Homebound

After passing Las Vegas, the two lane road dipped deeper into a valley between nothing but rust colored mountain ranges and spiny vegetation. Though it was late October, the temperature still hovered around eighty degrees during the day. My highboy truck was nearly fifty years old and still ran good as new, but I somehow feared she'd crap out on me while I was all alone in the Mojave desert. Even still, the stunning views were enough to ease my worries while I fell into white line fever.

The cab was spacious and the radio blasted classic country as I headed for a never ending mirage ahead. In forty-five minutes, I didn't watch another soul go by. A ring of sweat along my neckline dampened the cut off t-shirt I threw on before leaving earlier in the morning. When I ran a hand through my dark shaggy hair, my fingers escaped with a thin sheen across the skin. With that, I was grateful to be returning home to pleasant weather and crisp autumn leaves. A midwest girl at heart, I was not made for the dry heat of the southwest.

It had been about four hours since I left Los Angeles, and I planned to stop in Green River, Utah for the night. With over five hours to go, I desperately needed some caffeine to keep me focused. I took off my sunglasses and rubbed my eyes for just a moment while passing a throng of cacti huddled together. As I slipped them back on, I suddenly saw a young woman on the side of the road holding her thumb out to me.

I drove past, but slammed on the brakes as they screeched against the hot asphalt. My heart was pounding out of my chest as I wondered why on earth I stopped for a complete stranger. For all I knew, she could've been a killer looking for her next victim. But as I glanced behind me, I saw a frightened face who seemed just as surprised as I was. She looked to be my age, but her hair was chestnut and long over her shoulders. She wore small jean shorts and a bandeau that just barely covered her bust. After staring at the back of my truck for a few moments, she walked towards it and threw her duffel bag in the bed.

When she opened the door and climbed in, I first noticed her eyes. They were deep and blue, like sapphires glistening under the mid-day sun. Her skin was fair, but very pink and I assumed she'd been out on the side of the road for some time.

"What the hell are you doing standing out in the desert all alone?" I asked breathlessly.

She wiped her brow and flashed a white smile. "I'm glad you're not a man. Thank you for stopping."

Frustrated that she didn't answer my question, I pointed to the cooler between us. "There's water in here. Please have some, you look like you could use it." I slowly took off once more, my heart still thudding against aching ribs.

The young woman took out a bottle of water and held it to her flushed cheeks with a sigh. "I wasn't out there for very long. Maybe an hour."

"What would you have done if no one stopped for you?" I asked.

She opened the top and took a few sips before laying her head against the cushion behind her. "I don't know."

Suddenly, I didn't feel the need for coffee anymore. I never thought in a million years I'd stop for a hitchhiker, but something inside compelled me to pull over for this woman. I looked at my side and felt a twinge of pity as she closed her eyes. She seemed quite desperate.

"I'm Charlie. I'm headed to Green River."

The woman sighed. "That's perfect. I'm Ava."

We drove in silence for a while while her eyes remained closed in what appeared to be much needed rest. I wanted to ask her more questions-like how did she end up in the desert all alone. But I figured we might just remain strangers and left it at that. About half an hour later, I pulled into a run down gas station with a cafe attached displaying a giant EAT sign.

"I'm gonna fill up and get something to drink. You want anything?"

Ava smiled and shook her head.

By the time we reached the end of the Mojave in St. George, we still had around four hours left and only a handful of words had been spoken. But as we passed by the charming city, Ava became glued to her window with a smile on her face.

"It's pretty here. A little city nestled inside all those trees."

"It's beautiful," I replied. "Sure gets hot though. I don't know how these people do it. They're a different breed. Honestly, I feel somewhat bereft on their behalf knowing they don't get a proper fall. But then again, people like that think I'm crazy for living in Chicago during winter."

Ava looked over with a serious expression. "Is that where you're headed?"

"Yeah," I said. "I was just visiting California. Where do you live?"

"Well, I was living in San Diego," she replied. "But I'm moving back home."

"And where's home for you?"

"Chicago."

I chuckled. "Well, what are the odds?"

Ava's eyes found the window once more. "But you can still drop me off in Green River. I'll find my way back soon."

My heart twinged and I digested her words for a moment. They were so forlorn, like they were teardrops dripping from her waterline. I cleared my throat and shook my head. "I don't mind taking you. That is, if you don't mind spending the next two and a half days with me. After Green River, I'm stopping in Kearney, Nebraska, then driving straight to Chicago from there."

Ava's brow creased and she looked as if she would cry. But an attractive smile formed and she nodded. "I would need to repay you of course."

"Nah," I waved my hand. "Just keep me company. If I don't have someone to talk to, I talk to myself and get into arguments with my own psyche."

With a genuine laugh, Ava slapped her hand against the dashboard. "I'd hate for you to endure that. You can argue with me, I'm sure we'll find something to disagree on."

I smiled and opened my mouth to speak, but she continued.

