Spark (Swipe Right #1)

Chapter Nineteen

The next morning, Mia went to grab her phone, but as she lifted the device, she decided that she was not ready to see what may, or nay not be waiting there. When she got home the night before, she put it on silent and left it on her nightstand. The fear of him disappearing again was too much. She channeled her frustration and fear into her dissertation, working till almost two in the morning. She swore she heard car engines up and down her street all night. But when she went to the window, she didn't see anything. Maybe her mind was playing tricks on her aching heart.

Pulling herself out of bed, her body protested the early wake-up, wanting to crawl back into bed. Aurelio may not have come to bed with her last night, but he was on her mind regardless. She knew that if she closed her eyes again, all she would she was him. And right now, she didn’t want to see him.

Mia threw on yoga pants and a tank top, deciding to go grab a coffee and vent her frustrations to Tony. Her reflection in the bathroom mirror looked as tired as she felt, tear streaked makeup still clinging to her skin. Sighing, she grabbed a wipe and went to town cleaning her face. The bruise was still there, but it looked more faded.

The loft was quiet, and the gentle hum of traffic could be heard from the street below. It was time to look at her phone. The screen blinked alive, and several messages, two missed calls with voicemails, and one call with no message started filtering in. She opted to listen to the messages first, knowing several of the texts were from Aurelio.

Static rang out for a moment before the caller spoke. “Hey, Mia. Oliver here.” She smiled at his apologetic voice. “You never got back to me yesterday. I don’t want to pull the cop routine and force you to come.” A brief pause. “You need to call me back.”

“Shit,” Mia swore. She hadn't meant to not call him back, but her day had slipped away. Honestly, she had forgotten all about it. She made a note to call him back when she saw the other message, time-stamped at ten-forty-five, that came in around the time when she got home the previous night.

His voice was filled with more urgency; it was almost angry. “Mia, Oliver. Call me when you get this. I have questions I need to ask you.”

The phone clicked, and Mia frowned. What happened when she got home that made Oliver call her like that? The last phone call she missed was from Detective Daniels, but he hadn't left a message. She took that as a sign that she didn't need to call him back right away. After a quick debate, she opted to call Oliver before she became entangled in whatever was going on between Aurelio and her. The phone rang twice, and Mia was getting ready to leave a voicemail when Oliver finally picked up.

“Detective Jones,” he said, and she gave a little laugh. “Hello?”

“Hey Oliver, it's Mia.”

“Mia!” His tone shifted. “Where are you?”

“Home, why?”

“Last night, did anything weird happen when you got home?”

“Oliver, what does that even mean?” she said flatly, hoping he would get the hint that the line of questioning was kind of rude.

“Listen, I saw my car last night.”

“Cool, I saw mine, too,” she answered, her sarcasm bleeding through her tone.

“No, Mia. Listen. My car, the one that was stolen, a yellow Mustang. A Shelby Mustang.”

“Shit,” Mia breathed quietly, but Oliver heard it.

“What? You saw it, didn't you?”

“Oliver, I don't know what you mean,” she answered, forcing herself to remain calm and take a deep breath. “I came home from work, tired, and still had work to do. I don't think I saw any special yellow car.”

“Mia, it pulled right behind you when you pulled in.” Oliver's tone was stern and angry. She was sure he could tell she was lying.

“Wait,” she said, shaking her head. “How do you know when I pulled in? Were you watching me?” Mia’s tone turned accusatory. Although it was a tactic to get him off her case, she really did want to know what he was doing keeping tabs on her.

“No, not like that!” Oliver stumbled. Her switch-up had worked; he was on the defense. “I happened to be looking out the window that overlooks the alley when you pulled in.”

“Sure, exactly when I pulled in. How would you even know what time I would be home?”

“I may have called the diner after we left, and they gave me your schedule.”

“Oliver, what is wrong with you?” Mia yelled, her anger rising. “Oliver, you need to back off.”

“Mia, I …”

“Seriously. You were waiting for me to get home the last two days.” She bit her lip, the anger making her see red. “You show up at my work, call for schedule!”

“I am worried about you!” he screamed. Mia jumped. “Something is going on, and I know it. Last night, my car followed you home! Who was driving it?!”

