6 comments/ 20359 views/ 1 favorites Hot Rod Ch. 01 By: sharona Dear Readers: Please keep in mind as you read this story, the chapters will be alternating between the heroine and hero's viewpoint. We start with Alyssa's. Hope you enjoy. * Mike takes another heaping bite of scrambled eggs, oblivious to my torment as I sit across from him at my kitchen table. I wonder, for the umpteenth time, how I got myself into this situation. And how much longer it will be before I go completely insane. You see, Michael Fields is my dearest friend. My boss. And, for the past few months, my roommate. Oh, yeah, I've also been in love with him since the age of 13. I'm 32, three weeks shy of 33, now. To give you a little history, we met when he enrolled at my junior high school during our eighth grade year. We ended up in the same science class, where the teacher paired us up for the lab work. Though we're not a lot alike, we hit it off immediately and have been close friends ever since. We began working together seventeen months ago when he hired me to take care of the office duties involved in his newly-opened automotive repair shop. I have a degree in business management but hadn't had a lot of opportunity to use it yet so I leapt at his offer. Plus, of course, it gave me more time to spend with him. As for him becoming my roommate--well, that came about because his witch of a wife kicked him out one morning at 2 a.m., telling him she was in love with someone else and wanted a divorce. She filed that next day and, since he didn't fight it and they had no kids, it went through rather quickly. His stay with me is temporary or so we stipulate all of the time. "Just until he can get a little further ahead financially." But the more time we're together, the more I want it to be permanent. Hence, the path to insanity because the more we live together, the more I want to make love with him! And, as I mentioned, he's oblivious. "Great as always, hot rod.", he tells me as he carries his empty plate to the sink. He says it every day, no matter what I cook. Nonetheless, it still makes me smile. As I'm sure you're curious over the name, I have to tell you that I am a wheelchair user and Mike has been calling me that since day one. Without getting too technical, I can only tell you that I was born with a defect of my spine and my leg muscles are too weak for me to use. Contrary to what most people assume when they see me, I am not completely paralyzed. "Are you ready?", he asks as he dons the leather jacket he wears every day. Naturally, we ride together now even though I do have my own hand-control equipped Chevette. "Yep, I'm ready", I respond as I drape my purse strap over my shoulder. He grabs the handles of my wheelchair and I once again have to remind him to watch the hair. Having long hair and being in a chair isn't the most practical of situations, but the hair is, in my opinion, my best feature and I refuse to cut it. Also, Mike once told me, during a period of slight inebriation, that he liked it long and flowing around my shoulders. It reminded him of liquid gold, he said. After removing the tresses from his grip, he steers me out of the apartment and down the cement ramp. His monster 4x4 truck sits in the parking lot next to my little bitty car, making it look like a 'Hot Wheels' toy. It's a thought that crosses my mind every time I see the two vehicles together. One of my favorite times of the day is coming up. And it's such a sad statement on my life but I can't help it. When Mike loads me into his truck, he lifts me in his arms and sets me in the seat. And I revel in those few minutes of contact. I take my time to buckle up while he puts my chair in the back and then climbs behind the steering wheel. I do this out of self-preservation because I'm always afraid that if I let myself watch that beautifully built body, my hormones will hit overload one day and I'll attack him. He is truly the most gorgeous man I have ever known. The epitome of 'tall, dark and sexy'. His hair brushes his shirt collar and is a rich dark brown. His eyes are the same, reminding me of deep pools of chocolate. His nose is straight and his mouth lush and full. I often find my panties getting wet just thinking about him. Needless to say, being around him all of the time has me in a constant state of arousal. I do find myself often fantasizing about taking the initiative with Mike, letting him know how much I want him, but I haven't convinced myself that I have the courage to go through with it. Plus, I'm afraid that I'll totally repulse him and lose one of the best friends I've ever had. I just can't live with the consequence so I continue to suffer in silence. Hot Rod Ch. 02 Dear Readers: After the first part of this story, I realized that I erroneously titled it a chapter. I'm trying to correct the situation by switching them to "installments". As for the story itself, please remember that each installment will be from just one's point of view at a time. We started with Alyssa. Now it's Mike's turn. Hope you enjoy. * "Lunch is here, guys!" I had my head under the hood of a run-down