"It's strange that I feel like I can trust you for some reason. I've never hitchhiked before. But maybe I'm just painfully naive."

"Don't worry," I said. "The only thing I know how to murder is a bag of sour gummy worms, which are in that bag at your feet. Do you mind opening them for me?"

Ava laughed again as she bent forward to oblige. It was such a lovely sound to hear, like it could quench the thirst of every cactus flower in need of refreshment. It was as if her laugh could bring about rain to the heart of the Mojave.

Eventually the Cedar Mountains filled the east while desert scenery continued to sprawl across the west. We admired condors soaring across the sky and the emergence of evergreen trees in the distance. The sun began to set, casting warm hues across the colorful landscape like bioluminescence along the California tides.

"How long did you live in San Diego?" I asked.

Ava took a couple gummies and chewed the neon green head off one. "Only a few years. I've lived all over ever since leaving home at twenty."

"And how old are you now?"

"Thirty. So it's been ten years since I've seen my mom and dad. We didn't exactly part on good terms. In all honesty, I ran away."

Not wanting to pry, I refrained from asking more questions. "I'm sorry. It must've been difficult navigating your way alone."

Ava popped the rest of the worm in her mouth. "Why were you in Los Angeles?"

"My friend there broke off her engagement," I sighed. "She found out she was cheated on with another girl from her fiancee's job. It was messy. Now the fiancee is with the other girl, and my friend is convinced she'll never find another woman to fall in love with again. So I drove out and basically spent three days throwing out her ex-fiancee's trash and getting drunk on white wine."

"That's terrible," said Ava. "But you're a good friend to do that. Did you have to take off work?"

I nodded. "Yeah, I did."

"And what do you do?"

"I'm an engineering consultant. It's boring."

Ava shook her head. "Sounds exciting to me."

"It's not," I laughed. "Unless you want to hear all about an office building's new hvac system I'm designing. Do you work?"

Ava seemed to think for a moment. "Well.. I've done all kinds of things. Waitressing, dancing, cashiering. What I really want to do is teach. I'd love to finish school and become a teacher. That's what I was studying before I dropped out."

My smile was warm. "You should. You're young and Chicago's always in need of teachers."

"Hmm." Ava exhaled slowly. "Maybe."

After the sun had set, we drove through desert canyons under a twinkling sky until reaching Green River. Pulling in, it almost looked like we'd stepped into a small town in the wild west. I parked in the motel lot and sighed as the weight of the day's driving melted away from my shoulders. The bright light of the building's sign pierced the darkness of the cab and caused Ava's deep eyes to glow.

"I was thinking we could drop off our stuff and then find a place to eat if you're hungry?"

Ava looked uncomfortable and shifted in her seat.

"Or... maybe I shouldn't have assumed we'd share a room," I said. "I'm sorry."

"No it's not that." Ava shook her head and glanced at her lap. "I'm just embarrassed. I only have three dollars in my pocket."

I turned towards her and rested my wrist against the steering wheel. "Well I'm not gonna let you starve and sleep in the car while we're traveling together. Don't worry."

"I can't let you do that," said Ava. "Nothing in life is necessarily free."

"You're right." I drummed my fingers against the cushion. "Which is why you're paying me back by keeping me company. You've only been with me for half a day. You might get sick of me by the day after tomorrow."

Ava smiled and looked away again.

"It's really okay," I said softly. "I'm gonna get a room and then we'll find a place. Sound good?"

"Yeah," Ava replied. "Thank you."

As I walked towards the office, I was struck by how cool it had gotten since the sun went down. Luckily I packed for the change in weather. When the guy at the desk asked if I wanted one or two beds, I suddenly grew very flushed thinking of sharing the covers with Ava. I shook away the notion and confirmed we'd take two.

Ava and I took our things to the room nearby. It was dumpy but suitable and just what was needed to recharge before another day of driving. After changing into warmer clothes, we walked to a nearby bar and sat in a booth to order a drink and some food.

"I'm starving," said Ava as she ate a fry.

I chewed my food and contemplated inquiring more about her situation, but held it inside in fear of upsetting her. "Me too. I can only eat so many gummy worms before getting sick."

A cheer erupted in the back as locals finished their dart game. I looked over, only to glance back and see Ava staring at me intensely.

"What?"

"Thank you again," she said.

I shrugged. "We're both just trying to get back home."

She rubbed the salt from her hands and rested her chin on them. "Do you have someone waiting for you in Chicago?"

"No," I replied. "Not in a long time."

Ava tilted her head. "Are you into women like the friend you visited?"

"Yes. But I don't think women are into me." I gave an embarrassed laugh. "What about you?"

"I'm mostly attracted to women," she said. "But I've historically been with men out of convenience. Like in San Diego, I stayed with my boyfriend because he paid half of the rent. Eventually, he just couldn't quit the dope and lost his job. When I decided to go back to Chicago, my neighbor said he could drive me to St. George on his way to Colorado, but by the time we got around Vegas, he was irritated that I wouldn't blow him."

