The Edge of You

by Theresa Dalayne

  Maya’s breath hitched. She closed her fingers around the bracelet. “I don’t know what to say.”

  He brushed his fingers over the back of her hand. “Say you like it.” He slipped his fingers between hers.

  “I love it.” She draped the silver bracelet over her wrist and clasped it shut. She shivered, and Jake wrapped his arm around her.

  “Come on. Lets get closer to the fire.”

  She smiled, her eyes visible only by the light of the moon as they walked toward the bonfire. “So why don’t you tell me more about the art show? It sounds like a pretty big deal.”

  She rubbed her hands together and blew into them, her fingertips tingling from the cold. “I’m supposed to paint something, but I only have a few weeks to get it done. If I won, I could be an apprentice to an experienced artist. Maybe even get discovered.”

  “Does it usually take a few weeks to paint something?”

  She shrugged. “Depends. I think this one is going to give me a hard time, though. I’ve been wracking my brain trying to think of something—anything.” She sighed. “I don’t know. Maybe I jumped into saying yes too fast.”

  “Or maybe you’re just thinking about it too much.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I don’t know a lot about art, but isn’t it supposed to express something? I mean, thinking about it, wracking your brain. It’s not a math problem. Doing it like that seems kind of counterproductive.”

  She smiled. “And here you are saying you don’t know a lot about art.” She kissed him, and then rested her head on his shoulder as they walked. “I usually don’t have this hard of a time, but it’s been so damn stressful at home, and now this thing with you.”

  He slowed. “With me?”

  “Yeah. With your work situation and all.”

  “Oh.” She had a right to be worried. And he’d be a damn liar if he tried to pretend he wasn’t. So far it seemed every crew on Kodiak was full, and the only other jobs he could look for would be odd ones. Sure, he could do most of them—build porches, put up drywall, paint houses; just about anything to keep money coming in. But there was hardly any work to be done on the island. His best, and maybe only option, would be to take that construction job in Washington. But he wouldn’t do that until he had no other choice. Meanwhile, he didn’t want Maya stressing over it.

  As they grew closer to the fire, it became clear how many people were there. Twenty, maybe thirty, just hanging out with bottles in their hands and smiles on their faces.

  Jake paused and examined the open twelve pack resting in the sand. He squeezed Maya’s hand. “You sure you’re okay with this?”

  It didn’t take any explanation for her to know what he was talking about. She nodded.

  A guy with a dark jacket and baseball cap spotted them first. “Hey, Jake’s here!” Jake immediately recognized Ian’s voice, a crewmember from another boat. He fished with Jake his first season in Kodiak. Ian took a few clumsy steps forward and slapped Jake on the back. “What’s up, man? I heard you were back, but I haven’t seen you around.”

  “Just working, as usual.”

  Ian nodded, then checked out Maya. “Who’s the hottie?”

  Jake had never been the jealous type, but the comment made his body temperature spike. He stepped forward, remembering Ian was just about the nicest guy he’d ever met. “This is my girlfriend, Maya.”

  Maya’s head shot up, her smile widening.

  He hoped she would react that way.

  Ian waved them forward. “Sweet. Then come on. You guys are just in time. Lori just brought out her guitar.”

  Maya wrapped her arm around Jake’s and leaned into him. “Who’s Lori?”

  “She’s a musician with a really good voice. Sings Alutiiq folk music. They’re an Alaskan Native American tribe.” He pulled her forward. “Come on. You’ll like it.”

  As soon as they arrived near the campfire, the group hushed, and Jake spotted Lori sitting on a piece of driftwood, strumming absentmindedly on her guitar. He stepped behind Maya to allow the heat from the fire to ease her shivering. Her hands were like ice, but she seemed content, listening to Lori’s soft voice carry through the air.

  Jake wrapped his arms around Maya from behind and hugged her close to his chest, resting his chin on her shoulder. It had been so long since he held someone. He missed the warmth of a woman’s body. But life had thrown him so many curveballs; he’d spent most of his teen years either working or worrying, which gave him hardly any time for relationships.

