by D. L. Wu
“Hey, pretty boy! What's your problem?” he grated with annoyance.
Evan's eyes widened as dread filled his entire body. “Me? Nothing.”
The man stepped into Evan’s view, shoving his face close to his. He towered high above Evan’s six-foot-two frame and was twice his weight. Grabbing Evan by the collar of his jacket, he yanked him forward. “How come your pretty boy face is all smashed up?”
“I got in a fight,” Evan mumbled.
“Defending your boyfriend? You pretty boys aren't welcome around here, you know. We eat the likes of you for breakfast!”
“I'm not asking for any trouble!”
“You asked for trouble the day you went all girly-girl, you pansy!”
“I'm not gay!” Evan cried in defense of himself. He motioned to the door of the ladies’ room. “I'm waiting for my girlfriend. She's in there!”
“Yeah, sure. Likely a sad story you're making up to keep me from adding my mark to that messed up face of yours.”
“No, really! You'll see. In a minute, she'll be out!”
Jaime appeared at just the right moment. Her mouth hung open as she witnessed the big, burly fellow threatening her beloved Evan. “Evan?”
“See,” Evan breathed, unable to keep himself from trembling with fear. “Told ya.”
The man let go of his collar with a grumble. He watched as Jaime sauntered in their direction and wrapped her arms around Evan's chest in a protective gesture. He slipped his arm around her shoulder, pressing a kiss against her temple.
“You really his girl?” the man asked. “Or just covering for this pretty boy?”
Jaime stared wistfully into Evan's wide brown eyes. They were certainly pleading with her and she smiled with satisfaction. She grinned broadly at the biker. “Yeah, I'm really his girl.”
“Hmmph,” the man snorted with derision. “He don’t look straight.”
“He is and he’s mine.”
The biker fixed Evan with a look of pure fury. “Guess you’re lucky this time,” he said as he angrily stormed down the alleyway.
Once the man was out of sight, Jaime dropped her arms and stepped away from Evan. She crossed her arms about her chest and waited. He ran an unsteady hand through his hair and gave her a twisted smile.
“Don't you dare say a word!”
Playfully, she pretended to zip her own lips. To her surprise, he took her hand tightly within his and led her down the alleyway. She smiled softly, enjoying the moment, even though she knew things would return to how they’d been before the moment they stepped back inside the car.
***
They were on their way again soon enough. Jaime wanted to talk to him, but she had no idea as to what sort of mood he was in now. He had been resentful the night before prior to his drinking binge. That morning, he’d been quiet. After their most recent encounter where she’d found herself protecting him once again, she wasn't sure what to think. She could only imagine how his male ego was taking blow after blow from everything he’d suffered since they’d come together.
Still, she needed to hear his voice and decided to be the first one to concede. She’d done the same the night before, although it had been a futile attempt in doing so. “I'm sorry,” she whispered, breaking their current silence.
“About?” he asked.
“About everything,” she sighed. “About being here and getting in your way. About making you worry about me.”
He clenched his teeth together as he realized what she was doing. She was using reverse psychology on him. “It's okay,” he replied, knowing that she expected him to deny that what had happened was her fault so that he could take the blame for himself.
She released a pent-up breath, knowing that he was resisting her attempted compromise. “I'm trying, Evan. I really am.”
“I know you are.”
“I won't cause any more trouble for you, I promise.”
“Don't worry about it anymore. You're along for the ride and you had no choice in the matter, but you don't have to keep pointing it out to me, alright?”
Her head swung back as if he’d slapped her. She took offense at his scolding. “How have I done that lately?”
“With everything you say to me, you point it out to me,” he said sharply.
“That's totally your problem, isn't it?” she spat.
“Yes, it definitely is my problem. But I put all of these problems on myself, so no worries.”
“I'm one of those problems that you put on yourself!?”
“And that's why it's constantly being pointed out to me,” he replied with annoyance.
She was livid. Was he covering for the words he’d let slip in his drunken state? Or did she take it wrong? He seemed so resentful of her. It had to be the male ego thing making him speak so cruelly to her. Could she forgive him for that?
She couldn't help herself once again. “I hate you,” she ground out in a whisper.
“I know that you don't,” he mocked.
“The longer I'm with you, the more I do. And you might as well admit it. You hate me just as equally.”
Silence lingered between them as she waited. A muscle twitched along his jaw as he fought to retain his composure. A deep sigh escaped him, moments later.
“That's the problem right there,” he said, intrigued. “I only wish that I did.”
Her mind raced with the implication of his words. They were spoken so cryptically that she wasn't quite sure as to how to take them. I only wish I did hate you? Does that mean he loves me? Why can't he just tell me outright? Why is he still playing these mind games with me?
She saw him gaze in her direction as he drove. It was as if he was looking through her. Almost. He was so distressed and it worried her. Yet she said nothing in response. He was a different man than the one who had started this adventure with her. He seemed worn down, defeated, and ready to give it all up.