I made a disgusted face. "And he left you in the desert to fend for yourself?"

"Yeah," she sighed.

"That's..." I made a tight fist and closed my eyes for a moment with an exhale. "I'm so sorry that happened."

She smiled and raised her beer. "But then I wouldn't have found you. Or rather, you wouldn't have found me."

I clinked my glass against hers feeling overwhelmed with sympathy for her. But looking across from me, I couldn't help but see so much passion swimming in the blue of her eyes. They were bewitching and rich in color and emotion.

As we found our way back to the motel, we settled into our respective beds and faced one another as our heads laid on unforgiving pillows.

"I'm looking forward to tomorrow," said Ava. "And I haven't gotten sick of you yet."

I laughed. "Not yet. Just wait-you haven't heard me sing."

She giggled and rubbed her eyes. "What time are we leaving?"

"Early," I replied. "Is that all right?"

"Better get to sleep now then."

I nodded and turned off the light between us.

A few hours later while in a deep dream, I was awoken by the sound of a pounding on the front door. My eyes shot open and I gasped.

Ava sprung out of bed and crawled on the other side of me, gripping my arm with tense fingers.

"It's probably some drunk," I whispered. "At the wrong door. I'm sure they'll go away."

After a few minutes, the shadow by the window disappeared and it was quiet once again. I could feel the hand holding onto me shaking with fright.

"It's okay. They're gone now."

Ava sighed and went under the covers. "I'm still scared. Can I sleep with you?"

"Yeah," I said. "Come here." I laid back down and invited her to my chest, where she rested her head."

"Are you still scared?" she asked. "Your heart's beating really fast."

Knowing the force of my heartbeat was solely from her close presence, I feigned innocence. "Yeah, I'm still a little scared." I wrapped my arms around her and waited until her heavy breaths were calm, then I closed my eyes and fell back into the deep sleep I had emerged from.

***

When my alarm sounded the next morning, I reached over to shut it off, surprised to see that Ava and I hadn't moved since the incident in the middle of the night. She was still softly snoring with her arm draped over my stomach and I swallowed hard as I considered how to wake her up. Would it be awkward? It felt nice to hold someone in my arms again after such a long time, and Ava was a very good-looking woman. But then again, she was scared and I had simply comforted her. There was no need to overthink things.

I rubbed her back. "Hey Ava, I'm gonna take a shower and then we'll get going, okay?"

She groaned and turned over, bringing the blanket to her shoulders. I got up to grab my things and walked to the bathroom to get ready. About twenty minutes later, I came out surprised to see Ava awake as she sat on the edge of the bed.

"You're up!"

"Yeah," she said. "It takes a minute for me to get moving. I just need to shower first then I'll be ready too."

We checked out and grabbed a coffee from around the corner before heading back on the road. Early morning sun blanketed the steep cliffs of distant canyons and the scenic desert was layered with sagebrush and cacti.

"I'm sorry if I disrupted your sleep last night," said Ava. She wore a pair of large sunglasses and had thrown on a loose t-shirt with faded lettering of some local band in San Diego.

I shook my head. "You didn't actually-I slept like I died. We didn't even move."

"I know," she laughed. "Thank you."

A sigh escaped me from deep within. "You don't have to keep thanking me. You know, this trip back was supposed to be an opportunity for me to relax before returning to the city. I'm always so uptight about things at home that I shouldn't worry about. Like my job and my future. Having you here with me has been oddly relaxing. More so than if I'd been alone arguing with myself."

"I'm glad I could help," she said.

As we crossed into Colorado, I turned on the radio and spun the knob until finding a station that appealed to me. An old ballad from the nineties came on and I instinctively began to sing. I wasn't a good singer and audibly cracked many times, but I could see how much it made Ava smile so I continued.

When my throat couldn't take it anymore, I turned down the music and coughed into a fist.

"Wow," said Ava dryly. "You're right. Now that I've heard you sing, I can't stand you."

I laughed, but I could feel my cheeks growing red. "That's too bad. I'd hate to leave you behind in the Grand Valley.

By the time we made it to Palisade, grass began to emerge on the side of the road but mesas were still in abundance. The air was a bit cooler than in Green River, though not by much. It was a lovely reprieve from the sweltering heat the day before.

I was feeling quite comfortable with Ava by now and my curiosity was beginning to get the better of me, though I knew it was a gamble to inquire about something so personal.

"So, if you don't mind my asking-what made you want to return home after all these years?"

Ava traced the outline of a cliff through the window and sighed. "I realized my parents weren't as bad as I thought they were." She looked over and rubbed her knees as she spoke. "When I was seventeen, my older brother was killed when he flipped his car going forty miles over the speed limit."

"Oh God," I said. "I'm so sorry."