“Oliver… are you asking as my neighbor?” she asked trying to remain composed, the anger peaking. “Or as a detective?”

“I'm asking, Mia.” He released a deep breath; she assumed he was trying to calm his nerves. “You need to meet me and answer some questions.”

“Oliver,” she said, an edge to her tone. “I need some space. You just admitted to watching me and invading my privacy, you’re practically stalking me.”

“Stalking?!” His voice dripped with spite. “You’re the one dodging answering any questions.”

“Oliver.” She cut her tone short, unwilling to engage in this banter further. “Give me some space.” She took a deep breath. “Detective Daniels said at my convenience.” Oliver scoffed on the line.

“Ill call him when I have time.” She took in his silence and pushed forward. “Till then, I need you to back off and leave me alone. Goodbye.” Without letting him respond, Mia hung up and clicked the screen off.

Mia closed her eyes, breathing in deeply. She had to call Aurelio. She had to tell him everything that was going on and figure out what was going on, too. Clicking over to her messages, she saw a list of unread ones starting from right after she came home.

Aurelio: Mia, I'm sorry for disappointing you again. Please understand that I want nothing more than to be next to you right now. This bond, this connection, this spark is everything I am holding on to. I am working hard to get out of this life. There are things I have to do, but soon I'll be free. I need to keep you safe from it in the meantime. And sometimes, that means dropping everything so no one asks questions. Until I'm out, maybe I should stay away. As much as I don't want to, I want you to be honest. If this is too much, please just tell me and I will disappear. But if not, if there is a chance you are willing to ride this out with me, I promise to make your life the best it could ever be. ????

Mia let the messages sink in. She could walk away; she could go back to her normal, everyday college and work life. She thought of all the days she had spent going to class, writing her paper, and working at the diner. The mundane life she had lived before all of this. How had things changed so much in such a short time?

She sighed; her mind was made up. Before she could think twice, she hit send.

Mia: Come here. Third floor. Second loft. Don't bring the yellow beast.

Aurelio: Already here.

Mia smiled; her eyes were tearing up as she looked out of her window to the alley. There he was, arms full of flowers, searching the windows for her. His face lit up when he saw her and pulled open the door to the building. She raced to her door, clicked the lock open, and threw the door to the side. Aurelio ran up the stairs three at a time and lifted her in his arms as their lips met. A sense of need seeped between both of them. She wrapped her legs around his hips, so he could hold her up as he walked them back to the apartment. He placed her on the floor and handed her the flowers, his wide grin flashing perfect teeth. Mia felt herself smile in response, her heart fluttering with emotion. She set the white and red roses bundled up with a red ribbon on the counter, her gaze never breaking contact with his.

“Aurelio,” she breathed his name, letting the air around them fill with the desire they were feeling. “I want you.” As she said the words, his hands lifted her into the air to carry her to the bed. She was lost in him as his hands roamed her body. His lips crashed to hers; it was intoxicating. Suddenly, the bed was underneath her, and he broke the kiss as he laid her down. Her legs dangled off the end, Aurelio between them. Her eyes drank in the man before her. He was in black, ripped, and frayed jeans, a white button-up shirt, and a vest.

Propped on her elbows, legs cradling his, Mia watched as Aurelio slowly removed the vest and undid each button; each one added to the desire rising in her. He pulled the shirt open, revealing his heavily tattooed chest. She had a peek at them over the last couple of days, but this was the first time she was able to see them fully. She lifted herself, eagerly letting her hands trace the patterns across his skin. Aurelio did not move. She swore he didn't even breathe as she touched the interlocking works of art that told a story. Here it was in all its glory across his tan skin, the truths of Aurelio; the black and white art laid the man bare for her to explore and understand. Her fingers traced a long line down his torso; it connected to another tattoo leading below his waistband. His face was dark with lust, want, and need. Without a word, she began to unbuckle his pants, letting them fall around his ankles. His tight black boxer shorts barely contained his erection.

