her aunt frowned. Why ever not?
“Because Papa wouldn’t approve of him”.
But why?
Malee looked away.
Aunt Tan reached over and squeezed her forearm.
Malee stood and took her aunt’s hand and tugged her to her feet, then led her to the bay window and pointed across the street at Brothers Ink. “He’s one of the brothers who own the tattoo shop.”
Aunt Tan’s eyes moved to the storefront and the motorcycles parked at the curb. I see. So you’ve been seeing him behind your father’s back?
Suddenly, Malee put her face in her hands and burst into tears.
Aunt Tan put her arms around her, gathering her close in a hug and patting her back while Malee’s body shook with sobs. Finally her aunt drew back to look up into her face, tugging her hands away. Then she signed, It is not the end of the world, Malee. If he is a good man, if he cares about you…
“He does! I know he does.”
Then things will work out. If he is the one, then he is the one. Love comes in all shapes and sizes.
“But Papa wants me to marry a Thai boy. Lawan said so.”
Aunt Tan waved her hands as if to dismiss that idea. You cannot force the heart to go where it will not go. It will lead, and all you can do is follow.
“But Papa…”
You cannot live your life for your father. You cannot live your life for anyone but yourself. Do you understand, Malee? Because this is most important.
She nodded, her eyes searching her aunt’s. “But what will I do, Aunt Tan?”
You will come stay here with me part of the time. And you will bring that boy to meet me.
“He isn’t really a boy, Aunt Tan.”
Her aunt grinned. I expect not. Just promise me you will be careful and listen to the voice in your head. It will tell you if something isn’t right. Agreed?
“Yes, Aunt Tan.”
She pulled Malee in for another hug. Now, let’s finish our tea, and you can tell me all about him.
***
That night Max waited at the gym, the light above the red door burned brightly in the fog as midnight approached. He sat on a bench inside, his elbows on his knees, running his hands over his head as impatience and worry filled him. He stood and began to pace. The light was in her window. He’s seen it, her sign that she was coming, that she intended to meet him. But as the hours dragged on, he wondered if maybe she hadn’t been able to sneak out, that maybe she’d fallen asleep.
He’d wanted to see her so badly tonight, too. He’d been itching to take her in his arms since earlier that afternoon when they’d smiled at each other through the window. He’d been bouncing with excitement all day. But it was getting late. Perhaps he should just drive by the alley, see if she left a note…
The door opened, and he whirled.
Malee pushed the hood of a blue rain slicker back, her eyes searching the dimly lit cavernous space, until they landed on him. And then they were both moving toward each other to meet halfway across the room, flying into each other’s arms.
He clutched her to him, breathing in her scent, and then took her head in his hands, his mouth coming down on hers. And the long wait had been worth it as she met his kiss with an eagerness of her own, melding against him, clutching at the fabric of his charcoal gray thermal shirt where it stretched between his shoulders.
His hands pushed the slicker off her shoulders until it fell to the floor.
One of his hands slid down and around to the small of her back, pressing her soft curves closer against him. He only hoped he wasn’t being too forward, but he knew his actions conveyed his sexual desire, frustrations, and an age old drive to possess that was imbedded in every red-blooded man in his sexual prime.
His worries were silenced as she responded with just as much desire, her response as primal as his.
It made it just that much harder to reel himself in with a steely control he made himself assert.
His hand slid down over her perfectly shaped ass for just a moment before he broke the kiss and put a few inches of space between them. He pressed his forehead to hers, sucking in air.
Her sweet answering pants brushed across his chin, and he wanted nothing more than to drink from those lips again, but he forced himself to refrain. He put a hand between them and signed, I was afraid you weren’t coming.
“I had to wait. My father was up late. I had to sneak down the fire escape.”
His eyes pinned hers with a look that told her he wasn’t too happy with that. Don’t do anything dangerous. I don’t want you to get hurt.
“I won’t.”
Promise me, Malee. No more fire escapes.
She tugged on his hand, and he let her pull him to the bench where they sat beside each other.
“I have something to tell you.”
He searched her eyes. Something good, I hope?
She nodded, smiling. “Maybe I won’t need to sneak out the fire escape again.”
Good. Is that what you had to tell me? He frowned.
She shook her head. “I’m going to be staying with my aunt a few nights a week.”
He pulled back an inch. Across the street from the shop?
She nodded. “It’s good. Don’t look so worried.”
But…
“I told her about you.”
He stood suddenly, running his hands over his head as he took a step, then whirled back to her to sign. What did she say?
“She wants to meet you.”
Does she know what I do?
She nodded.
Does she approve of me? Of us?
