In The Safety Of A Lie - COMPLETED!

Chapter 8

Ev had no idea what she was getting herself into. She knew the feelings that she felt. They were familiar and welcoming. She was reminded of times that she felt safe and frivolous. Things were fragile right now, but she was willing to risk her world shattering to feel again. She recognized the seriousness in Joey's eyes, but part of her wondered if he exaggerated a little bit.

Joey didn't hold anything in his expression. His silence was deafening, weighing down Ev's heart in expectation. She prayed he'd agree to being with her. They were right for each other, she just knew it.

Ev swallowed slowly, trying to calm her fluctuating pulse. She could feel the dampness on her car from the moistness radiating from the palms of her hands. "What are you thinking about?"

Joey took a step back, putting space between him and the car. A slow, nervous smile spread across his face. "I'm thinking we're crazy."

Relief washed over Ev's face, a breath gushed from her mouth. She shook her head, smiling. "Crazy perfect together."

Joey laughed. He pulled off his casual suit coat and tossed it into her car. "I'd say you have a thirst for some adventure."

"Perhaps." Ev's eyes sparkled with the moonlight.

"Lock your car. Come on." He walked away confidently. They were crazy. He was crazy for thinking that this could ever possibly turn out to be a good thing. He had to agree with her on one thing though; he was falling in love with her. It was hard not to. Everything about her was perfect. He could hear the car doors lock and the clattering of her heels as she jogged to catch up to him.

"Where are we going?" She asked breathlessly.

Joey glanced back at her and smiled. "Some place special."

Evelina searched his face for answers, but remained silent. Her blue eyes were bright and wide.

Joey could be swept away by her gaze so easily. It sucked him in and held his attention.

"Don't run into that."

Joey turned his focus back to in front of him. He stopped fast, sidestepping passed a light post.

An infectious giggle tumbled out of Evelina's mouth as she took the lead, clearly not knowing where she was going.

Joey shook his head. He stopped. "You're going too far."

Ev paused and looked back at him. "Where am I supposed to be going?" Her eyes widened more as he picked up a helmet.

"Here." He smiled, leaning against a motorcycle. "Have you ever been on one?"

Ev shook her head, hesitant to put on the helmet. She stared at it for a moment before looking back up at him.

"You put it on your head." He laughed at her confusion, grabbing another helmet and slipping it on.

"I know that!" She rolled her eyes, slowly putting on the helmet, unsure of what to do next. She watched Joey get on the bike and back it up. He revved it to life and looked back at her.

"Get on." He smiled. "Don't worry, it's safe."

Ev returned the smile. She trusted him to keep her safe; it was what she asked for after all. She crawled on behind him. It'd been quite some time since she'd had her hands anywhere near a man and definitely not around his waist. Nervously, she wrapped her hands around him, sliding in close.

Joey could sense her hesitation. She had told him that she'd been with other men, even engaged, but clearly she had been much more reserved. He'd met women that would practically throw their hands at him, but it was new — dare he say, magical — to feel someone so hesitant with how they touched him. He didn't comment on it though. There was no need to make her feel self-conscious. "You ready?"

Ev swallowed hard. She'd never been on a motorcycle. Being this close to Joey was also something new that was pulling her out of her comfort zone. He felt warm and firm under her touch, as if daring her to want more. She nodded her head, pushing passed the intimate feelings already hitting her. That was no problem to do as she accidentally bumped her helmet into his. Her cheeks flushed and for a moment she was thankful for the helmet covering her. "I'm so sorry!"

"You're fine, Ev." He laughed, enjoying the warmth of her arms around him, pushing himself not to want more. "Hold on tight."

Evelina did just as he had suggested. She prayed her dress wouldn't blow up her legs with the rush of the wind hitting her. It really wasn't all that windy out, but the momentum of the bike driving thirty, forty, or more miles an hour brought about that no longer invisible wind.

Everything blurred by quickly as he increased his speed. The light of the bike illuminated the road where the streetlights didn't. Joey allowed his focus to remain on the road, forcing himself to ignore the fact that he should be on this motorcycle alone and not heading straight into a relationship that he couldn't possibly enjoy the way he should be able to. If Jimmy found out about any of this, Ev wouldn't be allowed to remain alive. The consequences that could be reaped were great, no matter how unfair they were. She would be considered a loose end that needed to be eliminated.

The pair neared a parking lot and Joey pulled into it. He parked the bike and jumped off, quick to help Evelina off. He pulled off his helmet and took hers, carefully securing them on the bike. He reached out for her hand, enjoying her brief hesitation before gracefully accepting his offer.

Ev smoothed out her dress with her free hand. She allowed him to lead her to a sidewalk, down a path. She kept her eyes on the ground, careful to avoid any cracks that could make her trip. She was almost gaping when she looked back up and saw the moonlight reflecting off of Joey's dress shirt. He looked like a piece of heaven. She quickly regained her composure with her feet stumbling in the heels. "Hold on a second." She pulled him to a stop, reaching down to pull her heels off. She was not meant to wear heels for any length of time — no woman was — they just made her feet ache. She looked up at him with a smile; her heels dangling off of her free hand.

Joey couldn't help but return the smile. "Come closer." He waited for her to take a few steps nearer to him. He reached down and picked her up. She was light to hold. "I'm not going to let you step on something and hurt yourself."

Ev's surprised expression mellowed out into a comfortable smile. She leaned her head against his shoulder, allowing herself to enjoy the kind gesture. "This is nice."

Joey didn't comment. The look of satisfaction made it obvious that having her in his arms was enjoyable. Each step he took with her close to him further erased the thoughts of the risk they were taking with being together. He liked feeling her snuggle in closer to him as they followed the path through a dark, wooded area. The trail led into a grassy patch overlooking a pond. The moonlight sparkled on the water as if a thousand or more diamonds had been tossed out there and allowed to float with perfection.

Ev became more alert as Joey laid her on the ground and dropped down next to her. She smiled as he pulled off his shoes and socks to be barefoot like her. The gesture was small, yet sweet. She could feel him inch closer to her. She welcomed the warmth and the closeness that he had to offer. "How do you know about this place?"

Joey's calm demeanor faded a little bit, he kept his answer simple. "Through a job."

Ev watched his jaw twitch and hardened. She wasn't sure she should say anymore to that, especially after finding out what he really did for a job. She refocused back on the water. "It shimmers so much from the moonlight."

"I've walked down here on nights that I couldn't sleep just because it's so quiet and peaceful." He looked over at her, taking in how beautiful she was. "Sometimes it's just what you need."

Evelina stared at the water, not noticing him watching her. She didn't say anything, just nodded her head, mesmerized by the view. She couldn't help but wonder how their lives were going to change. She hadn't been in a relationship for a very long time, and none of those relationships even remotely came close to the danger she could possibly be in. Part of her couldn't deny the excitement of living on the edge of continual risk, but part of her remembered that she wanted the quiet peacefulness that even this park had to offer. No matter the risk, she knew he was worth it. No amount of time could change her mind on that. Perhaps they both were naive, but there was no reward without the risk of their hearts being broken. She was ready for the risk.