  Maya swayed with the gentle strumming of notes and the hushed, soothing tone of Lori’s voice. The entire song was in Alutiiq, and even though he didn’t understand a word of it, it was obvious Maya felt the melody. Like she must have felt her art.

  He wished he had something like that. Something that breathed life back into him.

  Maya smiled. He felt it—her cheek rose and pressed against his. Jake pulled her closer against his chest, burying his nose in her hair and resting his lips against the curve of her neck.

  Maybe he had already found what made him feel alive. Maybe he didn’t need to keep looking because maybe, just maybe, she was already in his arms.

  Chapter Twenty-five

  Maya

  Maya bathed in the gentle melody of the woman’s voice pouring over her. It had been so long since she was at peace, and for the first time since Gracie’s death, she didn’t feel the guilt weighing on her.

  Maybe Beth was right. Maybe she needed to stop punishing herself. She deserved to be happy.

  As the final notes were strummed and the woman’s voice vanished into the air, Maya opened her eyes. The others clapped and returned to their conversations, roughhousing in the sand and huddling by the fire.

  She turned to face Jake and wrapped her arms around his neck. He stared down at her with those blue eyes. “I have an idea,” she said. He cocked his head to the side, as if waiting for her to continue. She rose on her tiptoes and hovered her lips over his.

  He smoothed his thumb over her lips and drew her closer. She ran her hands over his shoulders and spread her fingers over his chest.

  “What’s your idea?”

  Maya leaned in and kissed him, grasping onto the fabric of his sweater as he moved his mouth over hers.

  She parted her lips and deepened their kiss. It was the first time she had ever kissed a guy with a tongue ring, and the sensation of the hard metal sent a spike of wild desire through her.

  He trailed his hands over her ass, smoothing over the curve of her hips and then up to the small of her back as she nibbled on his bottom lip. A low moan pushed out from his chest. He grabbed her ass harder, then pulled away, panting. “Jesus, Maya.”

  She grinned, guiltily enjoying his breathlessness. “What’s wrong?”

  He chuckled and finally opened his eyes. “Nothing. But damn it.” He pulled her closer. “You’re driving me a little crazy here.”

  She slipped off his beanie wound her fingers through his hair. “I’m sorry.”

  He analyzed for a moment, and then arched his brow. “No, you’re not.”

  “No. I’m not.” She kissed him again, sliding her tongue over his just once before pulling away. God, he tasted so good. She took his hand. “Come on. Lets get out of here.” He followed without protest, away from the group, back toward the car.

  “Hey!” Ian shouted from behind them. “Where are you going? The party just started!”

  Jake spun and walked backwards. “We’re tired. Going to take off. But you guys have a good time.”

  Ian dropped his arms by his sides, turning his attention to Maya. “Come on, new girl. Tell him to stay.”

  He was cute, in a pathetic sort of way. But She had other plans in mind. “Sorry,” she shouted. “We’ll see you later.” Jake turned forward and continued to walk, but she could still hear Ian’s pleas.

  “Red pants! Come back, red pants!”

  Jake glanced down at Maya’s candy-apple red jeans. “Nice. Go
tta love drunk-Ian.”

  Maya smirked. “If you say so.”

  “Where are we going?”

  “To the Beast.”

  “You’re not having fun?”

  “I am.” She tucked her hand in the back pocket of his jeans. But she was growing impatient, and they could have more fun alone.

  When they arrived at Jake’s El Camino, she waited for him to unlock the car and pop the passenger door. Once he did, Maya climbed in and shut the door behind her.

  “Where to?” He started the engine, kicking on the heater.

  Warm air soothed her shivering, enough for her to take off her sweater and slide off her scarf.

  “Nowhere.” Thanks to the bucket seats, there was no center console to get between them. Maya took his hand and pulled him toward her until he sat in the center.

