Chapter 4: The edge
1052 Words
Maya's hands gripped the steering wheel as rain hit her windshield.
By the time she reached River's Edge, it was pouring. Heavy sheets of water made it impossible to see. Her wipers worked slightly well.
She parked and sat for a moment, debating if this was the stupidest thing she'd ever done.
Her phone lit up: “I'm here. Waiting.”
Maya stepped out into the rain.
It soaked through her jacket immediately, plastering her hair to her face. She ran down the muddy trail toward the river.
Through the rain, she saw him.
Derek stood at the water's edge, hands in his pockets, completely drenched. His sandy hair was dark with water, his t-shirt clinging to his chest.
He turned when he heard her.
"You came."
"You asked me to."
They stood five feet apart, rain pouring between them.
"We shouldn't be here," Derek said. "This is wrong."
"Then why did you text me?"
"Because I'm weak. Because I can't stay away even though I should." He stepped closer. "Because every time I try to do the right thing, all I can think about is you."
Maya closed the distance. "Then stop trying to do the right thing."
"Maya—"
"I'm tired of everyone telling me what I should want. What I should feel." Rain dripped down her face. "I want you. I don't care if it's wrong."
Derek's jaw clenched. "You don't know what you're saying."
"I'm nineteen, not a child. I know exactly what I'm saying." She looked up at him. "Tell me you don't feel this too."
"I can't. It would be a lie."
Thunder rumbled overhead.
"You're shaking," Derek said, noticing her trembling.
"I'm cold. And scared. And I don't know what I'm doing." Her voice broke. "But I know I can't pretend I don't feel this."
Derek's hand cupped her face, thumb brushing water from her cheek.
"If we do this, there's no going back. Your mother will never forgive us."
"I know."
His control broke.
He pulled her against him and kissed her.
It was desperate and hungry and tasted like rain. His hands in her wet hair, hers clutching his soaked shirt.
When they broke apart, Derek pressed his forehead to hers.
"We can't stay here. You're freezing." He took her hand. "My hotel is ten minutes away."
---
His room was simple. A queen bed, a desk, a bathroom.
Maya stood dripping on the carpet, teeth chattering.
"You need to get out of those wet clothes." Derek grabbed towels. "You'll get sick."
He handed her a towel and one of his t-shirts. "Bathroom's there."
Maya peeled off her soaked clothes and pulled on his shirt. It hung to mid-thigh, smelling like him.
When she came out, Derek had changed into dry sweatpants but remained shirtless.
His eyes traveled over her in his shirt, something dark flickering across his face.
"Better?"
"Still cold."
But it wasn't just cold making her shake. It was nerves. Anticipation.
Her breathing started coming faster. The room felt too small. Her vision blurred.
"Maya?" Derek was in front of her immediately. "You're okay."
"I can't breathe—"
"Panic attack. Focus on my voice. Breathe with me. In for four. Hold. Out for four."
Gradually her breathing slowed.
"Sorry," she whispered.
"Don't apologize." He brushed damp hair from her face. "What do you need?"
"I don't know. I feel wrong."
"A warm bath might help."
He went into the bathroom. Maya heard water running.
When he returned, he held out his hand. "Come on."
The tub was filling with hot water.
"Take your time. I'll be outside if you need anything."
Maya caught his hand. "Stay."
His eyes widened. "Maya—"
"Please. I don't want to be alone."
“Alright I'll turn around”. He said.
"You don't have to turn around," she said quietly.
He turned around quietly facing her..
"You don't know what you're asking."
"I think I do."
Maya pulled off his t-shirt, standing in just her underwear.
Derek's sharp intake of breath was audible. His eyes darkened, and he didn't look away.
"If I stay, if we do this—"
"I know." She stepped closer. "I want to."
"You're sure?"
She kissed him in answer.
His hands found her waist, pulling her against him. She felt exactly how much he wanted this.
They broke apart long enough for Maya to step into the warm water. She looked up at Derek expectantly.
His hands went to his waistband. He paused. "Last chance."
"I'm not changing my mind."
He stripped and got in behind her, pulling her back against his chest.
Maya felt every inch of him. Her breath caught.
Derek's lips found her neck. "Tell me if you want me to stop."
"Don't stop."
His hands explored her body. The water sloshed as Maya turned to face him.
"I've never done this before," she admitted.
Derek's hands stilled. "We don't have to—"
"I want to. With you."
She kissed him, and his control shattered.
What happened next was intense and overwhelming. Derek was gentle but demanding, making sure she felt everything.
They emerged from the cold water and moved to the bed.
They made love again, slower this time.
Afterward, they lay tangled together.
"We can't go back from this," Derek said quietly.
"I don't want to go back."
They fell asleep wrapped around each other.
---
Maya's phone alarm woke her at 5 AM.
Derek stirred beside her. "What time is it?"
"Early. I need to get home before my mom wakes up." Maya kissed him. "She can't know I left."
"When will I see you again?"
"Tonight. Late. After she goes to bed."
Derek pulled her close. "Be careful."
"Always."
Maya dressed quickly, kissed him one more time, and slipped out.
She drove home through pre-dawn darkness, parked down the street, and climbed back through her bedroom window.
She changed into pajamas and got into bed just as she heard her mother's alarm go off down the hall.
Linda knocked on her door minutes later. "Maya? Time to get up."
"Coming, Mom," Maya called, her voice sleepy and innocent.
As Linda's footsteps retreated, Maya touched her lips, still swollen from Derek's kisses.
Their secret had just begun.
And she had no idea how long she could keep it.
- Writer
