Spark (Swipe Right #1)

Chapter One

Mia's phone dinged, the unfamiliar chime sound alerting her to a new notification. Groggily, her fingers stretched towards the phone, snatching it off the charging stand. Her hands, lazy with sleep, fumbled to hold it as she pulled it close to her open eye. Sighing, she placed the device back on her nightstand. It was useless to try and make sense of anything without her glasses.

With another forceful exhale, Mia lifted her head to peer at the window. Her eyes protested the sudden light beginning to brighten outside. Stretching, her body twisted on the queen bed until the blankets fell to the floor. Her back arched as she sat up, and her knuckles cracked as she raised her interlocked fingers above her head. Running a hand over her face, she rubbed the sleep from her eyes before brushing back her long hair.

A yawn slipped from her full lips as she debated getting up. It was a day off from both school and work, which was a rare occurrence, but she had schoolwork to finish. Her post graduate degree was so close to being completed; she couldn't slack off now. Plus, she had put off plenty of chores the last couple of days in favor of a long soak in her tub with a beer… or four. Regretfully, Mia reopened her eyes to see light filtering into her apartment from the rising sun.

Her phone dinged again to re-announce the unread notification. Mia's eyes rolled back as she swung her legs over the edge of the bed, allowing her bare toes to touch the cold floor. Her simple T-shirt and underwear were not much in the cold morning, and her nipples hardened against the thin fabric. Another yawn slipped out as she pushed off the bed.

She reached for her glasses on the nightstand and placed the simple black frames on her face. The world instantly became sharper. As Mia bent over to pick up her fallen blanket, she picked up her phone and swiped open the notification. Her interest was immediately piqued by the chipper font.

“NEW MATCH!”

The app she had downloaded the previous night after a couple of lonely drinks had found her a compatible suitor. Mia let out a little laugh at herself and the cheeriness of the notification as she looked at the match in question. A large, muscular man stared at her through the screen with a smiling face. Mia started to get lost for a moment as she was immediately drawn into his mahogany eyes. The color was like no other she had ever seen, flecks of gold spread across a deep brown. They seemed to shine through the photo, glinting with a hint of mischief. His black hair was clipped short on the sides, leaving the top long enough to fall across his forehead.

Her hands were frozen as she stared at the man in the photo. Had she swiped right on him, too? Is that how this worked? Was he staring at a photo of her now as well? What photo had she even used?

Before she could spiral, she sighed and looked up. She was unsure whether she wanted to start a conversation at that moment, in her PJs, with morning breath and a hunger in her belly. Without looking at him again, Mia clicked the lock screen button, and the phone went black. Giving her head a shake, she decided to give her mind and body a minute to fully wake up. She needed a clear head to decide how to proceed with matters in dating.

Her little loft wasn't much, but it was enough for her. Living in California was expensive, and it's what she could afford without having roommates. But now, in her later 20’s, having a roommate felt a little juvenile. The space was decently sized, and the front door was a large barn-style that slid open. Mia loved the uniqueness of it; she used the inside of the door like a vision board, covering it in photos of places she wanted to see, things she wanted to own, and things that reminded her of her family. She often stopped to look at it before leaving the loft, reminding herself of what she was working so hard for.

Mia walked to the island that separated the small, open kitchen from the living area. The surface was covered in books and half-written papers, including her dissertation. The lengthy essay was coming along, and the psychology degree she was pursuing was closer than ever. Only a few more months and she would finally be graduating for the last time.

Her living room, separated from her bedroom space by only a sheer curtain, consisted of a couch and a chair. The other side of the kitchen was the only closed room, the bathroom. Considering the overall size of the loft itself, it was larger than one would imagine. Mia found it to be worth the price she paid, especially with the installment of the full, claw-foot tub she had found on Craigslist. She even had a decent-sized shower and a vanity, cluttered with makeup and hair things, next to the sink. The beautiful bathtub was her true happy space; a bubble bath at the end of a long shift or day full of classes was everything. It made her feel safe, comfortable, and relaxed, like all her troubles just melted away down the drain.