Mia pushed his chest lightly, and Aurelio stepped back out of his pants. She sank to the floor on her knees, tracing the swirling lines on his thighs that disappeared into his boxers. She looked up at him, knowing exactly what he wanted, what he was dying for her to do. Keeping her eyes on his, she pulled the waistband of his boxers, letting the fabric fold as she pushed it down over his ass and hips. She let out a little gasp as she came face to face with his freed, thick, throbbing cock. It begged to be touched, licked, and sucked.

“Mia.” Aurelio's deep, rumbling voice was heavy with lust. She didn't say a word as he waited with bated breath. She grabbed ahold of him and let her hands work along his shaft.

“Fuck,” he breathed out hard. His head rolled back as she worked his cock. She took the moment to let her lips caress the tip. Her hands pulled back his foreskin to reveal the precum she licked. The saltiness sat on her tongue. “Holy fuck.”

He moved to watch as her lips surrounded him, swallowing his throbbing length. He filled her mouth; She could feel the gentle pulse of his erection along her tongue as she moved back and forth, sucking him down. His hand was laid gently on her head, his fingers running through her hair. His cock sat deep in her throat, and she swallowed, letting precum fill her mouth.

“Mia, fuck,” he moaned.

He was close. One hand still worked the shaft while the other played with his balls, giving them a gentle massage. She pulled back, letting her tongue wrap around the tip, licking up the salty cum before taking him deep again. She wanted him to cum, to let her satisfy him. Right as she felt his cock pulse again, he pulled away, lifting her back onto the bed.

“Wait!”

“Mia,” he said, his voice a command that made her freeze. “Lay back.”

She obeyed, her body spreading out on the sheets. His hand moved up her legs to pull her pants and panties down in one motion, leaving her exposed.

“Take off your top,” he ordered, his eyes dark with need. Mia moved quickly, pulling her top and sports bra off, her breasts falling free.

“Fucking perfection,” Aurelio groaned, his voice low. Just the sound of it caused her own need to rise with every passing moment.

Without another word, he climbed above her; his cock resting against her thigh as they kissed. Mia pulled him closer, wanting to feel his skin on hers. Their tongues lashed out to meet each other as Aurelio pushed himself inside. His throbbing erection felt like it was melting into her warmth. Mia moaned as the he filled her; her body ready for release.

His mouth moved along her body as his gentle thrusts pushed her slowly to the edge. He found her breast, taking a nipple in his mouth. Her moans pushed him onward, encouraging his teasing. She bit down on his shoulder, muffling her cries as the sensations grew.

“Scream.” He pulled her focus to him. She did not dare look away from his eyes as his hips moved slowly against her.

“Faster,” she begged.

“Scream my name.” He didn’t move faster; he just grinned as his cock slid in and slowly back out.

“Please.” Hands on his back, she clawed him, eager for the sweet orgasm he teased her with.

“Scream. My. Name.” Each word was slow, careful, and full of dominance. Unable to hold back, Mia did just that.

“Aurelio.” Her voice was barely above a whisper. His face turned darker as he maintained his speed, hitting her G-spot. It was not fast enough to give her what she wanted. She clenched her thighs, letting the walls of her pussy flex around his length.

“Dirty tricks,” he moaned as he rode her slowly, letting himself enjoy every thrust. “Scream.”

Mia couldn't hold back. She screamed; the sound echoed through the whole loft. Aurelio's grin grew, and his speed picked up; his cock hit her G-spot each time, driving her to the edge. She screamed his name, and Aurelio sat up to play with her clit. The first brush made her lose it. The waves of her orgasm overcame her, dragging Aurelio over the edge, too. He moaned her name, fingers still circling her clit. With a final thrust, he stopped deep inside before gently pulling out. He got off the bed and headed to the bathroom. When Mia went to stand as well, he put a hand up to stop her.

“Stay there.” His voice was softer but still commanding.

She nodded and gathered the sheet around herself. After a moment, Aurelio came back with a towel in hand. Pulling the sheet away, he gently cleaned her and planted kisses along her thighs as he went. She sat back, letting him take care of her, enjoying the feel of his hands, the warm water, and the gentle kisses. Her head gently hit the pillow as Aurelio moved up her body; he let the towel fall to the floor, pulling Mia to him. She turned to rest her head against his chest as their legs intertwined.

