1

I was leaning over my vehicle, looking under the hood. I had finished the oil change and rushed inside to shower. I had less than an hour before my shift at the Crossroads Tavern. I enjoyed my job and the tips were fantastic. Plus, Ted, the tavern and hotel owner also happened to be an ex-investment banker; with his help I had invested some tips and made even more money with his help.

I wiped my hands and tossed the rag in the bin behind the auto shop full of rags to be washed.

"She's a beauty."

I turned around and saw a very handsome guy in a leather jacket leaning against a gorgeous black '67 Impala.

I smiled flirtatiously, "Your Impala's nice, too."

"What is she? A '68?"

I shook my head, "1969."

"Where'd you get her?" He ran his hand gently down the side of my Mustang.

"I found her in a junkyard auction. It was love at first sight. I bought her and fixed her up myself. Even put in a slant 6 myself, as well."

His eyes widened, "All by yourself? That's impressive."

"For a girl, you mean?" I smirked at him.

"For anyone." He put his hands in his pockets and stepped back to admire my car.

Another guy, taller and with longer hair approached us. I could see the family resemblance and figured they were probably brother's. "We're looking for someone name Dee. Know where we can find her?"

I crossed my arms and leaned back against the hood of my car. "Yeah, you're looking at her." I glanced at my watch, "But I have to leave in like ten minutes for work. What do you want?"

"Sandra said you would know why we were here." The one admiring my car said.

I blinked at them, "Sandra?"

Sandra was a neighborhood fortune teller. After Heather's mysterious death I went to her for some answers. She said the family home held many dark secrets and required someone more equipped to handle the darkness. She had said that she knew someone who could help and would contact them personally.

I hadn't expected her to hand deliver two handsome men to my small apartment over the office of Harold's mechanic shop.

The car enthusiast stepped forward and offered his hand, "Name's Dean. And that's my brother, Sam."

I slipped my hand into his and my whole body tingled. I quickly pulled my hand away even though I didn't want to let his go.

"Well, how about this: I have to go to work. I'm sure you both have driven a long way here. Follow me to work and I'll make sure you both get a meal and a drink, on me, of course. There's also a hotel near the tavern. I'll have Ted get you set up in a couple rooms. And I'll tell you what I can."

Dean smiled and nodded, "Not one to turn down free food. Please lead the way." He opened my door for me and slid into the seat.

Dean leaned down, "Why not leather?" He asked with a smirk.

"Leather and heat don't mix. The velvet is much more comfortable." I leaned closer, purposely flirting harder. "I hand picked the fabric myself. I picked the one that was most sensual on my skin. Besides, leather is over done. I turned the key in the ignition and the car roared to life and settled into a purr.

Dean stepped back, "We'll follow you, then."

I watched as Dean and Sam got into the Impala. I checked my reflection in my rearview mirror and was happy that my hair was being well behaved. I had even spent some time adding a little curl to the ends of my long brunette hair. The sun shinning on my hair made it appear more broze with my natural red highlights.

I would change my shirt at work, knowing that the flannel button up wouldn't give me as many tips as my red halter or even my pink tank top both in my back seat. The short jean skirt I wore would be good, matched with the red halter top and my black boots... tips were sure to flow. Not that I needed the extra cash.

Thanks to Ted, my investments were putting me on the brink of being a millionaire. Wishful thinking? Maybe, but I was determined to see the numbers on my accounts rising. And with Ted in the driver's seat of my investments I was sure to always have plenty of income.

My tires hit the main road and I revved the gas. I made sure that the Impala was following me as I let my speedometer rise above 70 as I headed toward the Tavern.

I saw the Tavern in the distance and saw that it wasn't busy. Not uncommon for a wednesday evening. More regulars would be spilling in from the shops in town and the local hospital as shifts ended, but it wouldn't be overly busy and I would be able to easily take the time to tell Dean and Sam about Heather and her apparently evil family home.

I pulled into the back and the Impala parked beside me. I grabbed my shirt and apron from the backseat. I tied the apron on and ushered Dean and Sam to follow me inside.

Ted was at the bar laughing with a regular friend. He beamed at me and kissed my cheek.

"Who are your friends?" He asked with a warm smile.

"This is Dean and Sam. They're here to help me with the house for Margaret. They're going to need a couple of rooms for a few days. I'll take care of the tab, of course."

"Nonsense! They can stay for free." Ted replied.

I smiled, knowing he wouldn't take my money for anything. Even if I had given him money he would have just invested it in my name and made me even more money. That's the type of person he was and it was one of the many reason why I still called this town home. Even though it was so far from my original home and had been a town I was just passing thorugh. When my mustang broke down Harold had offered me the use of his shop for free, so long as it was after hours. I stayed long enough where he offered me the apartment his daughter had been using before she got married.