Was he tired of running? Could she ever recover the witty, untamed, and cocky man that had originally kidnapped her? Would he let her? She settled into her seat, staring out of the window as she considered those questions and more.
CHAPTER 27
The silence inside of the car felt stifling to Jaime. The air felt heavy within her lungs. The urge to get out of the car, to breathe, to walk in the sunshine was overwhelming. She caught sight of a road-side rest stop in the distance that seemed to have a small park with trees. She leaned forward and asked Evan if they could stop. He relented without question and remained inside of the car as she climbed out.
She hurried to his side of the car and swung the door open. She smiled sweetly and tugged upon his arm. She was determined to help him out of his funk. Unfortunately, he was making it difficult as he refused to move.
Holding out her hand, she said, “Come on. We're going for a little walk.”
He regarded her with veiled eyes as he allowed her to pull him from the car. “Oh?”
She nodded and held his hand as they walked over to a row of picnic tables tucked beneath several large trees. People were sitting about, eating from picnic baskets or take-out restaurant bags and enjoying each other’s company. A nearby swing set and jungle gym were crowded with dozens of screaming and laughing children as they played. The sight was a calm and content one. One she found quite pleasing.
She selected the farthest reaches of the picnic area where it was quieter and found a table that was not taken. She led him to it and sat down. Their hands broke apart as he sat down across from her.
She gazed at the trees above. Their branches were rustled by the gentle breeze. She adored the sight of the baby-blue sky filled with cotton-like clouds. The air felt clean and fresh. It was exactly what she needed after days of driving, worrying, fighting, and wondering. To just sit still and enjoy the moment without having to think about anything else.
She smiled softly as she noticed that Evan seemed to be relaxing as well. His lovely brown hair blew gently about his handsome, damaged face. He appeared serene and a tad
contemplative. It was as if he’d needed this, too.
Time passed as they sat in silence. She stared straight ahead, watching the children playing and the dogs running around with abandon. She cried out with surprise as she felt Evan touch her arm as it lay upon the tabletop. She stared at him with confusion, waiting for him to tell her that it was time to go. He surprised her when he didn't.
Instead, he said, “I'm sorry, Jaime.” She tilted her head at him in understanding. “I'm taking all of my frustrations out on you and it's not fair.”
She shrugged and smiled. “I'm the only one here, so why not?”
He laughed softly, his eyes roving over her face. Sadness flashed within the depths of his eyes. Her heart constricted as she observed him. He was troubled, that much she could tell.
“Do you want to talk?” she offered lovingly.
He shook his head and looked away. “No. Not about that. Not about my troubles.”
She swallowed nervously and glanced down at the table, her cheeks flushed with color. “I really don't mind at all.”
“No,” he stated firmly. “I won't burden you.”
She looked up and shook her head at him. “I'll never get anything out of you, will I?”
“You've already gotten a hell of a lot out of me, I'll have you know,” he quipped.
“I don't mean your sexy birthmark, or even your sexual expertise,” she said, delighting in their civility once more. “I mean what's up here.”
She tenderly placed her hand against the side of his head. She caressed his shiny, long brown hair affectionately. He stared down at her in a brooding manner as she did so. Her heart skipped a beat. He laughed lightly as she drew her hand back.
“Not a whole lot up there, I'm afraid.”
“Are you implying you're not smart?” she asked, her eyes wide. “You're the smartest man I've ever known.”
“And you've known three, right?” he chided.
She giggled with pleasure. “No, only two. And my dad was a history teacher, so you should consider that a compliment.”
He grinned with pleasure. “I will take it as a compliment, then.”
Pleasure filled her as she realized that she was cheering him up. He sighed with content. He reached into his inside jacket pocket and pulled out his cigarettes. She watched as he tapped one into his other hand and put it between his lips, replaced the pack, and pulled out a lighter. Once lit, he offered her the cigarette. She shook her head, delicately brushing her hair out of her face. He nodded and took a long drag. She wanted to berate him for smoking, but she didn't dare ruin his peaceful mood.
“Will we be passing through Arizona, by any chance?” she asked.
He blew out a bit of smoke and said, “Yeah, sure. The northern part.”
“I always wanted to see the Grand Canyon. I love looking at pictures of it. Have you ever seen it?”
“Can't say that I have,” he mused as he continued to smoke.
“Have you ever wanted to?”
“Sure, I suppose. It's one of the natural wonders of the world, isn't it?”
She smiled. “You're not the sort of guy who cares about the little things in life, are you?”
He shrugged nonchalantly. “Haven't had the time to care about the little things.”
Curiosity got the best of her. “Do you care about anything at all?”
He chuckled softly and leaned forward across the table in front of him. The cigarette dangled loosely between his lips, a sight she found quite mesmerizing. “I care about my looks,” he murmured, pulling the cigarette from between his lips. “I also care about making lots of money, but that's all for now.”
She scrunched her nose at him. “Your concerns are utterly driven and a bit conceited, don’t you think?”
He grinned and tossed his cigarette butt aside. “Exactly.”