Laying there, bodies slowly recovering from the shared explosive experience. Mia let her fingers trace his chest tattoos. On his left pec, the tattoo made it look like his skin was ripped open, and in place of his heart was an engine block with valves and fuel lines shooting off into his skin. On his left arm were ⒈／⒉-inch wide black bands circling his bicep. She counted nine full rings and an unfinished tenth with a gap in the center. Aurelio silently watched her as she explored him.

He let out a chuckle.

“What?” Mia asked, turning to him with a playful smile on her lips.

“Your joke from the day we met,” he said, tapping the tattoo.

She thought for a moment before remembering. “Oh my god.” She let her head fall on his rumbling chest.

“I told you it was funny.” His fingers traced her body, catching sight of a tattoo on her hip he hadn’t noticed before. “Wait. Is that your car?” He moved to look at her right hip. It was just a small, light-blue VW Bug with an aluminum roof rack.

Mia's face reddened. “Yeah, I told you, I have had it a long time.” She smiled softly. “I got it when my dad passed away.” She let out a sigh; her heart wasn’t totally sure she was ready to share all the details.

“Oh,” Aurelio said, letting the sheet settle back over them. “It looks great, beautiful.” Mia nodded, shifting to get out of bed, but he caught her wrist. “Wait, I'm sorry.”

“For what?” she asked, meeting his gaze. “You didn't do anything wrong. I am an open book.” She shrugged; her heart called her a liar as it beat slowly; the pain of her dad passing was still sharp.

“Mia.”

“Aurelio,” she replied, trying to mimic his stricter tone.

The attempt elicited a deep laugh, and she laughed, too. The whole thing was ridiculous. She relaxed, and he pulled her, catching her off guard and dragging her back onto his chest. He locked her in his arms.

“Aurelio, I seriously need to get ready for class,” she insisted, batting his arms, trying to free herself.

“Not till we talk.” He grumbled like a giant pouting baby.

“Fine, let me check the time at least.” Eyeing her suspiciously, he nodded and released her. She got out of bed and hunted down her phone, which had fallen on the floor. It was a quarter to eleven; she had roughly an hour before she had to leave. She looked at the bed, but Aurelio wasn't there. She looked around; there were not many places for a man of his size to hide. Suddenly, she was lifted off her feet.

“Gotcha!” he laughed, peppering her neck in kisses as he lowered her back down.

“Aurelio!” she exclaimed, slapping his hands.

“Let’s put some clothes on. I only have an hour.”

Aurelio frowned, making a show of looking her up and down one more time. “For later.” He winked, stepping out of her way as she went to hit him again. He grabbed his boxers and pants, sliding them over his impressive legs. Mia found a bra and underwear and quickly put them on. She grabbed a pair of black slacks and a dark grey blouse.

“Can you help me?” she asked, gesturing to the buttons in the back. Without a word, he stood behind her. His large, calloused fingers delicately attached the buttons.

“Thanks.” He nodded, smiling as he sat on the couch. His shirt was still off, somewhere on her bed, she assumed. “So, um...” She was nervous all of a sudden. They had never talked about being intimate.

“What?” he asked, focusing on her as she stood there. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, yeah. Of course. I'm fine,” she rambled quickly, convincing no one she was okay. “I guess... I'm waiting for the call that pulls you out of here before we actually get to talk.”

“Ahh.” He stood up, approaching her. “You think I'm going to disappear again, run off and maybe call later, huh?”

“Well, yes. Kind of.” He got closer, and Mia backed up.

“Maybe all I wanted was this, to come in, bang one out, and disappear?” He threw his hands out, his muscled arms on display.

“Well, no… Maybe,” she stuttered. Aurelio was a breath away, towering over her.

“Maybe I lied about all of it? Maybe this is my game?” His eyes were dark, serious, and scary. She drew in a breath. Despite herself, her thighs were wet once more with want.

“I don't know, maybe?” she said, standing her ground. She would not let him see her cower. In the blink of an eye, Aurelio's face transformed back to the one she knew, and maybe…

“Never,” he vowed, leaning down to place a kiss on her lips. “I want you, Mia. All of you. Forever.” He lifted her chin and locked eyes with her.