I grabbed a couple of menus and handed them to Dean and Sam. "Find a table and order whatever you want. Once you're done eating I'll sit down and tell you what I can."

"Sounds good." Dean said.

I turned around and headed toward the employee back room. The small bathroom in the back was ly for the female workers. I changed quickly. The red halter top was low cut and made my chest look amazing. It was short enough to offer a glimpse of my midriff. A simple tie in back pulled the halter around my stomach, leaving my back mostly bare. So long as I looked like eye candy I got the tips I prefered.

If I dressed regularly, in non revealing clothes, I still got good tips. But if strangers stopped by they always tipped better the more skin I showed.

I wasn't shy and loved how my body was curved and toned. I worked hard to keep it that way, running daily, yoga, eating right, and just enjoying life. No matter how much attention I got from guys, I always found myself still bordering on the innocent side. I batted my eyes and flirted, but unless my gut told me a guy was safe or worth the more wild side of who I could be, I was less likely to be bold and forward with a guy.

I glanced at Dean as he smiled and flirted with Kelsey as he ordered. I fixed my hair around my shoulders and headed toward the kitchen behind Kelsey.

"He's pretty cute, huh?" I asked her as I wrote down my clock in time on Ted's clipboard.

"Are you kidding he's hot!" She fanned herself. "His eyes are so dreamy! His brother's not bad looking either. Kind of like the longer hair." She smirked at me. "Said they were friends of yours. Is that true?"

"They're here to help me with Margaret's house." I replied.

"I thought Rachel was going to return to do that?"

"Not for a few months. She has to finish school first. She graduates this year."

Kelsey nodded as she picked up a finished plate. "You got dibs on the smouldering eyes?"

I returned her smile, "You can bet I'll try!"

We giggled and she turned and left to deliver the ready food to the customer.

I grabbed cold beers for the few at the bar counter and they happily smiled and nodded as I passed them out.

Ted came up from behind me, "If it doesn't get too busy later, you can take off with your friends. I'll still pay you for a full shift." He said as he wiped his hands on a towel.

"That would be great, Ted, thanks." I smiled up at him. He had taken the place of father after mine had died; not that I actually got the chance to know my dad before he had died. But Ted had taken that torch upon himself, and I didn't argue against it.

He handed me two bottles of beer and gestured for me to give them to my friends. I smiled at took them and headed over to the table Dean and Sam were lounging in. Sam was looking over local papers about Heather's death.

I set Sam's down and Dean took his from my hand. "Thanks." He smiled up at me, his eyes sparkling and making my knees weak. He eyed my shirt, "That you're required uniform?" He asked smirking.

I smoothed down my shirt, "No, but it brings in the tips." I smiled.

He chuckled, "I bet it does."

A couple of bikers strolling through town waved me over. "There she is! That's the beauty I want serving me!" The one with long blond hair tied back slapped my butt lightly.

I smiled and playfully smacked his hand away. He had been in town long enough to know not to mess with me, but also long enough to know he could be playful. "What can I get for you two?"

"Beer!" The darker haired one growled.

"Don't mind him. He's growing bored being idle for so long." The blond replied.

"Why not just move on then?" I asked.

"Waiting for the rest of our gang before we head out."

"Then I shall return with beers for your wait."

"Thanks, love." The blond smiled sweetly up at me.

I spent the next hour serving beers and keeping cups full. Dean scarved down his meal and Sam picked at it. Music played as some of the other waitresses danced with locals. I weaved through the crowd and delivered the bikers two more beers.

A local guy, Blake, kept his eyes on me. He was a handsome guy, we had dated for a while before I ended things with him, thinking I was ready to move on to another town. When I stayed, his eyes remained on me and he tried to get me back. His tired were becoming harder to evade and he was becoming more aggressive. Not that he scared me. I kept a handgun in my glove box in my car and a second one under my bed. Guns on top of my self defense classes I had taken, kept me feeling safe.

Blake also had a local enemy, Leon. And Leon was beginning to catch on to Blake's interest in me and had started to make moves that showed his own interest.

I ignored Blake and made it back to the bar.

Ted eyed the booth where Dean and Sam were sitting. "You should ask the poor guy to dance. He's been staring at you all night." He pointed toward Dean, whose eyes seemed to be glued toward me.

Kelsey pushed past me, "Let me help. I'll take the brother." She winked at me and headed right for Sam.

He smiled and tried to tell her no, but she refused to take that answer and pulled him gently out of the booth and on to the dance floor. Her black hair spinning with her.

Dean chuckled and grabbed his beer and approached the bar. "How long have you worked here?" He asked.

