• Chapter Two

    When Arik saw her next, his heart raced. She had ditched the dirty jeans and button down shirt for a tight pair of skinny jeans and a grey sweatshirt. She also had a Death Cab shirt poking out of the grey hoodie. She had fixed her make-up and her hair while she was in there. She looked absolutely amazing. Now he understood what that man in the alley meant when he wanted her. Arik wanted her badly. He was going to have a hell of a time keeping his hands to himself tonight and the weeks following. Wow he said to himself in his head, She is so beautiful, I think I am falling in love.
    “What was that?” she asked.

    “What was what?” Arik asked.

    “Well you said something but I didn’t quite catch what it was. Could you repeat it?”

    I didn’t say that out loud did I? I don’t think I did... I could have sworn...
    She interrupted his thoughts.

    “What do you mean that you didn’t say it out loud?” she said looking scared.

    “Trixi, how is it that you can hear what I’m thinking?’’ Arik asked curiously.

    “I have no idea!” she shouted. “ All I know is that I’m scared and I want to leave.”

    She picked up her bag and strode off out of the loft. Arik followed cautiously, trying to figure this whole mess out.
    Could she really hear my thoughts? he asked himself as he absently got out his phone and dialed Josh's cell. He answered on the second ring.

    "WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU?!" Josh demanded as he shouted at Arik.

    "Good to hear from you too." He said calmly. " I, my friend, was busy saving a damsel in distress from some level E's."

    "s**t. Did you take care of them?" asked Josh.

    "Yeah, I need you to bring the car to..." he paused as Trixi told him the address. "Did you get all that?" he asked Josh.

    "Yeah I will be there in about 15 okay?"

    "M'kay. See you soon." he replied. The line went dead.

    As they waited for Josh to arrive, they talked about themselves. Arik found out that Trixi was born and raised in Massachusetts and just move to Seattle for art school. He also found out that she was an up and coming artist and a part time writer. Her current job was an accountant for a law office.

    "I really don't like my job, but it puts food on the table and my tuition paid." she laughed.

    "Well it can't be all that bad." he implied.

    "Well when your employers make moves on you 24/7 you kind of get tired of it."

    He looked at her and saw that she was truly sick of her job. He considered buying her a loft... or letting her stay at his place. She could work on her art and writing and he could keep her safe.
    In a matter of minutes Josh pulled up to the curb and got out.

    "Well well well. Arik you really snagged a looker this time." Josh wolf whistled and winked at Trixi. She blushed and looked away.

    "I, beautiful lady, am Josh. Joshua Cook." he smiled and kissed her hand. She giggled and curtsied back.

    "It's nice to meet you Mr. Cook. I'm guessing that you are our ride out of here." she said sweetly/

    "Yes he is, but I am going to do the driving." Arik said smugly.

    He got the bags and carried them to the trunk. He popped it open and laid her things inside. He saw Josh chatting her up by the hood of the Camero and his gut turned. He wanted to punch Josh in the face. Why does Josh always have to flirt with the ladies he asked himself. I can never have anyone over because of him. He makes me so mad sometimes. And yet... He looked up and saw Trixi looking at him. She walked away from Josh and went up to Arik.

    "Why are you so jealous of Josh?" she asked quietly.

    "You heard that?" he asked quietly. "You actually heard that..?"

    "Well yeah I heard it. "she said ."You practically shouted it. I'm surprised that the whole neighborhood didn't hear you!" she said angrily.

    "Come on love birds ," sang Josh. "Let's get this show on the road so you kids can have some fun!" He winked at Trixi again and got in the back seat. Trixi huffed a breath and went to the passenger side. Arik beat her to it and opened her door. She slid in quietly and saw the sad look on Arik's face.

    I'm sorry she said in her head I didn't mean to make you sad or anything, but they were being stupid. Fighting over a fat girl like me. insane. She chucked to herself again and settled in the seat. This was going to be a long drive.

    "Hey Arik," Josh started. "Can you drop me off at the office, my car is there and I have some paperwork to do before I go home." He asked sweetly.

    "Yeah we will swing you by on the way to my house." he replied half- heartedly.
    Ten minutes later they reached a bakery. Arik pulled up to the curb and shut the car off.

    "Okay man. Here you go." Arik said shoving Josh

    "Jesus man! Calm you nuts dude." he teased. "Okay I'm going! I'm going!" he shouted as Arik shot into the back seat and attacked Josh playfully.

    "Boy, you guys really look like some hard core bakers." She teased.

    "Oh baby," Josh said into her ear " We aren't your average bakers" He kissed her check and saw Arik's fist swing. He moved just in time and flew out of the car.

    "Now sweetie," Josh said to Trixi. " Don't wear my best baker out! I'm gonna need him for work!"

    Arik slammed the door and sped off, leaving Josh to roll on the street laughing.