Chrysler, deciding whether or not it would be best to fix it or shoot it, when that sweet and sexy voice comes over the intercom, announcing the arrival of food. I hear Jack and Arnie, my other two mechanics, quickly stop what they're doing and wash up in the heavy duty sink in the back of the 3-bay garage. I take my time, knowing I need to brace myself for the fire that will flow through my bloodstream as soon as I enter the office where Alyssa will have my take out order spread out on my desk for me. I hate myself for the reaction to her but it's inevitable. The reason I hate is because we're coming up on twenty years of friendship, Alyssa and I, and I don't want to do anything to screw that up. But, God help me, I want her! Any time. Any day. Anywhere. Alyssa Collins is the sweetest, kindest, funniest woman I know. And the most loyal friend a man can ask for. One of many examples of her loving and loyal nature being that she took me in during the wee hours of the morning after Jenna informed me that our marriage was over. When Alyssa had opened the door to me, all rumpled and sleepy but wearing a smile, I'd immediately known everything was going to be fine. As if those attributes weren't enough, she's also sexy as hell, with that beautiful long golden blonde hair and big round deep blue eyes. She's got a grin that will knock a man to his knees and I know for a fact she has the softest, most kissable mouth around. I was fortunate enough to taste it, giving her "the first kiss" on the night she turned sixteen. I've wanted her ever since. After dragging myself to the sink and scrubbing away as much of the grease and muck as I can, I suck up some courage and enter the office. The A.C. system buzzes in my ear and the cool air feels good against my heated skin but it doesn't help the punch of heat that settles in my groin as I spot Alyssa at her desk, smiling at something Jack has just said to her. The door to the office slams harder than I mean it to behind me and her eyes shoot to mine, silently questioning what's wrong. I grumble "sorry" as I move to my desk along the opposite wall from hers. I plop into my chair and grab for the large iced tea she gets me every day just as I hear Jack say, "Hey, Lys, how 'bout catching a movie with me tonight?" Everything inside me seems to pause, anxious to hear her answer. Though I feign enormous interest in unwrapping my spicy chicken sandwich, out of the corner of my eye I see her pat Jack's hand playfully as she says with a girlish giggle, "Sorry, sweetheart, but you're too young for me. I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to keep up with ya." I pray they can't hear the relieved breath that whooshes out of me. "You're so full of shit, Lys. You're only five years older than me." Before she can respond, the door comes open and Arnie sticks his head in. "Hey, Romeo, Sylvia's out here." Sylvia is one of Jack's many conquests and I can honestly say I've never been more glad for one of them to show up here. As much as I don't want to be, and as much as I like Jack, I'm filled with jealousy over his repeated requests for a date with Alyssa. So far, I've been controlling it. But one day I'm afraid I will hit my limit. Then God help me; and any man that goes near her. "One of these days, Lys, I'm gonna wear you down.", Jack tells her with a wink, as he stands, gathers his lunch and heads out of the office. I can hear Alyssa giggling to herself as I dive eagerly into my lunch. With Jack gone, my appetite surfaces. It's a companionable silence that's in the room as we eat. It's always that way with her, despite the raging hormones I constantly suffer through while in her presence. It's a fact that Alyssa's one of the few people I can be comfortable with, no matter the situation. We seem to finish eating at the same time as I ball up my trash just as she wheels across the room to dispose of hers. She attempts to make a basket and misses. As she bends to pick up the wayward sandwich wrapper, I get an unimpeded glimpse of her voluptuous cleavage as her turquoise blouse gapes open. My dick swells so rapidly I feel a wave of dizziness. How I would love to get my hands on all of that creamy skin. I can feel myself salivating at just the thought. "How's the work going on the junkyard masterpiece?", she finally speaks. That was what she'd dubbed the Chrysler the moment it had been brought in. She rolls back to her desk and I hurriedly angle my chair so that she can't see the hard-on I'll be sporting for the next little while. To distract myself, I decide to light one of the few cigarettes I allow myself each day. "Cecil Anderson would be better off using his money to buy another car.", I answer after releasing smoke rings into the air. She'd propped her elbow on the edge of her desktop and supported her chin in her hand. She laughs as she watches the last smoke ring dissipate. She's running an ink pen absently through the slim fingers on her other hand and my mind scans images of what it might be like to have those fingertips running over my body. How much pressure would she apply when she took my dick