“She wants to judge you for herself.”
What did you tell her about me?
“I told her you are kind to me, that you are a good man, and that you make me happy.”
He smiled. I make you happy?
She nodded, but then seemed filled with uncertainty. She stood and approached him. “And do I make you happy?”
He took her face in his hands and stared into her eyes. Finally, he released her to sign. Yes. You make me very happy. He pointed to the stupid grin on his face. Can’t you tell?
She laughed.
Do that again.
“What?”
Laugh. It’s a beautiful sound. His eyes moved over her face. You’re beautiful. Did I tell you that?
She shook her head.
He took her hand and sat on the bench, then pulled her to him, grabbing her around the waist until she was sitting on his lap, facing him, her knees around his hips. So beautiful.
He kissed her. When he pulled back this time, he signed, When do I get to meet her?
“Tomorrow?”
He nodded. Okay. I want to kiss you again. I want to more than kiss you. I know it’s wrong, but I can’t help it. I think about you all day, wanting just to see you. Do you feel the same way?
She nodded and ran a finger lightly across his eyebrow, down the side of his face, across his cheekbone, skirting the top of his beard, and down to his mouth to stroke his lips. She stared at them a long moment as if they hypnotized her, and then she bent her head and replaced her fingertip with her lips.
When her mouth came down on his, he let her take the lead, promising himself he’d keep a tight leash on his urges and go at her pace. His head tilted back as she ate at his mouth. Her hands roamed over his face, his neck, and his shoulders.
The kiss was part sweet and part seduction in a way he was finding Malee was so good at, whether she realized it herself or not.
His arms tightened involuntarily around her small waist, and he felt her pelvis thrust against him. Hell, she probably didn’t even realize she done it, but his body was answering, his cock hardening beneath her. Her breasts pressed against his chest, and he longed to touch them. He broke the kiss, unable to help himself as his head dipped, his mouth brushing kisses along the cleavage peeking out above the scoop neck of her soft gray T-shirt. Her nipples hardened, the nubs clearly visible through the paper-thin fabric of her shirt and bra.
Her head fell back, and her arms tightened around his head, pulling him closer. He ran his hands up her rib cage on either side, longing to cup her small breasts in his big hands and brush his thumbs over those erect nipples.
He hesitated, and her head came down, their eyes meeting. Her hands slid from his head to cup each side of his powerful neck. He watched her expression as he slowly, firmly smoothed his palms up, taking the soft globes in his hands. Her mouth parted, and he squeezed. Her eyes slid shut, and her head fell back again as he brushed the nipples again and again. His mouth found the soft skin of her throat, just under her ear. He sucked, nipped, and licked until her body writhed against him. He wrapped his arms around her, one hand smoothing up her back, his fingers threading into the hair at her nape while the other slid low to cup her ass. His mouth followed the graceful curve of her neck, returning to her cleavage, his nose pushing aside the fabric of her tee and his tongue following the lace edge of her bra. The hand at her ass reached up to pull the neck of the shirt down, and his mouth closed over that taunting nipple right through the fabric of her bra.
She bucked against him, and the moan that escaped from her mouth made his blood rush like a heat wave through his veins, and his heart beat so strongly he was sure she could feel the pulse pounding in his neck beneath her palms.
God, he wanted more. He wanted to lay her out on the bench, the mat, anywhere. And that’s when he knew he had to stop. Because if she let him have more, he’d take it. He’d take it all.
He pulled back, his lungs drawing in deep bellowing breaths. Her head came down, and their eyes met. His jaw clenched, and her hand slid up to cup his cheek. She knew. She saw the control he was exerting for her, and she smiled, pressing her forehead to his.
He laughed, and she did, too.
It was the tension release they both needed.
He hugged her, stood, setting her on her feet, and signed, I’ll drive you home, okay?
“So soon?”
It’s after midnight, baby.
She grinned. “I like when you call me that.”
Baby?
She nodded.
He leaned down and kissed the tip of her nose, then bent and retrieved her slicker, holding it out while she slipped her arms in. Then he led her out to his truck, holding the door for her as she climbed in.
When they arrived at the alley and he put the truck in park, they both moved into each other’s arms with no hesitation. The kiss was hot and could have led to more, but they both knew they were playing with fire. Things were escalating. He knew it, even if she didn’t.
He broke off to sign. Goodnight, sweetheart.
She gave him a bright smile. “Goodnight, Max.”
As she exited from the cab of the pickup and dashed up the alley, he watched her go. He hoped things went well tomorrow with her aunt. It would give her some much-needed freedom, and perhaps this sneaking around could end.