Page 63 of Broken Heat

He kissed me again and then I saw it, too, as real as the day. The brightness between us like a sparkling sea of white and gold and blue, electric and alive.

Just then, Mykel looked up over my shoulder as if distracted.

What could be more important than this moment and my discovery of our new bond?

As if he’d heard my thoughts, Mykel said, “I need to turn off the stove.”

“Why?”

He kissed me again, laughing. “So I can take you back to bed.”

“Oh.”

“Oh? Are you hungry, then?”

“No. At least, not for food.”

“Okay, then. Meet me in bed. I’ll see to the stove so we don’t burn the place down.”

“Oh,” I said, laughing up at him. “We’re gonna burn the place down all right.”

19

Mykel -Farewell

The wind blew over us bringing with it the jungle lush sweetness in full bloom. The sea made soft whispering sounds.

Elon and I wore jeans and short-sleeved button up shirts, his blue, mine brown. We’d left behind the kimonos of the island. I had met with my friends and shared a festive meal. But we still had one more farewell.

Our hands clasped between us, palms slightly damp. Elon’s grip squeezed.

Senta walked through the huge glass doors of the office building and came into the shade of the porch.

“It seems so fast that you are leaving us, Mykel.”

I let go of Elon’s hand long enough to hug my boss and friend.

“I’m so sorry I didn’t make it to your dinner party last night,” Senta said.

I nodded. My friends had thrown me a farewell party complete with balloons and presents.

“It’s okay.”

Senta’s dark, streamlined brows narrowed. “It’s not. I value everyone here. I wanted to come but was delayed by personal matters.” He touched me on the top of my wrist, taking my hand into both of his, cupping it. He then let go and stepped back. “I will miss you.”

“I’ll miss this beautiful island,” I replied. “As well as the best boss I’ve ever worked for.”

We laughed. It sounded sad. But I wasn’t sad in the least. I had everything now.

Elon stood by my side, silent, watchful. I took his hand in mine again, weaving our fingers together, loving the closeness. My skin craved his, wanted that touch always.

Senta turned to Elon. “You are leaving here with the best this island has to give.”

“I know.” There was a wind in Elon’s voice, a depth of awe.

“But I do believe an apology is due.”

Elon shook his head. “No, sir.”