The rest of the day goes off without a hitch. I treat Maya to whatever she desires. At first, she's reluctant when she notices a cute pair of shoes in the window, but I insist they're for her birthday. We walk out of the store with her old sneakers in the shop bag. She's practically bouncing on her fit in her new kicks.

Her confidence grows, and soon she's pulling me around town by the hand and dashing from one store to the next. She refuses my offer to buy her more, saying the shoes were enough. My heart throbs in my chest, and she tightens her hand in mine. She's enjoying herself with me by her side. I've longed for a day like this. If only it could have been tomorrow.

Once more, I tell myself she's unaware she's still holding my hand as the day slowly comes to an end. Her slender fingers intertwined with my larger ones. It's not until we go into one of the shops and the lady assumes I'm her father; that Maya angrily storms out. I don't know why but her angry face is so adorable, just like all of her expressions, and I can't help but smile.

I stop as a couple walks by us and gives us a weird look—my jaw clenches. I'm not doing anything wrong. Holding Maya's hand is an innocent act.

It's getting harder and harder for me as the night rolls around, and we're walking back to the truck after a nice dinner. I release her hand as soon as we're close enough and take a deep breath as I round to the other side. I feel confused as if I'm being pulled in every direction. My morals and attraction to her are at war.

"Are you mad at me?" Maya asks me as we head out into the night.

"No," I try my best to stifle the gruffness in my voice. "Why would I be mad?"

"Because you haven't said much this evening. At dinner, you barely said two words."

"It's nothing," I leave out the endearment angel. I feel like I'm just tormenting myself if I say it. I would be lying if I didn't say I'd been thinking about the fact that her birthday is tonight, at the stroke of midnight. I watch the sun slowly set behind the horizon. "I'm just tired." I lie.

We return to the rig as the last rays of sunshine fall away. I drop off the rental keys in the slot and walk beside Maya. The campground is quiet as we walk side by side. She doesn't try to hold my hand this time.

I help her climb into the rig. It's hot as hades in there. I do my best not to stare at her jean-clad ass as she climbs over the seat without putting it down.

Taking a moment, I inhale the outdoors, steeling myself for a long night. I climb in and open the windows a sliver, so fresh air can filter through the hot cab.

I'm tempted to sleep up front, but I've learned my lesson many times over that I'll have a wicked kink in my neck when I wake up. I fold down the seat and peer into the dark cab. My eyes are still adjusting, but I'm sure as hell sure those are her jeans and zippy laying on the steel floor.

"Christ, Maya, did you take off all your clothes?" My heart hammers in my chest, awaiting her response.

"No," she whispers, just a little too breathy. "I still have my bra and underwear on."

I want to slam a fist through the windshield my damn cock has hardened across my thigh. "Damn it, Maya," I snarl between my teeth.

She sits up, worry written all over her face. "Should I put them back on?" She shifts her hand, trying to lean forwards and keep the blanket up, but she does a miserable job of it. I get an eye full of forbidden fruit.

"No," I growl like an angry animal. "Just stay under that blanket and go to sleep."

"Are you going to sleep back here?" She asks timidly.

"Yes,"