in her hand? Would she fondle.... "So...is that what you're going to tell Mr. Anderson?" Her amused voice pulls me from my daydream. "I already did." I had to take another sip of the tea to clear my clogged-up throat. She arched an eyebrow at me but made no comment. Thank god because there was no way I could explain. Instead, I picked up our conversation again. "I called him about an hour ago to let him know about a new problem with the brake line. He told me to fix it, no matter the cost." Alyssa rolls those magnificent blue eyes. "That's absurd! That piece of shit needs to be crushed and put out of everyone's misery." "I agree, but he's the customer. And what the customer wants, he gets." I finish the rest of my cigarette in silence as Alyssa dealt with the ringing telephone. While she books another appointment for tomorrow, I thank God business is going so well. "Hey, Boss!" Arnie pokes his head back through the door. "Can you give me a hand with this console? It's being a bitch to take out." After covertly making sure my erection was reasonable, since that was all I could hope for, I rise to my feet, glancing at Alyssa. She's still on the phone, but she waggles her fingers at me and gives me that smile of hers. I force myself to go through the door before temptation could overcome my common sense. Hot Rod Ch. 03 **Back to Alyssa's P.O.V.** Part III Another day is over! Thank God! Though I love my job, it doesn't hurt my feelings one bit to leave the office at five. Or what should have been at five. The Chrysler was being a royal pain in the ass. Since Mike chose to stay and work on it, and he is my mode of transportation, I stuck around, too. Technically, I didn't have to. Arnie or Jack would have taken me home, but I'm the type that leaves with the man I came with. I'm just placing the protective covers over my computer monitor and keyboard when Mike comes through the connecting door between the office and garage. I look up to ask him how much longer he might be, but the words die somewhere between my vocal chords and my tongue. He's shirtless, which can only mean that he used the hose out back to wash off. His chest, and the sprinkling of dark hair there, gleams with water droplets. His long thick legs are still encased in the denim jeans he wore but the material's obviously wet and clinging to every contoured muscle. Thankfully he's concentrating on drying his arms with one of the heavy duty towels he keeps in the garage and doesn't catch my eyeballs popping out of their sockets. Of course, I'd seen him like this before, especially since working with him. But the sight never ceases to dumbfound me. Or tempt me. I'd give just about anything to be able to go over to him and run my fingertips, and lips, over every inch of that body. I can feel the beads of perspiration along my hairline as my body heats with the thought. My breasts tighten and my nipples pebble. My pussy literally burns with the need to feel his touch. "Hot rod? You ready?" Without thinking, I murmur, "Oh, yeah!" Then, of course, I realize he didn't mean what I want him to. I shake myself out of the sexual fog to find Mike staring out me, his hands propped on his hips, the towel now dangling from two fingers. He tilts his head and gives me an odd look as I continue to just gaze at him. Finally, he just shakes his head like I'm a phenomenon he'll never understand. "Head on out to the truck. I'll lock up and be there in a sec." His arm and chest muscles flex as he throws the used towel into a laundry basket we keep in one corner of the office. Before I can do something really humiliating, like beg him to screw my brains out, I snatch up my purse and wheel through the door. A light spring breeze helped to cool me off so that I'm somewhat in control of myself when Mike joins me. I already have the door open so all he has to do is lift me into the cab of the truck. I take several deep breaths as I watch him stride slowly towards me, feeling the fire rage inside me. I just don't know how much more I'm going to be able to tolerate. From the way my body reacts all of the time to the man, you'd think I'm a regular sex maniac. But I'm so far from it. I would think that maybe my 'lack of' is part of the problem but the fact that I've been feeling this way about him all of these years negates that. And, though I've had a few relationships in my time, they've all been insignificant, especially when compared to my feelings for Michael Fields. He bends over me and I wrap an arm around his shoulders. His skin is so smooth and warm. His scent is that of a hard working man, but it's earthy and familiar, not offensive. He slides one of his hands under my knees and the other around my waist. Gently, I'm lifted against him and set in the seat. He reaches over to start the truck and get the AC system going since the day has been an exceptionally warm one. While straightening, his arm brushes against my left breast. His dark eyes shoot to mine then lower to my chest. I know what he'll find and I am sooooo busted! My nipples are very noticeable erect points against the fabric of my bra and