he closed the door and walked quickly around the car. He slid into the driver’s seat and started the engine in one smooth motion.
“Where are we going, Josephine?” Stefan asked, his voice loud in the confined space of the car. I glanced at him and blinked for a moment. It hadn't hit me until now that I was inviting this man back to my home to 'talk'. I had an idea that my version of talking and his version were two different things.
“Go right out of the parking lot, my house is about three miles down the road on the left. 28124,” I replied quietly, watching as he made short work of backing out of the parking space and pulling quickly onto the main road.
My eyes roamed over the interior of the car. It was all leather and had every gadget available. It wasn't the typical car you'd see in Canggu. “Your car is beautiful. It's much nicer than my jeep.”
"It is an Audi TT. I spare no expense when it comes to vehicles.” Stefan shrugged offhandedly.
He hummed as he drove along and tapped his fingers against the steering wheel. I used the time to study his profile in the darkness, the lines of his face harsh in the light from the dashboard. He would occasionally glance over at me and smile tightly, almost appearing to be nervous. I felt compelled to reach for his hand across the console, lacing my fingers with his. He released a deep sigh of relief and our contact filled the car with a quiet energy. We drove along in a comfortable silence and I lost myself in the quietness of his presence.
Feeling the car slowing, I glanced out the windshield to see Stefan making the turn into my driveway. He drove slowly over the gravel and came to a stop next to my jeep. He smoothly exited the car, closing the door behind him. I was reaching for the door handle when I realized that Stefan already had the car door open with his large hand extended to me. I could only stare at him blankly for a moment, wondering how he managed to move around the car so fast.
Placing my hand in his, he gently pulled me from the car. I led him up the steps to my villa, and pulled my hand away to unlock and open the door. I walked in and turned to look at him as he stood in the open doorway. He gave me a smile that sent my pulse racing and caused a wave of desire to course through me. I motioned for him to come inside while attempting to get my raging hormones under control.
“Come in. Can I get you something to drink. Water, tea?” Or me , I added silently. Switching on a lamp, I watched as Stefan made himself at home on my couch and stretched his long legs out in front of him.
“Nothing. Thank you, Josephine.” Stefan smiled slowly and his lips parted to display his dazzling display of straight, white teeth. He stretched his long arms across the back of the couch, his blue eyes sparkling devilishly. I couldn't help but pause to admire him, thinking to myself that he looked like he belonged there.
Shaking my head, I dropped my purse on the table by the door along with my keys. I stood silently for a moment with my arms crossed under my chest. I slowly let my shields down to see if I could get any vision or emotion from him now that we were completely alone. I closed my eyes and cringed as I waited for the onslaught of both to rush into my mind. All I was greeted with was blackness, a gentle hum and the quietness of the house.
What is he?
When I opened my eyes, I noticed that Stefan was silently observing me. His handsome face darkened with intensity and I felt a gentle pressure push against my mind, as if he was trying to communicate with me. Frowning slightly, he looked at me with uncertainty and the pressure disappeared. Apparently I was as perplexing to him as he was to me. I could almost see the highly-oiled wheels of his mind calculating his next move.
He slowly rose to his feet and crossed the room to stand in front of me, his hands lightly running down the