"After that happened, my parents became overprotective. I wasn't allowed to be out after dark, I had to let them know where I was at all times, I couldn't get in a car with any of my friends. It was suffocating-like the worst thing that could happen at that age besides losing my best friend to a stupid choice he made. I thought maybe when I graduated, they'd let up, but they didn't. So after I finished my second year of school, I just packed my stuff and left. I took a bus to Albuquerque and thought I'd start my life over on my terms. It was fine at first, but it didn't take more than two years before I started doubting my decision. But I stayed-bounced around places and worked until I ended up in San Diego. Being with John and dealing with his dopesick ass made me realize maybe my parents just loved me a little too much."

I furrowed my brow and took in her words. It was hard to come up with a response to something so sorrowful. "I don't know what to say. But... I think your parents will be happy to see you."

"I hope so." said Ava.

We began driving through the Rocky Mountains and stopped to take a few pictures. She took my phone and snapped a few of the two of us and one of herself that made me smile as I watched. The smaller verdant ranges were still lush, while distant peaks were snow capped. I decided to detour into Denver for lunch where neither of us had visited before. We walked around Larimer Square to see the historic buildings, then quickly ate before heading out once again.

Mountains behind us began to dwindle as we found the familiarity of flat land. The afternoon sun was luminous and I hoped I wouldn't have to drive in the dark for very long.

"What kind of girls do you like?" asked Ava without warning.

I chuckled at the question and adjusted in my seat. "Uh... I don't know. Femmes I guess."

She twirled her hair around a finger. "That was somehow obvious to me. But I want to know specifics."

Her insistence was charming and I felt a kaleidoscope of butterflies in my stomach. "Well, I mean, historically I've dated girls who I can throw over my shoulder. I don't know why-I guess it makes me feel strong."

"And why do you throw them over your shoulder?" Ava reached over to feel my arm muscles.

I felt my ears burn and my eyes focused on the road in front of me. "I don't know, dominance maybe? I never heard any complaints."

Ava took her hand back, her voice sounding genuinely curious. "You like being dominant?"

"Uh... I guess? It feels natural to me." I couldn't help but laugh out of feeling nonplussed.

It seemed like she was thinking for a few minutes as she picked at the frays of the hole in her jeans. "When I lived in Phoenix, I briefly dated a girl who was like you-kind of rugged, but really just a kitty cat on the inside."

"Excuse me," I chuckled. "I'll have you know, I once stole a candy bar from the grocery store."

Ava put her hands up. "Oooh, so rebellious. Let me guess, it was an accident?"

I gave a strained smile and glanced over briefly. "It was. And I felt so bad about it, I went in the next day to pay for it."

She covered her eyes in embarrassment on my behalf and laughed deeply.

By the time we made our way to Nebraska, the sun was a pink orb and the sky hosted a sea of bright yellow resembling a field of dandelions. The day's drive was nearly over and I groaned as I straightened my stiff back.

"Sore?" asked Ava.

I nodded, though my face was pained. "Yeah, but it's okay."

A few drops of rain began to fall against the windshield, so I pulled over to bring our bags from the bed into the cab. It grew a bit cramped, but there was only an hour or so left until we reached Kearney.

Ava turned on the radio and found some soft music that accentuated the ambiance of an even softer rain. She seemed to know the song as she hummed along and looked out the window into a dark sky.

I felt my heart break and swell in unison. In such a short time, I'd grown quite fond of this woman, but her story saddened me. It would be wrong to make a move or assume her interest in me. After all, I was just getting her from one place to the next. I glanced over the moment she turned her head, and my eyes snapped back to the road.

"What?" she asked.

I shook my head. "Nothing. I'm just making sure you're okay."

"I am. I'm just thinking."

By the time we reached Kearney, the night sky released a downpour. I carefully pulled into the hotel parking lot and turned off the engine. The rain battered the windshield, causing lights ahead to blur through the glass.

"No motel?" asked Ava.

I stretched my back left and right. "No, I think we deserve something nicer. Though, only if we ever make it to the concierge, this rain is crazy and I parked kind of far."

Ava laughed and brought a knee up to the seat cushion as she turned towards me. "We can wait a few minutes, I don't mind."

We watched the storm through opaque glass and took a moment to come down from a day's worth of eternal highway.

"Are you ready to live in Chicago again?" I asked.

"Oh yes," said Ava. "I miss the cold weather if you can believe it. Finding a bookstore or cafe and cozying up with something to read was one of my favorite things to do in the winter. My parents have a house in Bucktown so there was never a lack of places to walk to."

I made a money signal with my fingers. "Bucktown?""

"Yeah, I know. My dad's in investment banking. I was quite spoiled growing up. I suppose that's one of the reasons I left as well. It was like I had been raised not knowing how the real world works and I wanted to be a regular person."

"That makes sense," I said. "Do you think you learned a lot these last ten years?"

She sighed. "I did-about the world and about myself. I'm fortunate to return home to my parents. I met plenty of women who don't have that privilege. But... what if my parents don't want me back? I know my leaving crushed them."

