The Edge of You

by Theresa Dalayne

  Maya narrowed her eyes at Sara with a smirk. “I’m sorry if Sara’s been boring you with stories.”

  “Hey.” Sara lifted her hands. “Wasn’t me.”

  Maya paused. “Then…”

  The two women glanced at each other. Sheryl’s cheeks blushed, and Sara grinned, moving to the other side of the kitchen.

  Maya turned. Her chest fluttered when she saw Jake leaning against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest, those blue eyes piercing into her.

  She pressed her fingers over her lips.

  “Come on, Sara,” Sheryl said, walking past Jake. “Let’s give these two a minute alone.”

  Sara’s lips parted. “But—”

  “But nothin’.”

  Jake grinned, his aunt standing defiantly by the counter. Sara’s gaze darted between her and Jake, and Sara let out a theatrical huff. “Oh, fine.” She waddled past them into the living room, leaving her alone with Jake.

  There was a long pause. Maya didn’t know what to say. Was he just visiting? Why so soon?

  “Hey, stop thinking so much.” He smiled as he walked toward her. He was so damn gorgeous in his fitted T-shirt and faded jeans. His hair had gotten longer, but still curled at the ends.

  Maya’s heartache flared. “What are you doing back?” She was afraid to know the answer. If he was only going to be there for a short time, she’d have to watch him leave all over.

  She shifted back as she moved closer to her.

  It wasn’t smart to let herself feel anything for him. Not now, when her life had just begun to return to something that somewhat represented normalcy.

  “Well.” He reached out and flicked strands of her hair. “Back to blue, huh?”

  She tucked hair behind her ear. “That’s not an answer.”

  Jake shrugged. “My mom’s better, and she’s here with me—”

  Maya gasped, and she immediately looked toward the empty hall leading to the living room. “That was your mom?”

  He nodded. “And I kind of missed Kodiak.” He cupped her face with his hand and stepped closer, running his thumb over her cheek.

  Her eyes fluttered, the warmth of his skin engulfing her.

  “And I realized…” There was a pause. His breath danced over her lips. “I couldn’t spend another day without you.”

  He kissed her, and for the first time since he left, the hole in her heart began to mend. She twisted her fingers in his shirt and melted into him.

  Jake gently pulled away, his brow arched as he glanced toward the living room.

  She looked to see both Sara and Sheryl peeking around the corner.

  “You guys can stop spying on us and come out now,” Jake said.

  “Who’s spying on who?” Mike asked, walking into the kitchen. Maya’s dad followed close behind. Her dad approached them and stood toe to toe with Jake. Maya’s gaze darted between them.

  Her dad extended his hand. “Jake.”

  Jake hesitated before accepting his gesture. “Lieutenant Reed.”

  There was a long pause as the two shook hands. “Tim,” her dad said. “You can call me Tim.”

  Chapter Fifty

  Jake

  Jake walked barefoot across the apartment’s wood floors. He paused when he noticed Maya standing on the balcony with a paintbrush in her hand and a new canvas propped on the easel. The wind wisped her hair to the side. It was supposed to snow—the first snow of the year.

  Maya glanced over her shoulder and smiled. He slid open the glass door. “Hey, beautiful. Almost done?”

  She dabbed some paint on the canvas. “Yeah. I’ll just be a few more minutes. The air is at such a nice temperature. It gives my paintings a great texture when they dry.”

  “Okay, but remember, we have dinner plans.”

  “I won’t forget. I even bought a new dress.” She loaded some more paint on her brush. “I’ll be ready by five.”

  He slid the door shut and continued to watch her. So much had changed over the last year. He and Maya had just renewed their lease for their apartment. It was the most comfortable home he’d ever had, and thanks to his new job on the construction team of a resort hotel off the coast, he was able to give his mom some money every month, and give Maya his share of the rent.

  Maya’s mom had gotten out of rehab and moved back to Kodiak. The change in her was amazing. It was the first time he saw her mom smile, and the first time he could recall her hugging Maya—really hugging her.

  There was just over an hour to get ready for dinner. He took a shower before slipping on a pair of freshly ironed dress slacks. His tattoos vanished beneath his shirt as he buttoned it up, and then lifted his head to make a knot in his tie.

  His hand shook as he centered it and then ran his fingers through his hair.

  He glanced at the clock on the wall. If Maya didn’t already start getting ready, they would be late for their reservation. Considering it was for the only decent restaurant on the island, that would create a huge ripple in his plans.

  “Maya,” he called. A light shined from under the closed door. He knocked. “You almost ready?”

  “Yep. Just about.”

  Jake stepped back. ‘Just about’ meant she could be another twenty minutes, at least.