“I promise to never disappear again.” Aurelio let his words sink in before placing a kiss on her lips. The kiss was filled with promise, Mia letting herself melt into him.

She sighed into him, pushing back on his chest, her hands feeling the warm, hard muscles there. “Good.” He let her push him back to the couch, catching her wrist as he fell back, pulling her down with him. Laughing, they settled in, her body lying partly on his.

“What do you want to talk about?”

Mia bit her lip, chewing the skin inside her cheek as nerves got the better of her. “Well, there is this cop…” she started, feeling him tense up under her.

“Okay.” His voice did not reflect the tension she could feel coming from his body.

“Well, the neighbor.”

“The one you punched?”

“Yeah. That one.”

“Nice,” Aurelio intoned, patting her arm. She rolled her eyes and gave him a look. “Sorry, continue.”

“Thanks. So, he is a detective. One of the detectives in charge of breaking up gangs, especially gangs that steal cars.” The words hung in the air.

Aurelio’s eyes were unfocused.

She waited, but after a moment of silence, she kept talking. “He moved in the shortly after we met. He has a vendetta against car thieves. He said they stole his car. A yellow Shelby Mustang. Just like yours.”

Aurelio's face darkened, his hands settled on her arm, holding her. “Baby is mine. I built her.” His tone was firm. “She was scraps that I put back together, piece by piece, for five years.”

“Okay,” Mia conceded. “Aurelio, you're hurting me.” She smacked his hand.

Shaking his head, he focused on her and let go. “I'm so sorry!” he apologized, inspecting her arm. Faint lines from his fingers could be seen against her pale skin, fading as they watched.

“It's okay, but what was that about?” she asked, holding his hand.

“Like I said, I built Baby from nothing. I scavenged for her parts, hunted, bartered, and gave away so much to build her. She is mine.” He took a deep breath, closing his eyes. “Five years, that’s what it took to build her. Five years of blood, sweat, and tears. But I was determined. She was going to be the escape at the end of my servitude. When the five years were up, I was gonna hop behind the wheel and just drive.”

Mia had so many questions but stayed silent, not willing to risk the moment he was sharing with her. “Right on the cusp of the five years, Baby was finally done. I was ready to leave when she suddenly disappeared.”

“Who?” Mia couldn't stop herself.

“Baby.” Aurelio looked at Mia and gave a soft sad smile. “Boss sold her to some douche, and he took her. I offered two more years for the information I needed to get her back. Of course, she was in the hands of a detective fresh out of the academy and on the fast track.”

“Oliver.”

“Yeah, Oliver Jones.” Aurelio furrowed his brow. He placed his head in his hands, sighing.

“Well, that explains why you said not to bring Baby.” He gently grabbed her chin. “And it is Baby, not Beast, beautiful,” Aurelio said, giving Mia a smile.

“I didn't want to use her name, just in case. Keep going; that's still only seven years.”

“Well, Mac came into my life when I was two years in, and I was stupid. I didn't even think, but when Boss said no kids were allowed around, I offered one year for him to let Mac be. Boss was oh so happy to open that line of negotiations.”

“Wait, one year?” she said, remembering Mac's words from the other night. “But Mac said it was two?”

Aurelio's expression turned hard once more. “Mac was a stupid kid, is a stupid kid. One day, the boss came in pissed about some shit. He was taking it out on my guys, and I stepped in, letting him rail on me instead. It’s better that way.” He gave a small chuckle. “Mac had formed an attachment to me; he thought I was a hero. When he saw the boss go to punch me, he snapped. He grabbed a wrench and went to hit him. I saw it coming, grabbed the punk, and stopped him, but I was too late. The damage was done. Boss ordered that the kid be ‘ taken care of .’ The guys that Boss keeps as guards would have killed him, so I offered two years to spare him.”

“Oh, Aurelio,” Mia said, kissing his chin and brushing her lips along his jawline.

“I took off after Boss left, drove to Mexico, and sat at the border. I knew if I crossed over, all my guys, Mac included, would suffer. He'd make them pay for me leaving. I could not do that to them, so I turned around and swore to let this be it.” He looked so serious with furrowed brows. The anger she had seen before was there, and it scared her.