I thought about it and watched rain fall down the windshield in waves. If I didn't know any better, I would say it almost looked like someone was spraying it with a hose. "I think any good parent would accept their child back into their lives whether it be six months or ten years since last seeing them. A parent's love is unconditional and I'm certain they'd just be glad to know you're okay."

Ava looked in her lap and scrunched her brow. "Thank you. I think you're right. You know, I doubt I'll have very many friends left when I return. Maybe we could..."

"Yeah," I interrupted. "I'd like that. They just opened this new bookstore by my apartment I think you'd enjoy. It's got witchy vibes, I feel like you'd be into that."

She laughed and moved closer on the shared bench of the cab. "We met yesterday and yet somehow I feel as if you know me so well."

I felt my chest thumping and gripped the bottom of the steering wheel for dear life. Her eyes flickered in the bright lights of the hotel sign penetrating through the rain. They were intoxicating and drew me in like a siren to a ship of sailors.

"Does anyone ever tell you that your eyes are mesmerizing?"

She smiled and scratched at her thumbnail. "Yes. But I haven't heard it from you." Even as she scooted closer, I refrained from making any assumptions and kept my hand on the wheel.

The sound of rain was nearly deafening now as it somehow fell even harder than before. I chewed on my lip watching Ava run a hand over the controls on the dashboard. She studied the intensity of the windshield, then brought her eyes back to mine.

"Charlie?"

"Yes?" I asked, my voice low and hoarse.

Ava's stare was fiercely unbroken. I could only match it with a desperate gaze as she whispered to me.

"Kiss me."

Without a second thought, I sat up and embraced her by the waist, bringing our lips together. It was stiff and unmoving for a few moments until our lips parted and gave way to eager tongues. She threw her arms around my neck and pulled me closer.

After a moment, I leaned back and caught my breath while she ran her fingers through the curls at my nape.

"I-I.." My stammering was uncontrollable.

Ava smiled and shook her head. "No talking. Just kiss me again."

I leaned forward and kissed her harder than before. Our breaths grew heavy and our hands grabbed with abandon. Pushing her onto her back, I laid her down on the cushioned bench and pressed myself into her, digging my knee between her legs. As I gave her neck soft bites, the rain began to dwindle into a patter. Sitting up, I looked out the window towards the hotel entrance.

"Let's get a room. I think it'd be more comfortable."

Ava ran a hand up my abdomen. "Okay, but only if you throw me over your shoulder when we get inside."

I never moved as quickly as I did then, grabbing both our things and impatiently waiting for the concierge to receive us. This time, I had no hesitation and requested a single bed non smoking.

After getting off the elevator, we found our room around the corner and hastily threw down our bags the moment the door closed behind us. The lighting was soft and dim, casting unthreatening shadows across the carpet and bare wall. Ava turned towards me and raised an eyebrow, seemingly waiting for me to follow through on my agreement.

I hoisted her over my shoulder and she exploded into a fit of giggles and squeals as I made my way towards the clean bed. After throwing her down, I groaned and stretched my back.

"Did I break you, old man?" she laughed.

After a relieving pop, I laid on top of her and shook my head.

Her kiss was hungry and purposeful and I felt myself growing rather nervous as she unbuttoned my flannel and tore it off my shoulders. But not wanting to show it, I removed my tank top to reveal round breasts that she took into her hands.

I slid my own hands under her t-shirt and felt her nipples stiffen under my fingertips. She pushed me off to pull it over her head and uncovered her perky breasts. I brought my lips to her stomach and kissed the skin there, then moved to her navel and ribs while my hands traced the curves of her silhouette.

Ava sighed and tugged at my hair. "I hate to be blunt, but you're not as dominant as you think you are."

I pulled away to meet her eyes. "What do you mean?"

"Well," she smiled and traced my jawline with a finger. "You're surprisingly tender. I like it, but dominant you are not."

I only returned a smile unsure how to express the feelings inside me. For some reason, I couldn't help but approach this situation in a different way than with women before. There was something about her that made me less inclined to prove something; and instead, I wanted to savor every moment like the final minutes before a new year. But I kept these thoughts to myself and gave a nod.

"Maybe I just needed a change of pace."

I unbuttoned her jeans and peeled them off followed by a pair of Calvin Klein bikinis. Before laying back down, I slipped off my bottoms and shed any lingering agitation.

Kissing her hard while rocking my hips into hers, she let out a soft moan that emboldened me to work more vigorously. She widened her legs and cradled my cheeks as her breath deepened.

"Fuck me. Please."

Without losing tempo, I slipped two fingers inside her dripping pussy and thrusted hard and fast. She moaned and pulled me towards her chest as I dragged my tongue across her neck. Each thrust had the full weight of my hips behind it and I could feel how wet I was as I moved against my hand.