shirt. Before I can make light of it, he reaches out and touches me. One fingertip rubbed lightly against the peak. Startled at the move, and very much wanting more, I moan his name involuntarily. His eyes meet mine again. And he keeps fingering my nipple. Beyond thinking, only feeling, I unbutton my blouse. Thank god there's no one around that time of evening. I'm exposing myself and I don't care a bit. All I know is Mike and how much I want him. As the last button releases, I push the sides of the shirt aside, baring my chest to his gaze. He stares at my pink satin bra, my breasts filling the cups and then some, and I can feel my pussy getting wetter as I watch him run his tongue along his bottom lip. Slowly, I take his hands in mine and place them at the front clasp of the bra, silently letting him know what I want. With a flick, he opens it. I watch his beautiful large hands swipe the cups away from my flesh. My light brown nipples are straining towards him, begging for his touch. I'm a size D and I've never been thrilled with the fact. But I am now as I'm a perfect fit for his palms. His fingers squeeze my flesh and I'm lost in paradise. "Oh, yes", I murmur at his touch. "More. Touch me more, Mike." Hot Rod Ch. 04 My fantasy has come to life and all I want as I take her lush breasts in my hands is to taste her. So I lean down and flick one nipple with my tongue. Absolutely delectable! She makes a cooing noise and thrusts her chest towards me and has my already hard dick straining painfully behind my zipper. Enclosing the rigid peak with my lips, I suckle on the sweet taste of her. I press the other nipple between my finger and thumb as I do so. Alyssa's back arches, pressing my face more against her in the process. My name leaves her lips on a breath when I suckle and pinch a little harder. It's the most erotic sound I've ever heard and I repeat the action just to hear it again. I then lick around her aureole and make my way down the inside of her breast, across the creamy apples and cinnamon-scented valley between, then up the other one until I have the other nipple in my mouth. Her body squirms sexily against me and her breathing has turned into rapid gasps. I let go of the treasure in my mouth and look up at Alyssa. Our eyes meet as she's been watching what I was doing to her. Her blue eyes have gone so dark they're black. Her luscious pink lips are moist where she's been licking them and her bottom lip is swollen from nibbling on it with her teeth. I take that mouth with mine and I feel like I'm going to explode! The softness of her lips is heaven, the taste of her intoxicating. My tongue asks for entrance and it is quickly granted. She's tangling her tongue with mine and tightening her grip on my hair. I wrap my arms around her waist and pull her against me, practically yanking her out of the truck seat. I knew that Alyssa was a good kisser, but what she was capable of at sixteen is nothing compared to what she's doing to me now. She flicks the tip of her tongue playfully against mine. It tickles and is so arousing that I try to 'pin' hers down. As I do, she sucks my tongue into her hot mouth, applying so much suction I feel it in my balls. Fire licks over my skin as her hands begin to roam. Down my neck and across my shoulders. I feel her fingernails scraping lightly up and down my arms. My god, what is this woman doing to me? For the first time in my life, I have goose bumps! She then turns her attentions to my nipples, flicking them with her nails then rubbing them; pulling them just hard enough to feel so damn good. I helplessly moan into her mouth in response and I can feel her smile against my lips. "Alyssa", I murmur against her mouth, not wanting to break away from her delicious mouth completely. I'm not even totally sure what I was going to say but before I can decide if I'm gong to put a halt to what we're doing or ask for more, she separates from me far enough to respond, "Please, Michael. Don't stop, baby." The need in her voice, the desire brimming from those beautiful eyes, is more than I can stand. I only pray that what we're about to do won't ruin our friendship because I just can't stop. I want her too much. Reaching over, I practically rip the keys from the ignition. Placing my hands under her ass cheeks, I gruffly order her to hold on. She drapes her arms over my shoulders and buries her face in my neck. Not bothering with anything else, not caring, I head back to the office. I fumble with the keys as Alyssa nibbles along my neck, sucking lightly at the skin, but I finally manage to get the door unlocked. I kick it closed with my foot as I head straight for my desk. I lower into my chair, Alyssa straddling my hips. Her ass is still resting in my palms and it's the softest, curviest I think I've ever had my hands on. She lifts away from my neck and gazes at me, those blue eyes more intense than I've ever seen. I'm completely speechless as she slides her blouse off. It drifts to my feet, followed by the bra. Alyssa trails her long elegant fingers slowly down from her collarbone, over both breasts and onto her