Mia's hand grazed the bathroom's cool brass knob as she rethought having her phone with her. She turned and retrieved it, swiping the screen awake again. The app was still open. She paused, standing in her living room as she gazed at the picture again. She tapped the man's profile. He really was very handsome in a rugged, muscular way. He was obviously a biker based on the helmet under his arm and the black leather jacket he was sporting. Mia's eyes roamed the photo, spotting tattoos on his neck that disappeared beneath the simple onyx T-shirt he wore. Her gaze caught on that smile again, and her own smile stretched across her face. She sighed, moving her finger across the screen, but instead of closing the app as intended, she swiped right, matching them. Her smile fell as the screen flashed a bright font that screamed, “MATCHED!”

“What? Shit,” Mia muttered, realizing what she had done. She had not swiped on him after all; he had swiped on her. Her head fell back, eyes closed as she breathed in deep.

“Well, no choice now, I guess.” She clicked the phone off once more, setting it on the vanity.

Mia forced herself to look away. It was early; maybe the guy was still sleeping and wouldn't message for a while. Forcing herself through her morning routine, she used the toilet, washed her heart-shaped face, brushed her teeth, and critically eyed her reflection as she looked for any imperfections she could focus on. The same soft ding from earlier made her heart pound in her chest.

“Calm down, Mia,” she scolded with toothpaste foam clinging to her lips. She closed her eyes and breathed, willing her heart rate to slow. “It's been a while, but it's just a conversation.” Her dark brown eyes were wide as she gave herself the pep talk. “Okay, here we go.” Standing upright to her full five and a half feet, she steadied her nerves before turning the phone back on.

“New Message.” She clicked open the app.

She surveyed his profile quickly as her feet carried her to the living room. “Aurelio? Seriously?” Rolling her eyes, a smile pulled at her lips as she plopped down on the simple black couch, feet tucked under her.

Aurelio: Hey. I knew you would swipe right!

Mia smirked. He was a little overconfident, huh? Well, she would see about that. Before typing a reply, she read his full profile under the photo she had ogled.

Aurelio Valen

Twenty-seven, Scorpio

Destiny is ours to choose; no one can control your fate.

If you swipe right, buckle up. I don't know any speed other than fast.

She let out a little scoff at his message before typing a response.

Mia: What if it was an accident?

Aurelio: Well, here we are either way.

Mia: So…

Aurelio: Being here now is the important part!

Mia: OK, I like your attitude. It's… different... interesting.

Aurelio: Even if it is an accident.

Mia found herself laughing at his response; her morning was looking better and better. He was confident, but she wanted to know more. Butterflies played in her stomach as she typed again.

Mia: Tell me more about yourself and yo ur profile. A motorcycle helmet, speed, buckle up?

She set the phone down for a moment. Her body tingled with anticipation. She had only said a few words to this person, and she felt like he was under her skin already. Thoughts of being too forward swirled in her brain. “Maybe I'm not ready,” she said aloud to the only living thing around to hear her, a dying Aloe Vera plant on her windowsill. The phone dinged, and she knew he had responded. Before her nerves could get the best of her, she lifted the phone, releasing a breath she hadn't realized she had been holding.

Aurelio: Well, it's all about cars for me. Driving them. Fixing them. All of it.

A car guy, huh? That was definitely different from the college guys she was forced to be around all the time. Still, her sarcastic side came shining through.

Mia: Cars? A classic male interest.

Aurelio: Hahaha. It is a hobby for most, and that's it. Not for me. For me, it's life.

Mia: Okay, more than a hobby.

Aurelio: Yeah. In fact, I'm standing in front of a car right now. One anyone would kill to drive. But all I want to do… Is chat with you.

Mia's heart swooned a little at his words. Chiding herself, she took a moment to think how she could reel the conversation and her own feelings in.

Mia: Smooth. Real smooth. Are you really just a car salesman at a used lot?

Aurelio: Hahaha. No, not really. Not in a conventional sense.

“What does that mean?!”

“What does what mean?” The voice came from outside her door. Mia's older neighbor from across the hall would often leave her own loft to stand outside the other doors, listening in.