Ava's breath grew sharp and her moans turned into gasps. "Oh God Charlie... you feel so fucking good." She was quiet for just a moment before crying out and throbbing against my palm.

I laid against her bosom while it calmed and she recovered. Her fingers caressed my face in small circles and brushed hair away from my eyes.

"I think I spoke too soon," she finally said. "Oh God..." She laughed and nudged me off. "Lay on your stomach, I want to do something."

Without questioning it, I did as she said and laid down in the middle of the bed as she got up to retrieve something from her bag. After a minute, she returned and I heard the familiar click of a bottle cap. When her hands touched my back, they were cold and lathered in lotion. I shivered instinctively but chuckled at the surprise.

"I know you said my company is enough," said Ava. "But your poor back still has one more long day of driving ahead."

I laid my cheek against both forearms and closed my eyes. "That feels nice. Thank you."

Ava dug into my shoulder blade and rubbed the muscle there with concentrated fingertips. "When I first lived in San Diego, I studied to become a masseuse, but it didn't work out. I still like to practice though."

"You can practice on me whenever you want," I said. "I'm at the mercy of any hands that can do such things."

She giggled and worked in silence for a while. For a few minutes, I was afraid I'd fall asleep, but eventually she moved and laid her body against mine, softly thrusting into my ass while she whispered in my ear.

"Can you feel how wet you make me?" She thrusted again and I could feel a damp spot on my cheek where she rubbed herself against it.

"Mmm," I sighed. "I can and it's delicious."

She moved backwards. "Turn over."

I complied and met her eyes before she crawled between my legs, her hands running up both thighs. After licking her lips, she bent down to taste me, causing me to stiffen at the sensation. My breaths grew shaky and I gathered her beautiful hair in a fist while the other hand held her soft cheek.

A buildup quickly formed in my pelvis and seared my insides like it was branding her name upon them with a hot iron. I gripped her hair as she quickened her pace and squeezed my eyes shut.

"Fuck, keep going... oh God..."

In an instant, I felt a wave hit me at once and radiate through my limbs. Behind my eyes I only saw a flash of color pop like confetti falling to the earth. I released my hands and brought them to my temples which were beating furiously.

A pair of lips brushed against my own and spoke quietly against them.

"We should sleep soon if we're driving for ten hours tomorrow."

I opened my eyes and met Ava's gaze. "I have to take a shower-join me?"

She smiled and got up with a groan to head for the bathroom where a glass stall was waiting. I sat up off the side of the bed and took in the events of the last two days. I'd gone from leaving Los Angeles hungover off white wine and emotionally drained from consoling my friend, to sharing a bed with a hitchhiker that made my heart flutter in the middle of Nebraska. It was so strange and unexpected and wonderful. Somehow everything made the worries I'd left behind in Chicago pale in comparison.

"Are you coming?" Ava's head peeked out from behind the wall with an infectious grin.

I stood up and stretched once more. "Coming."

We took a longer shower than necessary as our hands couldn't be kept off one another. She pushed me against the tile and went down on me again and I pressed her perky tits against the foggy glass and fucked her from behind. But better than all of that, she let me wash her gorgeous hair which I found to be rather intimate.

Exhausted and done, we silently dried off and climbed into bed in need of restful sleep for the day ahead. I set an early alarm and enfolded myself around her as we settled in. Before I knew it, I was miles away back in the Mojave desert driving on an endless road.

***

I reached for my phone at the first sound of its alarm, thankful to be freed from such a strange dream. I looked down to see an arm draped over me and smiled.

"It's time to wake up," I whispered.

As expected, Ava groaned and turned over.

When I emerged from the bathroom twenty-five minutes later having freshened up and dressed, I found Ava ready sporting a messy bun and denim jacket sitting on the bed while rubbing the sleep from her eyes. When our gazes met, I let out a soft chuckle.

"Continental breakfast?"

We went downstairs and quietly ate before taking our leave outside where the morning sun was blissful.

"I think we'll drive for a bit, stop in Des Moines, and get there by six at the latest. Sound good?" I looked over to see Ava biting at her thumb.

"Yeah," she said. "Sounds great."

When I hopped back on eighty, I noticed the trees along the highway were beginning to turn a pale orange and I knew we were close to home. And crops on the farmland surrounding us had been harvested already, cleared to ready the earth for winter.

After what had happened, I wasn't exactly sure what to say. It wasn't awkward, but it was somewhat tense. At this point, the prospect of dropping Ava off and never seeing one another again made my heart tremble in my chest. I knew I had promised to take her to a bookstore, but I wanted something a little more than that.

When I uttered my first syllable, Ava began to speak as well. We both laughed and I cleared my throat. "You first."

"Last night was really something," she said. "And if it was a one time thing, I'm just happy to have shared it with you."

I shook my head. "It doesn't have to be. It's been ten years since you've been in Chicago, you'll need someone to show you around. There's been more than one bookstore that's opened." I took the wheel with my left hand and reached over to intertwine our fingers. "But you've got a lot to deal with when you go back, so there's no rush. Put your number in my phone, just let me know when you're ready."