stomach, which is all the more appealing for the little curve to it. Her fingers tremble only slightly as she reaches the waist band of her jeans. The undoing of her button seems to be what unsnaps me from the grip that lust has on me. I place a hand over hers and together we pull the zipper down. A small swatch of fabric that matches her bra peeks out. I can feel the air backing up in my lungs as she leans forward, bringing us nose to nose. Mouth to mouth. "Touch me, Mike." She kisses me long and deep before I can make any verbal response. As our tongues meet once again, I slip one finger under the band of her panties. Her pubic hair is so soft and curly. And damp. Alyssa cries out into my mouth as I run my finger up and down her mound. The sound is devastating to my patience and my erection strains against the confines of my clothing. I squeeze the rest of my fingers under the waistband of her panties so I can better caress her. That's when she gyrates against me. And I know I have never, ever, been so ready to fuck someone! Hot Rod Ch. 05 My head is buzzing like it does when I've had a few strawberry daiquiri's. My body is on fire from the inside out. If I died right now, it would be with a smile. The man is a fabulous kisser and has extremely talented fingers. And all he's done with them so far is run them through my pubic hair. With the obstacle of my jeans and panties, he can't move any further. Not that I'm complaining about what he's doing to me, but I want more. Need more. As our kiss deepens, I hook my thumbs under the fabric and lower my clothing. Mike apparently notices because he helps me wiggle out of them after I reached behind me and tugged my sneakers off. Disrobing is difficult as hell to do while straddling a man's lap but, as any disabled person knows well, where there's a will--there's a way. With a few moves worthy of an Olympic gold medal, I'm naked. Mike's gorgeous brown eyes are slowly roaming up and down my body. The first niggles of anxiety begin as he remains silent. Am I going to be attractive enough? I'm a little bit pudgy, have been all of my life. Is it something that will turn him off? His gaze finally meets with mine and I hold my breath. His mouth opens then closes. He shakes his head. His hands at the small of my back nudge me closer until my breasts are brushing lightly against his chest. The contact is electrifying. "Alyssa." He says my name reverently as his hands start to slowly caress my back. The tender touch soothes my anxiety and I breathe easy again. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I lean in to kiss him, whispering, "I want you, Mike", just before our mouths meet. His hands pause on my back a moment before he slides them around my waist and along my ribs. Running my tongue along his bottom lip, I savor the wonderful flavor of this man. It's smooth like a fine whiskey but it delivers a punch to the system. Pressing my tongue against the seam of his mouth, I gain entrance. The soft flesh of his tongue twines with mine feverishly as his hands continue up from my ribs until he's got my breasts in his hands. He squeezes them lightly and tugs on my extremely hard nipples. I can feel the tug all the way to my toes. It's exquisite torture having Mike's hands on me. But I want my turn. Following the trail of his gorgeous chest hair, I trail my fingertips down until I can deftly undo the button on his jeans and lower the zipper carefully. I can feel his hard-on through the denim. Peeling the jeans open and moving his briefs down, my longtime fantasy comes true and I have him in my hand. And there is a lot of him. Not only is he impressively long, he's thick. I wrap my fingers lovingly around his erection. Mike breaks our kiss with a rumbling moan as he throws his head back. He's a beautiful creature with his thick brown hair waving loosely. His lightly tanned skin is covered with a film of perspiration and his eyes are closed, his dark thick lashes fanning out against his cheeks. I stroke him up and down, applying a firmer touch. His voice is huskier as he says my name this time. Just the way he says it has me dripping wet between my thighs! "Feel good?", I ask quietly as I stretch my index finger to rub against the tip of his dick. It twitches in my grasp. "Good god, yes!", he hisses through gritted teeth. I can't resist the treat before me and I lean in to nibble on his neck. I love the salty flavor of him. His fingers, now playing lightly with my nipples, jerk against me. Then they're at the back of my head, loosely gripping me. I feel them flex and tighten as I increase to pumping his erection. "Oh, babe, that feels so good." His pleasure is palpable and it raises mine to a new level. I expand my feast to his shoulder, down his collarbone until I'm bending just far enough to lick his nipple. He gasps as he tells me, "I want to be inside you!" My pumping rhythm falters at his admission. Every cell in my body wants him inside of me, fucking me as long and as hard as he can stand. I slow down my ministrations and sit back so that we can look at each other. "I want that, too, Mike." I barely