She watched its trajectory and noted where it landed, its fire slowly dying out. “Do you think you'll ever get married and have children?”
He’d suspected that she would eventually get around to asking him that question, sooner or later. She was snooping and he knew it. “I don't know. Haven't really thought about it much.” After a long pause, he said, “Suppose I should consider it, though, hadn't I?”
“No, not necessarily. It's not for everyone. Like my mother, for instance,” she replied flippantly.
“Your mother?” he inquired, confused.
“She left my father and me when I was five.”
He quirked a brow in her direction. “That's harsh. I'm sorry.”
“Don’t be. It’s in the past.”
“It still hurts, though, I’m sure.”
She chewed upon her lower lip in thought. “Some, but it’ll pass, I’m sure. Just like everything else does.”
“Jaim?”
He shortened her name, something no one else had ever considered doing before. She found that she liked it. It felt endearing and special.
“Yes?”
“Thanks for suggesting we do this. I feel better,” he admitted.
A smile of delight tugged at the corners of her mouth, her face alight with pleasure. “You're welcome.”
“I suppose we should hit the road again, though.”
“Yeah.”
Without another word, Evan stood up and held out his hand to her. She grasped it tightly, her happiness overflowing. The atmosphere within the car was now palpable. The heaviness had lifted. Yet she knew that his moods could return at any given moment. His freedom was always touch and go, but she wanted to make the most of the time in which he found himself in good spirits and intended to take full advantage.
She sat there, watching the miles upon the signs pointing toward Oklahoma City decrease. She tried to remember her geography lessons and pictured a map of the United States in her head. Once she did, she knew that they were a little more than halfway to California already. The notion saddened her as she became aware of the fact that there were only a few more days left with the love of her life.
CHAPTER 28
“Let's have a really nice supper tonight,” Evan suggested. “No Denny's. No McDonald's.”
Jaime laughed, her eyes twinkling with delight. “Sure. Whatever you want. There’s something I’ve been wondering about, though.”
“What about?”
“You seem to have an endless supply of money. Are you rich?”
He grinned. “Depends on what you mean by rich,” he quipped.
“Rich means rich,” she replied. “Doesn't mean anything else.”
“There are several degrees of richness,” he said as his face twisted with derision. “That doesn't sound right.”
“Oh. What is your degree of richness?”
“It’s moderate,” was his answer.
“That tells me nothing.”
“That's all you need to know, trust me.”
“Man of mystery again, huh?”
He burst into laughter. “I showed you that birthmark. I’m not so mysterious, remember?”
She giggled shyly. “I know every detail of that beautiful body of yours, but you never tell me anything about you. Open up a little.”
“Did you forget? I told you about my childhood, remember? About my five sisters.”
“I still don't know the real you. I know that he was a troublemaker as a child and I know he's running from something now, but that's it. I want to know more.”
“Why is that? Why do you want to know more?” he asked as he pulled into the parking lot of an Olive Garden restaurant.
Jaime sighed deeply as he parked the car. He turned to her and waited for her answer. “Because,” she whispered, “you already know that I care about you. Surely, you can trust me with your secrets?”
Evan stared at his hands as they lay within his lap. She knew he was still holding back, but what he had said in his drunken state earlier was still tumbling through her head. Turmoil filled every part of her. She wanted to scream out with happiness in regards to what he’d said. Yet she
also wanted a sober confirmation from him, something she knew wasn't coming any time soon.
“You shouldn't care about me,” he replied with sadness, moments later.
“Why not?” she queried, reaching out to clasp his hand.
He looked up, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Because I won't be any good to you in prison.”
“I'll wait for you,” she whispered.
Her pledge of commitment took him by surprise. Amazement clouded his beautiful brown eyes. She leaned toward him and tenderly kissed his unshaven cheek.
Without hesitation, he turned his head and captured her mouth in a fervent, hungry kiss. He curled his fingers about her cheeks, deepening the kiss as he held her tightly. The windows of their car began to steam up, obliterating their view of the world outside as their passion rose by the second.
Evan held Jaime's head between his hands as the kiss ended. They stared into each other's eyes, their breaths heavy.
“Jaime?” he prodded.
“Yes?”
Her heart raced with anticipation. She sensed that there was something he wanted to tell her, but was unable to get the words out in order to do so. Deep inside, she hoped he’d take her into his confidence. It would make things between them so much sweeter.
Slowly, he let go of her head. “Nothing,” he softly replied.
She knew, then, that the words weren't going to come just yet. Yet she didn’t mind. Deep inside, something told her that he loved her. The knowledge pleased her more than she’d ever thought it would.
***
She's too young for me and an innocent, at that, he thought. Why did I let her get involved in this? I have to let her go. I just have to! Why am I being so selfish? Am I falling in love with her?
He led her by the hand into the restaurant. It was one of the nicest places they’d visited yet. It was also the nicest Evan had ever been to her before. He was treating her like a gentleman would treat his best lady. He held the door, her chair, and he even asked if he could order for her. He made her feel very special, as well as a little amazed and unprepared for such treatment.
