Playing With Fire

Chapter 9 - In the right direction

"You can get in, you know? It's unlocked."

She climbed in the passenger side. When Shahru hefted his large body into the driver seat she turned to him and said, "Well, I wasn't sure. I thought you said you wanted to be a gentleman, and a gentleman would have opened the door." Kajol tried to give him her best sassy smile.

Shahru snickered. "You got me there. Don't get used to it, though. People don't get the best of me often." His right hand came around and pushed the key into the ignition. The truck roared to life, and he pulled away from the curb. "So you think I'm gorgeous, do you?"

Her heart ceased to beat. Fire raced up her neck, filling her cheeks with a burning heat.

"No need to be shy. I think you're pretty gorgeous yourself. I say we try to keep away from the drooling, though."

He thinks I'm gorgeous? Her enthusiasm almost overpowered her embarrassment.

"Breathe, Kajol. I'm only giving you a hard time. I'm honoured you think I'm
drool-worthy."

The playfulness in his voice broke her from her shell of humiliation. "You don't
fight fair." She knew he only teased her to get back at her for the gentleman comment.

"I never promised to."

"Can we forget you heard that conversation?" Kajol peaked toward him. "Please?"

His hand left the wheel and brushed down her face. Shivers of delight flowed
in waves down her spine. The rough pad of his finger drew a quick circle on her cheek.
Surprising herself, Kajol let her eyes drift closed. She'd never been touched like that.
With tenderness and strength at the same time. All too quickly he pulled his hand away.

His hand tightened on the steering wheel. "There's no way I can forget what I heard, but if it makes you uncomfortable I'll try not to bring it up again. It's not something I really need to be thinking about, anyway."

"You'll try not to bring it up? Gee, thanks."

"Well, I can't make any promises. If you pull one over on me again I might have to fall back on my little weapon."

"Ugh, you're such a cheater."

The mood in the car changed. Shahru's hands tensed, but in a different way than they had minutes before. "We've already established that."

They were quiet the rest of the ride to the charity center. The drive wasn't long, and soon they were walking in the double doors and greeted by a secretary. "Hi. How can I help you?"

She leaned against the counter to speak with the secretary. "Hi. I have a few boxes of household items I'd like to donate if that's possible."

"Definitely. We're always open to donations. If you want to have a seat, we'll get someone out to help you."

They took a seat. Shahru still didn't speak. A few minutes later, an older woman with her graying hair tied back in a loose bun walked out to them. Her hand rose to shake Kajol's. "Hi. I'm Rekha. I heard you have a few items to donate."

"I'm Kajol and this is Shahrukh. Very nice to meet you."

Rekha shook Shahruk's hand as well. "We have a drop-off out back. If you can pull around I'll meet you there."

Kajol tried to tell her okay, but Shahru stopped her. "I'll get the truck around. You can follow Rekha back."

The two women walked out a side door and down a long hallway while Shahru walked out the front. "About how much did you bring in?" Rekha asked.

"I have eight boxes with various household items. Nothing too big. I should have more after I go through more boxes. I'll have clothes too."

Rekha stopped walking. "Wow. That's very generous of you. We could definitely use it. Things have been tight around here lately."

"Oh, no. I'm sorry to hear that."

"Things will get better. You have your good times and bad. After opening the
battered woman's shelter we got hit with some major budget cuts, which sadly is to be expected in this field. We've planned to put together a few fundraising events, but we recently lost our events coordinator and haven't been able to replace her."

That immediately got Kajol's attention. "Really? I'd be interested in applying if
I'm able. I'm in the market for a job right now. Honestly, this sounds like something right up my alley. I've helped coordinate events before."

"Well, I happen to be exactly who you'd need to talk with. How would you feel about coming in tomorrow for an interview? If you have a resumé that would be nice as well."

Excitement raced through her veins. This was exactly the kind of thing she'd like to do. Her dream job actually. "Yes. Name your time and I'll be here." She tried to keep the excitement from her voice, but also held herself back from scooping the woman into her arms for a hug at the same time.

"Does eleven sound good?"

"Perfect. Thank you so much!"

Rekha smiled, her kind face looking just about as happy as Kajol felt. "No, thank you. I have a good feeling about this."

She did too. Finally everything in her life started to feel just right.