“Janet, seriously? It's six forty-five!”

“Excuse me. I was coming over to ask if you wanted a coffee from the bakery downstairs,” the lady huffed. That was her constant excuse, but who didn't mind free coffee?

“Sure. Sure. Thanks!”

Janet's feet shuffled off, and Mia turned her attention back to the phone with a smile. She reread the text. But just as she went to respond, a voice message popped up. Intrigued, she hit play.

A smooth, husky voice drawled from the speakers. It was deep but soothing. “Cars are everything to me: driving them, cleaning them, fixing them up. I guess that sounds like an obsession, but it's true. I want to be honest with you.”

Mia could feel herself swooning at his words; her hands tingled, and her teeth scraped lightly across the skin of her lip. Her mind was cloudy as she played the message once more. His baritone voice rang out across the small space. Her eyes closed as she listened to each syllable roll off his tongue. She abruptly caught herself as doubts crowded her mind. This was probably a game. What was she doing? Had she really been so lonely and desperate for connection that she was already trying to picture him here? With a steadying breath, she cleared her mind and focused on the conversation.

Mia: Whose car are you in front of now? You're not one of those people who take pics in front of a stranger's car? Are you?

Aurelio: Lol, no! It's mine.

Her smile returned. In her mind, she could picture the man behind the wheel of a car, driving fast and squeezing her thigh. Her heart sped up, and her skin warmed like he had just touched her. She was enjoying this more than she wanted to let on.

Mia: I must say, I enjoy your refreshing directness. Cars are your life. You're open and honest. I like it.

Aurelio: Thanks. I think honesty is important, especially if you're trying to build a relationship.

Trying to build a relationship . The words were stuck in Mia's mind. Was he here trying to build a relationship? Was she? She wanted to ask what he was hoping for but didn't want to answer when he asked her in return. Instead, she typed out a roundabout question.

Mia: I have to know. Have any of your previous relationships had trouble because of your car obsession?

Her finger was itching to ask more questions to learn more about this car-obsessed hunk of a man, but she was worried she would push him too far or he would return her questions with some of his own. So far, he seemed to be a good sport, chatting happily and honestly. She watched his chat icon, the three blinking dots indicating he was typing.

Aurelio: I've had a lot of cars. I love everything about them. But a car is not a partner. I'm not faithful to it.

Mia smiled. He had a way with words. His smooth answers seemed almost too perfect. Little red flags flew in her mind, but she pushed them down because she could almost hear the sincerity and thoughtfulness in his answer. The mood felt heavy.

Mia: So, wrecked a few engines then?

She smiled at her little witty joke, hoping to lighten the conversation.

Aurelio: ????

“Well, shit.” Her face fell, and she slapped a hand to her forehead before quickly typing back.

Mia: Because an engine is the heart of a car. Omg, that was stupid. Sorry, bad joke.

Aurelio: No, it's funny! I was a little distracted.

Mia's brows furrowed as questions she didn't know if she wanted him to answer formed in her mind. Without thinking too hard about it, she transferred them to her fingertips, only hesitating a moment before hitting send.

Mia: You're not driving and texting me! Are you?

Aurelio: No. Not driving.

The answer she did not want only grew more probable in her mind. She had to ask.

Mia: Are you racing? Right now?

Aurelio: Don't worry! I'll only go as fast as you want me to! ??

That somehow seemed worse, but she hoped he was kidding. A small chuckle rose in her chest as her worry dissipated. She placed a hand over her racing pulse. She didn't know what this man was doing to her, but she knew she didn't want him to stop. There was a shuffling of feet outside the door, and with a roll of her eyes, Mia rose from the couch. She slid open the door quickly, and her pictures blew about in the resulting wind, threatening to fall like they always did.

“Hi Janet, good morning,” Mia said, a tight smile on her full lips.

“Oh, good morning, dear, here's a coffee for you!” Janet's faded pink curlers clinked against each other on top of her grey hair.

Mia accepted the peace offering as she always did. "Thanks, Janet."