Ava smiled and gripped my hand.

As we surpassed Lincoln, we listened to bluegrass and counted cows on a farm passing by. Ava leaned her temple against the window and looked to be in a wonderful reverie. By the time we reached Omaha, I was thankful only Iowa remained before reaching Illinois, but somehow I felt a twinge of sadness knowing this road trip was coming to an end.

"Do you think you got a chance to relax on this trip back?" asked Ava. "Before returning to your so-called "uptight" ways?"

I laughed and gave a nod. "Yeah, actually. I've been doing a lot of thinking and I realized something. For some reason, I'm always worrying about where I'm at in my job and my future, but I'm the same age as you. We have our whole lives ahead of us. Instead of fretting about tomorrow, I should be happy with what I have today. Because you never know-some day I might just meet someone who makes me feel like all my problems could be solved with a little perspective." I looked over to Ava and smiled.

A light rain greeted us as we pulled into downtown Des Moines. We found a restaurant serving up southern fare and popped in to eat some fried chicken with red beans and rice. After taking a short walk up and down the block, we climbed back into the truck and turned on the heat, as there was quite a chill in the air.

Before heading back out, I brought Ava in by the back of the neck and offered an impassioned kiss, which she warmly reciprocated. But it soon gave way to pants and my hand drifted down her chest and into her lap.

She pulled away and shook her head with a chuckle. "Charlie, we're on a public street, don't get us both excited."

I smiled and kissed her forehead. "Sorry. You just look really pretty today."

The rain cleared and brought us a clear sky by the time we reached Iowa City. I caught myself taking glances at Ava as she nodded along to the music. She was very pretty-beautiful even. I felt so fortunate to have had such a serendipitous encounter in the middle of the Mojave desert of all places.

"Do you go back to work Monday?" asked Ava.

"I do," I replied. "That hvac system needs attending to."

Ava laughed and pushed at my shoulder. "Well you have one day to prepare yourself. What will you do with your time?"

I thought about it for a moment. My apartment was clean and I had no capacity for socializing or going off on any more adventures. "I don't know. Hang out with my cat and watch documentaries. Stay in my sweatpants all day. Drink a beer at noon. You know, the usual lazy Sunday."

"I like that," said Ava. "Would you be open to hosting a lazy Sunday in the future?"

The question made my heart flip inside my chest. "Absolutely."

After some time in the quiet, it somehow seemed we were driving in circles as the landscape was unchanged for many miles. I sighed and adjusted in my seat as my eyes began to go in and out of focus.

"Bored?" asked Ava.

I waved a hand to the empty road ahead. "Very."

The sound of a belt unbuckling made me look over and I watched Ava move closer.

"I think we're in a safer place to get excited," she said. "Don't you think?" She unbuttoned her jeans and stuck fingers under her waistband, shuddering at her own touch.

Now focused, but also distracted, my eyes glanced over and I reached over to grip her thigh. "Please don't tease me."

"Then do something about it," she said with a smirk.

I looked up ahead and turned on the first dirt road I could find, driving far along the countryside until finding a dilapidated shed off to the side. Pulling up behind it, I could see it probably hadn't been used in quite some time, and it was the perfect cover for anyone who might be traveling along the road, though I guessed there wouldn't be many.

After putting the truck in park, I kissed Ava as she clutched to the trim of my jacket. She laid down on the cushion and brought me on top of her in a heap. The throbbing in my pants was forceful and full of want, making my movements frantic as I pulled her bottoms down to her ankles. Without any buildup, I positioned myself between her legs and gave her clit a long and slow lick, causing her to groan.

Her earthy taste was inebriating and I ended each concentrated lick with a suck between my lips. As I quickened my pace, I could feel her body shivering under my hands. She pulled at my hair and thrusted into me while moaning my name, giving way to my own that I breathed into her.

She sucked her teeth and whimpered as I dug my fingers into her hips. "Oh fuck, Charlie, I'm gonna come." As her panting hastened, she pressed me hard into her until I could feel her pulsating against my tongue.

I sat up and wiped my mouth with the back of a hand as she blinked rapidly at the foggy windshield. After a minute, she pulled up her pants and moved over to straddle me, throwing her hands across my shoulders.

"It's a bit steamy in here."

I reached over and left a streak against the window with my fingertips. "A little. Nothing the defroster can't clear up."

Ava kissed me with enthusiasm, using her tongue to swirl around mine. Her hands drifted to my waistband and unbuttoned them before pulling down the fly. When her fingers slipped inside and stroked my clit, I gripped her ass as my whole body tensed.

Starting off slow and sweet, she soon worked with gusto. Her damp forehead lay against mine as hot breath tickled my lips. I just about melted into her as I lifted my hips and closed my eyes.

"Does that feel good?" she whispered.