get the sentence spoken and he lifts me to the desktop. As I watch, he slides his pants and briefs to his knees and stands between my legs. His erection is magnificent, standing proud and ready for me, the veins swollen and pulsing. There's a drop of precum dangling on the tip. I can't resist and take it onto the tip of my finger. Knowing he's watching me, I put the finger in my mouth. "Lean back on your elbows." The order is given on a low growl as he watches my finger disappear. I gladly do as he says and he props my feet on the edge of the desk. Mike's hands are those of a hard working man and I can feel the rough calluses he's earned as he caresses the insides of my thighs. With long, slow strokes his palms slide along my flesh until his fingers meet at my slit. Slowly he traces a finger up and down before inserting it into me. His eyes are following every move and I get more aroused knowing he's watching. "You're so fucking wet, Lys." He sounds awed as he slides a second digit in. "Oh....God....Please, Mike!" "Please, what? Tell me what you want, Alyssa." His gaze comes back to mine and the power of it seems to shoot through my entire body and I can't help but shiver. "I want you inside me! I need you to fuck me, Mike!" With a growl of pure satisfaction, he removes his fingers and slides his erection inside to the hilt. My best daydreams and wildest fantasies couldn't compare to the reality. Not only does he fill me physically, but I finally feel....complete in every way. "Oh...oh...Mike!" As he begins his rhythm and rams into me again and again, his dick practically stabbing my womb each time, I can only lay back on the desk, close my eyes and enjoy the rapidly building fire inside me. I'm going to come fast. And hard! Our bodies are soon covered in sweat, our breathing nothing more than grunts and gasps. I can feel my vaginal muscles gripping Mike, bringing him into the flames with me. Mike's seed flows into me, ripping a roar from his throat, just before my own orgasm sweeps through me. Hot Rod Ch. 06-07 Part VI The next morning, I get smacked between the eyes with the consequences of making love with Alyssa. We didn't talk about it afterwards. We simply dressed and came home. She went straight to her bedroom and I escaped to mine. And was thoroughly miserable all night. Tension doesn't even come close to describing the air in the apartment and I hated it. Trouble was that I didn't know what to say or do to make it better. Now, on any given morning, she is awake before me, already brewing coffee and making breakfast. But not so today. I thoroughly search the apartment when she's not in the kitchen as usual. As a last resort, I look out the front door and find that her little Chevy is gone. I must have slept like the dead when I finally got to sleep around four a.m. I didn't even hear her get up and leave! Thinking--hoping, praying--she's probably already gone to work to avoid a confrontation with me alone, I jump in for a quick shower--forgoing coffee and food. All I need is to see Alyssa--I have to know that we're okay. The mere thought that we might not be makes my blood freeze with a fear I've never experienced before. Ducking under the hot spray to wash away the soap and shampoo, I actually have to advise myself to breathe slowly and deeply. After toweling off quickly and dressing, I lock up the apartment and head for my truck. Later, I won't be able to tell you anything about the ride to the garage. I guess it's safe to say I didn't run over anyone, but only God knows exactly because I sure as hell wasn't paying attention. Even as I pull into the parking lot, the only fact that registers in my brain is that Alyssa's car is nowhere to be found. The panic that I had finally gotten down to a simmer in my belly flares back to life but I douse it for fear that I will completely lose my mind if I give in to it. I actually impress myself as I calmly climb from the 4x4 and unlock the office before going through to open all three bays. Just like every other day. Except that my "hot rod" isn't with me to make work, or life in general, more bearable. Going back into the office, I boot up Alyssa's computer so I can check what's on the agenda for today. Where in the hell is she, damn it!?!? A glance at my wristwatch shows that it's still early and I tell myself to chill out. She's probably waiting until the last second so she can put off having to deal with what happened last night. Which automatically takes me to staring at my desk and remembering every second. My erection begins to stir to life as a mental slide show flashes images of Alyssa laid out bare on the desktop, desire blazing from her beautiful blue eyes. Audio must have been included because I can still hear her husky voice, my name on her lips as she climaxed. The simultaneous blip of the computer coming to life and the opening of the office door jolts me back to the task at hand. I look to the door first, expecting Jack, Arnie, or God please!, Alyssa. But it's none of the above. She's tall, almost matching my six feet. Her raven black hair caresses the sides of her face down