“Enjoy your day, dear,” Janet said, slipping inside her loft.

As Mia slid the door closed, a photo came loose, fluttering to the ground. She picked it up and held it before pinning it back in place. “Hmm.” Eager to continue her conversation with Aurelio, Mia returned to the couch and reread the last text with a sly grin on her face.

Mia: Glad to hear that. I do enjoy speed sometimes.

Aurelio: Maybe I will speed up then. Go a little crazy.

Mia fanned herself, nerves getting the best of her. She was putting a on a brave face; her overconfident self was more than happy to show from behind this screen. Inside, she could feel the ledge they were close to; the leap to becoming more was not as far away as it should have been. She could feel a pull to watch for his messages. There was a spark in her heart that wanted to keep chatting with him. Before she had a chance to get lost in the thought, another message came through.

Aurelio: Okay. Time to show you… my baby!

Confused, Mia smiled with relief when a picture came through. There he was, all tattoos and muscles, dressed in a white tank exposed by an orange mechanic jumper rolled down to his waist. He was very attractive, lying back on the hood of a vintage yellow Shelby Mustang. It was beautiful and obviously well cared for. Mia stood up and moved towards the door, her face clouded with disbelief as she stared back and forth between the phone and the photo that had fallen from her wall, now tacked back up with a picture of one of her brothers.

Mia: You're not going to believe me. But I have a picture of that same car on my door.

Aurelio: No way! That's crazy! We should meet! See Baby in person!

A phone alarm went off, it was already half past seven. Mia sighed, she didn't have anywhere to be, but she needed to get some errands done, or they wouldn't get done until Tuesday. Choosing to stay distracted by Aurelio, she turned her attention back to their chat.

Mia: That would be amazing. But, again, I have to ask, you don't just take pictures of yourself in front of strangers' cars?

Aurelio: No! Well, only if I drive them!

The smile plastered on Mia's face hurt her cheeks. He was growing on her already, and she wanted to waste the day talking to him. With her hands wrapped around the phone and legs tucked beneath her, Mia felt warmth pool in her belly.

Aurelio: We definitely should meet so I can take you for a ride.

Mia: Oh, that's a little forward, don't you think?

Aurelio: That's not what I meant! Unless...

Mia: Lol. I know what you meant. I'm only teasing you. But are we rushing things?

The sense of uncertainty came back in full force, like a punch to the gut. It was one thing to chat with a stranger, but to meet up... What if he wasn't interested in something more than a hook-up? Was that what she wanted? The fears from earlier, the questions she had neglected, came back in full force. As her heart begged to ask, another message popped up.

Aurelio: Nah, speeds my extra middle name! Lol.

Mia: What's your first middle name?

Aurelio: I'll tell you on our first date!

A date? He wanted a date, meaning they'd meet somewhere and not just at one of their places. Mia took a minute to breathe. A date sounded, well, kind of nice. The twinge of fear she had felt earlier returned, making her fingers hover over the screen. It seemed as if mere minutes had passed since they even began to chat, and here she was, considering meeting what was essentially a complete stranger. She shrugged, trying to let her fears roll off her shoulders as her finger swiftly hit send on her response before she could reconsider.

Mia: Well, Aurelio Speed Valen. A date sounds nice, but I think I need to get to know you a bit more before I give you a chance to kidnap me.

Aurelio: I understand.

His reply was quick. Mia held her breath as she watched the three dots bounce on her screen. His typing seemed to take forever. Would this be the end of the chat? Had her rejection of a date been the nail in the coffin for him?

Aurelio: As much as I would love to take you out, I can understand your hesitation.

Mia sighed, relief flooding her chest as she smiled softly. The three dots lingered once more on the screen as she relaxed her shoulders.

Aurelio: And just for the record, I would never kidnap you… Unless you asked me to . Talk soon, Mia.

The kiss left her with an extra peppy heartbeat. The intention behind it made her lips lift into a smile as she turned her phone off. She was not sure what had just happened, but a calm settled over her heart. Aurelio seemed nice and interesting. Who knew, maybe he would become a very interesting part of her life.