  “Maya—” She pressed her finger to his lips and draped one leg over him, straddling his waist. Jake’s chest jumped as he ran his hands down her thighs. “What are you doing?” He glanced around at the other cars parked nearby. “Someone could see—”

  Maya cut him off with a kiss, deep and hot. She let out a little moan and pressed her body against his. As expected, he didn’t say another word about their lack of privacy. Besides, that’s what made it exciting.

  His fingers slipped under the seam of her shirt and played over the sensitive skin of her mid drift. She stripped it off completely, showing her lace, electric purple bra that matched the streaks in her hair.

  Jake sat back, his eyes feasting on the curves of her cleavage. “Damn, you’re beautiful.” He ran his hands down the length of her arms and back up her torso, stopping just below her bra.

  She kissed him again. Jake wrapped his arms around her, curled his fingers over the top of her shoulders, and pulled her on top of him, grinding his pelvis into hers. Maya gasped, unable to hold back the shudder in her breath.

  They both jumped when someone banged on the driver side window. “Red pants!” Maya covered herself with her hands.

  Jake grabbed her shirt and covered her. “Damn it, Ian!”

  “Red Pants is hot, and Jake got to second base!” he shouted to a few more people crowded nearby, his hands in the air like he made a touchdown. Hoots and whistles echoed down the beach.

  Maya slipped her shirt back on as Jake mumbled another string of curse words. She couldn’t hold back from laughing, and soon, she was laughing so hard her eyes were watering.

  Jake rubbed the back of his neck. “That was…weird.”

  Maya rested back into her seat, and sighed. “Okay, well I should get back home.”

  “Sorry about Ian.” Jake’s gaze was trained on the drunk party crasher as he stumbled back to his group of friends. “Asshole,” he whispered.

  Maya buried her fingers in her hair, the silver charm dangling from her wrist. “Its fine. Really. I have to work on my project anyway.”

  He shifted the car into reverse. “All right, Red Pants. Lets get you home.”

  She arched a brow. “Is that my new nickname?”

  “I don’t know. Do you want it to be?”

  She kicked her feet up on the dashboard with a grin. “I kind of like it.”

  ***

  The next morning, Maya stood in her room with a cup of coffee, staring at the blank canvas on the easel in the corner of her room. She paced, watching it, and waiting. There had to be something she was missing.

  She set down her coffee and picked up a paintbrush, dabbing the bristles in some green. A few strokes later, she stepped back, tilted her head to the side, and then dropped her shoulders. It was all wrong. She forced it, and it was shit.

  She should have known better.

  Maya picked up her cup of coffee and plopped down on her bed, the foam mattress curving around her body. It wasn’t light out yet, which could only mean one thing. Winter was approaching.

  It was almost mid-September, and she couldn’t avoid winter forever. Unfortunately.

  With a sleepy yawn, Maya blinked slowly at the canvas and the ugly green streaks. Wherever the image was hiding, she needed to figure out how to pull it out. The art show was so close. Too close.

  Maya grabbed her phone and composed a text to Beth. Hey lady. You awake? I know it’s early…

  Several minutes had passed, and she figured Beth must be passed out. She never was a morning person. Maya was surprised when her phone buzzed with a reply. I’m awake now. U OK?

  Maya sighed and leaned her back against her headboard, contemplating the question. Can I call, or r u too tired 2 talk?

  I am too tired, but you can call anyway. <3

  Maya smiled softly and pushed send, then brought the phone to her ear. It rang only once before Beth picked up. “Hey, honey.” Her voice was groggy and faint. A streak of guilt ran through Maya. Maybe she should have just waited until later to call.

  “Hey. Late night?”

  Beth chuckled. “Let’s just say I could use you right about now to talk to my landlord about the noises coming from my apartment all night.”

  Maya rolled her eyes. “You’ve really got to stop keeping your neighbors up. It’s not nice.”

  “Yeah, well. A girl’s gotta do who a girl’s gotta do.” She giggled. “Plus the guy is pretty cool. A law student. And hot.”

  Maya sat up straighter. “Doth my ears deceive me, or do you actually like this guy?”