I nodded and swallowed hard. "Please don't stop." A climax began to form and I knew I wouldn't be able to contain it. Thankfully we were in the middle of bumbfuck nowhere on a dusty road to a dead end for all I knew. My moans grew in intensity and I locked Ava into a kiss as a cry sounded from my lungs.

I lay my head back on the cushion and caught my breath while Ava pet my flushed cheek. When I looked at the windshield I broke out in a chuckle.

"It's very steamy now." I held onto her waist as I leaned over to switch on the defroster. "Do you plan on ambushing me again before we get back to Chicago?"

Ava smiled and shook her head. "No, just the once."

By Davenport, we only had about three hours left as we crossed the border into Illinois. Reading the welcome sign was somewhat bittersweet. There were so many things I wished to say but I didn't have words for. This whirlwind of whatever you want to call it had completely taken me off my feet and I was surprised at the rate my affection for Ava was deepening. What would things be like back home? Would they be different? I hoped what we had shared over the last few days would transcend the confines of my truck.

I looked over to make sure Ava was listening to me. "I just wanted to say I've really enjoyed our time together. You're... you're really amazing and kind and I've been wondering what someone like you sees in me. I'm really glad this happened. And if you want, maybe when you decide you're ready, I can take you out on a real date in the city. I promise when I'm not trekking halfway across the country, I clean up pretty nicely."

Ava smiled and unbuckled herself again to scoot over and kiss my cheek. "The last few days have been a dream. Not only did you rescue me from the desert, but you're also reuniting me with my family. I plan on repaying you when we get back home, I just haven't decided how yet. And as for what I see in you, perhaps it's Stockholm syndrome from being in this car with you for so long." She chuckled softly in my ear. "Or maybe I just really like you and see something you don't see in yourself."

She returned to her seat and scratched at the window. "And I'd like to see you cleaned up, but I kind of fell for the desert look the most-all sweaty and gross." She smiled again at my subsequent laughter. "This is a new chapter for me and I want you in it-I know that for sure."

The never ending farmland to Chicagoland was almost disorienting. A parade of silos, barns, and tractors passed by on the flattest land imaginable. But by the time the lanes expanded and more cars appeared, I knew we were close.

Ava grew quiet as the skyline appeared in the distance. I couldn't tell if she was overwhelmed with returning home or absolutely terrified of seeing her parents. All I could do was reach over and grab her hand again which she held firmly.

She was glued to the window as I entered the city, seemingly taking in all the new sights and sounds of a never forgotten home. After directing me to her parent's place, she squeezed my hand as the familiarity creeped in.

"This is it," she said.

I gave a short nod. "Are you ready?"

"Yes-no. I don't know. Will you stay and watch until I go in?"

"Of course."

I drove down a street full of luxury homes until stopping in front of a brick three story building with huge glass windows and an ornate lantern hanging beside the front door.

"Holy shit," I gasped.

Ava bit at her cheek. "I know. It's a lot." She turned towards me and embraced me with a heavy sigh.

"Thank you. For everything."

I could smell the hotel shampoo in her hair as I stroked it softly. "No, thank you. And good luck."

She pulled back and kissed me, holding onto my cheek with shaking fingers.

I helped her gather her things in the cab, then gave a closed smile. "You got this. I'll be right here."

After stepping out, she draped her bag over her shoulder and looked at me for a moment with those Neptune eyes shimmering in the evening light. But she quickly took a deep breath and turned, walking up the steps to the front door and giving it a knock.

I couldn't hear anything but the sound of my own heartbeat as I anxiously awaited what was to come. After a minute, the door was opened by a greying woman who first brought a hand to her chest. But after she seemed to take in the reality before her, she threw her arms around Ava and cried out. A tall man with a salt and pepper beard hastily appeared, and as his brow furrowed, he too, wrapped arms around Ava and held her close.

My eyes stung and a lone tear fell against my cheek as I pulled away. Leaving her like this made me happier than I'd been in a long time.

When I finally got back to my empty apartment, I threw down my things and picked up my orange tabby who greeted me with a meow.

"Did you have fun with your uncle David while I was gone?" I scratched her under the chin and she closed her eyes. After unpacking, eating, and taking a shower, I was ready for an early bedtime. My back was cracking every which way and I was glad to be done with driving for the next few days at least. As I laid in bed to read a book, my phone buzzed on my nightstand. It was from Ava who seemed to set her picture in my contacts as one that she took when stopped in the Rocky Mountains the day before. I smiled as I read the text.

It feels good to be back.

Remembering how overjoyed her parents were to see her, I felt myself get a little choked up again. Surely this next chapter of her life would be filled with an abundance of love. It made me excited to see her grow and I felt very blessed to be a part of whatever came next in her life.

Thinking how to respond, I wanted to say all of these things, but decided I had the time to tell her in person when she was ready. For now, I could only come up with a simple, but hopefully meaningful response.

Welcome home.