to her chin and her assessing eyes are almost as dark as her hair. Her black skirt ends mid-thigh, showing legs that never seem to end and small pert breasts are hugged by her light pink angora sweater. "Can I help you?" I stand and step around Alyssa's desk, hand extended. She grips it with a firm, but not overly so, handshake. Her smile is polite and shows gleaming white teeth. "Are you Mr. Fields?" "Yes, ma'am. How may I help you?" "Hi. I'm Stephanie Brooks, and actually, I'm here to help you." She looks at me expectantly, as if I know what the hell she's talking about! I must look as clueless as I feel because she finally explains, "I'm from Stand-Ins." When this got no result, I can tell that she barely holds in an exasperated sigh. "The temp service. I was told you would need someone working in your office until further notice." Oh, Alyssa! What the fuck have you done? Part VII When I left the apartment, I never doubted that Mike would find me. He knows me better than anyone after all. I wasn't trying to hide from him; I just needed some time to get myself together. Mostly, I need to figure out how to keep from losing my best friend. Unfortunately, he finds me sitting on the pier at Wiley's Pond before I have a plan. I love Wiley's Pond and always have! I don't care that it's not particularly handicap accessible and, over the years, I've learned the little tricks to getting around just about anywhere. This place is worth the trouble as it's so peaceful, with no more than the calls of the ducks to disturb you. And those really aren't so bothersome after a while. But the flock floating near me flies to the other side of the water, squawking what I'm sure are duck obscenities, when a fiercely slammed door disturbs the peace, followed by human obscenities and stomping footsteps up the pier. "I should have known you were here", Mike says as he stops beside me with his hands on his hips. I'm still looking at the ripples in the water left by the ducks but I can feel him looking down at me. If looks could kill, I would so not be breathing. "Have you been here all day?" "Mostly", I tell him with a small shrug. "Damn it, hot rod!" In my peripheral vision, I see him comb his fingers through his hair and I ache to do it. "Do you realize that I've been all over town looking for you? I checked with your parents, then Jilly (my sister) then Sue and Dean (mutual friends who live on the other side of town). Hell, I even drove out to the mall and you know how much I hate that place!" I can't help but smile. Mike REALLY hates anything that has to do with shopping and crowds. But the smile slips away as he suddenly swivels my wheelchair around. He crouches on his knees in front of me and keeps a firm grip on my chair. I have no choice but to face him then. And that nearly tears me apart as I glimpse the worry, the fear, in those big brown eyes. "I'm sorry if you were worried. I just..." I shrug and pause, unsure of how to explain. I try to turn my head but he places a finger under my chin to prevent the action. "Don't", he whispers. He cups my face then between the palms of his hands. "Don't turn away from me now, hot rod. Talk to me because I'm not leaving here until we are okay." The determination in his voice is layered with fear. It calls to what's churning inside me. "Can we ever be okay after last night?" I unintentionally shout, tears blurring my vision. "What are you saying, Alyssa?" He softly wipes a tear off my cheek with the pad of his thumb and I clutch a hand in mine. As I gaze into his eyes, I know, for better or worse, I have to tell him the truth. With a deep breath, I plunge before I can lose the nerve. "The truth is that I'm in love with you, Michael. I have been for a very, very long time. And over the years, I've been okay with just being friends because you truly are my best friend and I don't want to lose that friendship. But I just don't know if I can go back after---what happened. I'm so sorry!" I try to pull away from him then, ashamed that I couldn't be emotionally stronger but he's one muscled man! After a moment of struggling, I give up and find myself wrapped in his arms. As much as the chair will allow at any rate. His breath is warm against my ear as he murmurs my name again and again. He plants gentle kisses along my ear, cheek and finally, my lips before looking me in the eyes. "My sweet, beautiful Alyssa. We've been such fools, baby." His tender voice is soothing but I'm so confused and it must show. He actually laughs. "Sweetheart, I love you, too. I didn't say anything because I was afraid you'd turn away and I just couldn't have survived that. I treasure our friendship, baby, but I want you for way more than that." Before I can comprehend the words, he kisses me thoroughly. Joy replaces misery inside me and my tears become happy ones. When he finally lets go of my mouth, I'm the recipient of the most loving look I've ever seen and any doubts that linger are blown to bits. He gets to his feet and turns my wheelchair to leave the pier. He bends down so that his lips are right next to my ear. "We're going home, hot rod."