  “You know me. I don’t like to get too serious, but…yeah. I don’t see myself changing sheets anytime soon, if you know what I mean. Anyway, why the early morning call?”

  Maya chewed on her bottom lip, glaring at the canvas. “I didn’t tell you, but I’m entering an art contest over here. It’s kind of a big deal.”

  “Really? When is it?”

  “I have to submit my work by the twentieth.”

  “So are you almost done?”

  Maya exhaled and ran her fingers through her hair. “Not even close.”

  “When is the actual showing?”

  “The end of the month. But I don’t think I’m going to be ready.”

  “Yes you will. Stop doubting your talent. You know you’re an incredible artist. Everyone can see that.”

  Beth always knew just what to say. “Thanks,” Maya said softly.

  “So, tell me. What’s the weather like up there?”

  Maya furrowed her brows, preparing for another dog sledding joke. “Getting colder, but its not too bad—yet.”

  “Any snow?”

  “Not this month. I think it should start in October, from what I’m told.”

  “Oh, good. Then I don’t have to pack the heavy-ass snow pants I bought to go skiing last year.”

  Maya froze and gripped her phone tighter. “What do you mean?”

  “What do you mean, ‘what do I mean?’ If you’re going to be featured in an art show, do you honestly think I would miss that?”

  “You’re…you’re coming here?”

  “Hell yeah I am! I seriously need a vacation. Work has been such an epic pain in the ass, and I have at least a week of vacation days stashed up. Alaska sounds like the perfect spot to hang out. Especially since my best friend is there.”

  Chapter Twenty-six

  Jake

  Jake hung up the phone and set it on the couch beside him. His uncle was always there for him when he needed help, and although Jake wasn’t the kind of guy to ask for handouts, his desperation for a job drove him to make the call.

  Hopefully his uncle could help him find something to do—anything. Because within the next few weeks, the bills had to be paid.

  He sat in his living room, nervously bouncing his bare foot against the edge of his coffee table. It was too early to get dressed and go out. The whole town would be asleep, except the fishermen, who were busy prepping their boats to go out to sea. They were making money.

  His money.

  His phone buzzed and he snatched it, reading the text from Maya. You up?

  He answered. Yeah, but what are you doing up? It’s
not even seven.

  His phone buzzed with a reply. Couldn’t sleep. My mom just left to work. Dad hasn’t been home for days. Keep me company?

  Be there in fifteen minutes.

  It didn’t take long to throw on some clothes, and it took about the same amount of time to drive to Maya’s house. He pulled up her steep driveway, aware that when winter hit, it would turn into a giant Slip ‘N Slide of death.

  Just as he parked, Maya opened the door and stepped out. She was barefoot, a thick robe wrapped around her. Her hair flowed in the wind.

  He turned off the engine and stepped out of The Beast. She waved him inside, cringing in the freezing morning breeze. He walked through the entrance, a gust of wind slamming it behind him. “Damn, it’s cold.” He checked out her robe, wondering what she had on underneath. His hands itched to tug on the knot in the front and make her robe drop to the floor.

  She shifted her weight, glancing from his face to her robe several times. “What?”

  “Is this what you look like when you wake up?”

  She smoothed down her hair. “Why? Do I look horrible?”

  He chuckled. “You look beautiful.” The blush spreading over her cheeks made his skin warm. “And I can’t help but wonder what you have on under there.”

  She arched a brow and stepped toward him, resting her hand on his chest. “Who said I wasn’t planning on showing you?” Slowly, she untied her robe and pulled it open.

  Jake’s eyes widened, and he let out a loud laugh.

  She wiggled her toes inside the feet of onesie pajamas that zipped up the center. “And the leopard print makes it even hotter, don’t you think?” She posed with her hand behind her head and her hip tilted to the side.

  He pulled her into him. “You are too damn cute.” He buried his fingers in her hair and kissed her.

  She smiled against his lips. “Want some coffee?”

  He smiled back, his mouth still hovering over hers. “Not as bad as I want you, but I’ll take what I can get.”