“So, three months?” she prompted, hoping to bring him back to her, to this room and away from his painful memories. It worked; Aurelio gave her a grin and a wink.

“Yes, finally. Freedom is right there. I have all the remaining jobs lined up. Nothing is going to stop me from walking away this time.”

Mia hated to stop what they were doing, but it was eleven-thirty. “I have more to tell you.” She had to tell him all she had said to the cops, the little lies that she had spun to protect him.

“Okay, yeah.” He sat up.

She placed her hands in her lap and filled him in on all the moments she had with both detectives, including the phone call from before he arrived. “Flory covered for us for Sunday night.” She waited in silence, letting Aurelio gather his thoughts.

She stood; her legs were stiff from all the earlier activity. Mia grabbed her bag and the dissertation on her computer, which was ready to be submitted. She turned to Aurelio, who finally put his shirt on.

“Wait, how did you get here?” she asked. “You were outside already when I answered your messages.”

Aurelio laughed, buttoning his vest over his white shirt. “Honest answer?”

“Of course,” she replied.

“I never left the parking garage. After I finished fixing the problem that pulled me from you, I went there.” He pointed out the window to the lot. “I waited all night, called Mac early so he could come pick up Baby, and then I walked to the pharmacy on the corner and bought the roses. The plan was to go door to door looking for you.” Aurelio winked. His plan was brilliantly silly.

“Oh my god,” Mia said, placing a hand on her head.

“Luckily, you responded before I even had the chance to knock on one door.”

“Poor Janet.” Aurelio's brow lifted in question. “My neighbor across the hall. She loves roses.”

“Ha, well, I will have to bring her some then.”

They left the loft, and Mia pulled the door closed behind her with a click of the lock. They reached the new door, the keycard having been installed over the last two days. Mia paused, reading the sign posted. In simple font the sign explained that the doors would be in working order starting the next day, to be sure all keycards had been received and left a number to call with questions.

“Shit,” Mia said, placing a hand on her forehead. “We should see if tony has mine.” Aurelio raised a brow at her. “He owns the café downstairs.” She said, pulling him out the door and down.

“The café was mostly empty, Tony nowhere to be seen as they entered hand in hand. Mia scanned best she could, the swinging door closed as she approached. The girl Tony had been training a few weeks ago gave Mia a shy smile, her eyes scanning the couple as they approached.

“Hi.” Mia said, smiling. “Is tony around?” the girl shook her head, her voice quiet as she spoke.

“He had to leave for a little bit.” The girl seemed nervous behind the counter. “Can I help with something?” Mia shook her head, extricating her fingers from Aurelio’s. she slipped her phone from her pocket and clicked Tony’s number. On the third ring he answered.

“Girl!” he exclaimed. “What is up?”

“Hey tony.” She said, smiling. “Do you have my keycards?”

“Oh, shit yes!” he called. “They are at the café, under the register.” Mia looked to the girl again and smiled. “Natalie is working, just head down and ask her about it.”

“Im already here.” Mia said, giving the girl, Natalie another smile. Mia pulled the phone from her partially and pointed at the register. “Tony said my keycards are under the register?” Natalie gave her a wide eyed stare before looking at the register herself.

“Did she find them?” Tony asked.

Mia waited while the girl fumbled around, her fingers under the register and pulling at something.

“Maybe.” Mia replied, tony laughing.

“Girl, she is like a baby deer.” Another laugh. “Give her the phone for a sec.” Mia obliged, holding the phone out the Natalie, who, cautiously, took it.

“Hello?” she spoke soft as feather. “Hi. Okay. Yeah, sure. Not a problem.” Mia watched as Natalie lifted the register slightly, an envelope below it. She watched the girl gingerly grab it and pull. “Uhm, yeah. Of course.” Natalie handed the phone back to Mia. “He said you owe him a coffee date and something about chocolates?” Mia laughed, looking at the phone. Tony must have hung up, the screen now black as she slid it into her pocket.

“Yeah, I will buy him his chocolates.” Aurelio answered, his own smile matching Mia’s.