  The door swung open and Maya stepped out. Jake first noticed her strappy black heels. As he raised his gaze, her legs seemed to go for miles. The hem of her dress brushed against her outer thigh. Her hair fell over her shoulders in rolling curls with new, lavender highlights.

  “What’s wrong? You don’t like it?” Maya glanced down at herself.

  “You look…” His blood heated as he admired the curves of her hips. “Amazing.”

  She smiled. “Good. Because this dress cost me enough, and I won’t even tell you how much I paid for these shoes.” She turned in a full circle, and all Jake could imagine was tearing off her expensive clothes and taking her in the middle of the living room.

  “You’re going to be cold,” he said as he brushed his fingers along the curve of her neck.

  She grinned. “I think you can keep me warm.” She kissed him, scorching his lips.

  Maya vanished into the bedroom, and back with a small blue purse that matched her dress. “Ready, with two minutes to spare.”

  He ran his hands around her waist. “Have I ever told you I love you?”

  Maya’s lips parted and she gently exhaled. “Actually…no. You haven’t.”

  He leaned into her and kissed her again, longer this time. When he pulled away, Maya stood with her eyes still closed and her chest fluttering with every breath. He’d never get tired of affecting her that way. She blinked open her eyes.

  “Ready?”

  ***

  The restaurant was packed when they arrived. No wonder, considering it was a Friday night.

  The hostess smiled as they approached. “Do you have a reservation?”

  “Yes. It’s for two, under Jake Coleman.” She searched the guest list, passing the tip of her pen over names with red lines struck through them. She frowned. “Your reservation was for five fifteen. I’m afraid we’ve given your table away.”

  Jake narrowed his eyes. “No, my reservation was for five thirty. I called a week ago.”

  “I’m sorry if there was some kind of mistake, but we’re completely booked for the rest of the night.”

  He didn’t make all these plans to have everything crumble due to a hostess’ mistake. Jake rested his hands on the edge of the wooden pedestal and peeked at the list. “You have to be able to do something, miss. Please take another look.”

  He almost jumped when Maya rested her hand on his shoulder. “It’s okay, Jake. We can go somewhere else.”

  He dropped his hands to his side. “Right. Somewhere else.” Though there was really nowhere else to go.

  The hostess gave an apologetic smile. “I’m really sorry.”

  Maya took his hand, and they walked out to her car. “It’s totally okay,” she said. “Don’t be so disappoint
ed.”

  He rubbed his face. “I made the reservation for five-thirty. They fucked up.”

  Maya tilted her head. “Do you just want to go home and order some food?” She wrapped her arms around him and rested her head against his chest. She shivered. “We could order double cheese pizza and watch zombie movies all night.”

  Pizza and zombies sounded great and all, but tonight had to be special.

  He flipped through options in his mind, coming up with a bunch of nothing. If they were in California, where Maya lived before, he could bring her to the beach since she loved the water so much.

  Jake lifted his head. “I have an idea.” He took her hand and led her toward the car. “Come on. I know where to go.”

  For the entire ride, Jake’s mind raced over what exactly he’d say. He still hadn’t figured it out, and was out of time to mentally rehearse when he pulled into the entrance of Abercrombie Park.

  The sun had already begun to set. It was just one of the aspects of winter on Kodiak; the daylight was cut to just a few hours, and when it became dark, there was nothing but blackness.

  Maya turned in her seat. “What are we doing here?”

  He smiled nervously as he fumbled in his pocket. His fingers ran over the smooth surface of a small box. “I wanted to give you something.” He stepped out of the car, Maya following him onto the dirt ground. He rounded the car to where she stood and took her hand. Her fingers were already like ice. “I promise we won’t stay out here long.”

  Her teeth chattered. “I hope not, because I’m freezing.”

  “Here.” He stripped off his blazer and draped it over her shoulders.

  They walked down the mossy steps toward the lake where they once swam together. Now the lake had begun to freeze over, and the spongy moss beneath their feet was frail and frozen.

  “Jake.” Maya’s teeth chattered as she spoke. “I’m really cold.”

  “I know, but I swear I have a good reason for dragging you out here.” He rested his hands on her shoulder and turned her toward the lake. “Do you remember us coming here when we first met?” She nodded. “Well…” He reached in his pocket and pulled out a small, black box. “I was going to give this to you at the restaurant, but this was the next best thing I could think of.” She plucked it out of his hand, pulling off the top to expose a small pendant in the shape of a heart. It had taken him over an hour to pick it out. Hopefully didn’t think it was tacky.

  “Is that a charm for the bracelet you gave me?”

  He nodded. “But this one’s for us.” He lifted the pendant out of the box and clasped it onto the chain. His hand quivered, though not from the cold. He was used to the chill, but he still wasn’t prepared for how Maya made his heart race, even after all this time. “Listen…” He pushed down the swirling in his gut. “I’m not good at this kind of stuff, so I’m just going to tell you what I’ve been thinking.” He took her hands.

  “I’ve never cared about someone like I care about you, and to be honest, it scares the shit out of me.” He glanced at the placid water. “But from the first moment when you jumped into the lake, I knew you were special.”

  “I…” She bit her lip. “I don’t know what to say.”

  “Just say you’re mine.” He cradled her cheek. “I don’t know how long we’ll be together. If I’ve learned anything, it’s that life is totally unpredictable. And okay, maybe we won’t last forever. But…” His chest tightened at the thought of losing her. “I hope we do. And we can start here. With one year.”

  Maya smiled, and then blinked when a snowflake landed on her eyelashes. She tilted her head toward the sky as puffy, white flakes drifted over them. “With one year,” she echoed in a soft tone. Her gaze met his, and she nodded. “I can do that.” She leaned into him and kissed him. Her lips quivered against his.

  Jake pressed his forehead against hers, his eyes closed, almost too afraid to open them. If he did, maybe he’d realize it was all a dream.

  Meeting Maya. Feeling her skin against his. Wondering what the hell he did so right to deserve her smile, or the way she dragged her fingers through his hair at night.

  For a long time, he was sure God had forgotten about him completely. But every minute they spent together was the higher ups paying him back for all the double shifts, the nights trying to fall asleep on an empty stomach, and the nights he couldn’t sleep at all.

  “Are you…crying?” Maya asked, tearing Jake out of his thoughts.

  He furrowed his brows. “What? No.”

  “You’re totally crying.”

  “I am not crying.”

  She pulled the jacket tighter around her. “You’re such a pantywaist.”

  “A what?”

  “A pantywaist. Look it up.”

  “I will not…” Jake grinned. “Fart-knocker.”

  “Asshat.”

  “Jerk…face.”

  Maya scoffed. “Fail.”

  Jake rested his arm over her shoulder as they walked back to the car. “I know. I’ve been defeated by the master of creative curse words.”

  Maya rested her head on his shoulder and wound her fingers between his. “I love you anyway.”

  Jake kissed her temple. “I know.” But it was nice to hear it.

  He could get used to hearing Maya say that. And he could keep getting used to it.

  Maybe even forever.

  Acknowledgments

  I’d like to thank a few people, who without their help, encouragement and guidance, I would have fallen flat on my face before I ever began.

  My literary agent, Dawn Dowdle, for taking a chance on a newbie.

  My amazing editor, Meredith Rich. You wear more hats than you’re given credit for.

  My first line of defense, Susan Walsh. You’re a glutton for punishment, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

  Mom. Your labors of love gave me the time to focus and work furiously to make deadline. I love you to pieces.

  My husband, for taking the kids off my hands more than a few times.

  A big thanks to all of my friends and family for rooting me along. You guys are the best.

  Lastly, I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge the majestic Island of Kodiak. Without its rolling hills, vast wildlife and colorful people, the best seven years of my life would only be a dream. I miss you, Kodiak, especially in the summer.

  About the Author

  Theresa DaLayne is a north-south-east-western kind of girl with a quirky personality to match her nomad life. Born in the garlic capital of the world, she spent her childhood exploring the US with her family, including a seven-year stay in Kodiak, Alaska. Years later she married and finally settled in the suburbs of Ohio, where she currently lives with her husband and three kids, plus a menagerie of animals including a vegetarian cat, freshwater fish and a small flock of domestic ducks.

  Travel being her greatest joy, Theresa has visited over a dozen countries. She has walked the canyons of Petra and visited the pyramids in the Far East, cruised the Rhine River and toured castles in Europe, and spent snowy afternoons soaking in the natural hot springs of Canada. Her bucket list has recently gotten longer, and now includes weaving unique and diverse stories of romance for her readers, who she so adores.

  Find her online at @TheresaDaLayne and www.theresadalayne.com

  Bloomsbury Publishing, London, New Delhi, New York and Sydney

  Copyright © 2014 by Theresa DaLayne

  All rights reserved. You may not copy, distribute, transmit, reproduce, or otherwise make available this publication (or any part of it) in any form, or by any means, (including without limitation electronic, digital, optical, mechanical, photocopying, printing, recording, or otherwise), without the prior written permission of the publisher. Any person who does any unauthorized act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

  First published in September 2014

  by Bloomsbury Spark, an imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing, Inc.
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  Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

  available upon request

  ISBN 978-1-61963-780-1

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