“Well, here.” Natalie said, handing over the envelope. “He said they were yours.” Mia accepted the package and turned, saying a quick goodbye. Aurelio gave a little wave, his hand coming around Mia’s waist as they out to her car.

Mia let Aurelio hold open the door for her as she reached into the envelope, pulling free a guest keycard. She passed it to him before folding up the envelope and sliding it into her bag. Aurelio gripped the card, looking it over.

“Guest access?” he asked, sliding the card into his pocket. “So I can come and go as I please?” his grin was devilish as he gripped her waist, pulling her flush with his chest.

“Only if I can come as I please.” Mia replied, his lips crashing into hers.

“I can’t wait to make you come.” He whispered in her ear as he pulled back, sending a warm shiver through her.

“I have a proposition for you,” Aurelio announced as they reached the car. “Would you let me take the old girl today and give her a tune-up? I can come pick you up from the school and take you to the diner.” Mia thought about it. The Bug hadn't seen a mechanic in over a year. She nodded, placing the keys in his hand.

“I'm only letting you drive her now so you can get a feel for her.” Mia stepped back, watching as Aurelio slowly put the key in the door, giving a small rap to the same spot she did, and turned the key.

“Thanks, girl.”

Mia smiled as she walked to the passenger side door. Aurelio followed her, pulling open the door and shutting it gently behind her. He walked back to the driver's side and slid in, rubbing the steering wheel, eyes roaming the interior.

“You did all this with your dad?” he asked, in awe of the workmanship and how it held up over the years.

“Yup, worked on it for years. He taught me a lot of lessons with this old girl.” Mia loved watching him take it in, knowing he understood what it was like to build a car from nothing. He knew what it was like to take pieces and put them together like a puzzle and understood the patience required. They clicked their seatbelts on, and Aurelio pulled onto the road, placing his hand on her thigh. Mia placed her hand on his, curling her fingers.

Driving in silence, Aurelio occasionally lifted his hand to shift gears but always placed it right back in hers after. The radio had died years ago, so Mia opted to just play music on her phone most days. But the comfortable silence between them was peaceful. He pushed the car a little to test her out, moving between lanes, opting to get off an exit early, and taking some side streets. Mia, enthralled, closed her eyes. She let the wind coming through the window blow her hair around, enjoying the feel of his warm hand in hers; it was all so much.

“Aurelio?” [HF11]Mia asked, keeping her eyes closed, realizing how juvenile her next the question seemed, but she needed it answered.

“Are we boyfriend and girlfriend?” She bit her lip and eyed him from the passenger seat. Before he had disappeared, she had considered him her boyfriend. But now, she wasn’t sure.

“Oof,” Aurelio breathed, turning his head to look for incoming cars at the intersection before the college's main entrance. “I guess that depends.” He took a moment to look in her direction. Mia could feel his eyes on her, but she closed hers, afraid to catch his eye and lose her nerve to have this conversation.

“Oof, what?” she said quietly.

“If you still want to be my girlfriend,” Aurelio commented casually. “Do you need me to officially ask?” There was amusement in his voice. “Do you need the reassurance I want you, all of you, in every aspect again?” His comment did the job. Her eyes snapped open, remembering their little confrontation in the loft. She glared at him. His eyes were back on the road, knowing his grin was intended to provoke.

“If you don't want to…” She refused to beg for anything.

“Oh, if I want to? Well, I'll think about it then.” He chuckled and pulled over.

Mia released his hand, not giving him the chance to hold her there, opened the door, and practically ran to her class to get away before she exploded with frustration. She made it a few feet before his hands landed on her waist, stopping her. She spun around quickly.

“Mia, would you do me the honor of being my girlfriend?” His smile, that damn grin she loved and hated, melted the ice around her heart. She scowled for a moment before finally relenting as he stared at her with eyes alight with amusement.

“Yes.” She smiled back at him as he placed a kiss on her lips, letting his tongue gently caress her. She pulled away, pushing his chest. “I have to go.” With another quick kiss on his lips, she turned to run to class.

“Bye, girlfriend!” he shouted after her; people milling around gave them weird looks.

“Bye!” Embarrassment flared in her cheeks. She heard him laugh as the Bug’s doors were shut.