I shrugged, "Just over a year now. Kind of fell in love with the town and haven't left yet."

"Not that we'd so easily let her leave." Ted joked. "She's become the gem of the town. Everyone loves her."

"You flatter! And exaggerate!" I replied, smacking him with a towel.

"Go! Dance!" Ted pushed me gently.

Leon entered and went straight for the bar, sitting beside Dean. He waved at me and I got him a cold beer.

He brushed my hand tenderly with his fingers, "Am I hearing orders of you to dance. Maybe you'll honor me with a dance one of these days."

Dean rolled his eyes and downed the rest of his drink. "I believe she owes me a dance first." He smiled broadly at me and held his hand out for me.

Ted smiled wider, "Go, enjoy yourself. You're done for the night."

I smiled and slipped from behind the bar and removed my apron. Dean slipped his arm around my waist and led me to the dance floor. There were only a few younger regulars dancing with a couple of the waitresses and a few of the local girls. Sam was doing his best dancing with Kelsey as she moved her hips aggressively.

"Who's the jerk at the bar?" Dean asked as I spun in his arms and faced him.

I draped an arm around Dean's neck. "Leon, local bad boy." I rolled my eyes.

"So, I saved you from having to dance with him. Think that means you owe me now." He smirked.

The song slowed down and led into an even slower song. Dean wrapped his arms tighter around me and pressed me toward him. It caught me off guard and stole the breath from my lungs. I gathered my senses quickly and wrapped my other arm around his neck.

There was something so familiar about being in Dean's arms. It felt safe and natural and a part of me felt like I was were I belonged, king of.

"Guess I do." I whispered in a seductive tone. "How will I ever repay you?"

His hands trailed up to my bare back where his fingers were delicately and tenderly teasing me with their light brushing. I held in the quiver flooding my body with a burning desire as I looked into his gleaming eyes. They held a darkness that was intriguing and drew me in.

There was something about Dean that set my heart to pounding. Something in his eyes that made me desire to know him better. Something in his touch that made my mind wander to daydreams of his touching me more.

His eyes held me with intent and I believed that he was going to lean down and kiss me. I braced for it and yearned for it, but instead he whispered in my ear.

"You can start by giving me a ride in your beautiful car." He chuckled.

I smiled and giggled, "I'm sure that can be arranged."

His fingers made a bold move as they tenderly trailed down my spine. The music changed to a faster pace and I was suddenly spun around and facing Kelsey. "Dance with me!"

I moved my hips with the beat and put my hands up as we danced. Sam had made his escape and Dean still remained close, a hand on my hips as I moved. I could feel eyes on Kelsey and I as we moved.

Kelsey was wrapped up in another guys arms as Dean wrapped his arms back around me. I turned in his arms and moved my hips against him, dipping down his front and coming back up.

I heard him stifle a groan as his hands wrapped around my waist, pulling my back against him. His face was beside mine, I could feel his breath on my neck.

"You're stunning." He whispered, his lips brushing against my bare neck.

I smiled, "You don't even know me." I replied softly.

"I know you have a beautiful car that you take care of by yourself after rebuilding it, by yourself. That alone makes you intriguing. On top of that, you're hot! And you know it!"

My hands were on top of his arms around me. I swallowed hard, "You speak as though you have known me longer than a few hours."

"Will you think I'm crazy if I tell you that I feel like I've known you longer?" He kissed my neck softly and a strange sensation overpowered me and I was instantly his. I felt that something inside of me had just branded myself his, but that I had been his even before meeting him.

I turned in his arms and faced him. He kept one hand on my back, holding me toward him. His other hand moved to my cheek and tilted my face up to his. A gentle brush from his thumb made me bite my lower lip slightly.

I slid one hand up his chest, feeling the solid form beneath his shirt and yearning even more to take it off of him. My hand wrapped around the back of his neck as he leaned forward slightly. He paused and let me close the gap.

My lips pressed against his and parted, inviting him to me. His tongue caressed mine in a hungry way and I melted into him. HIs hand pressed firmer on my bare back as his other hand slid from my cheek and wrapped around my back. His kiss was firm, yet soft and eager.

I have no idea how long our kiss lasted, but it still ended far too soon. Sam interrupted us by patting his brother's shoulder.

"Perhaps now would be a good time to tell us why we're here." He said, not unkindly.

I pressed his lips together and looked at Dean, his jaw clenched. "Now?!" He growled.

I let my breath out; I hadn't even realized I had been holding it. My head was spinning and as much as I really just wanted to pull Dean back toward me and kiss him again, I thought the talking would cool my racing heart and breath.

"Yeah. Just let me get us some drinks. I'll meet you back at your table." I patted Dean's chest lightly and smiled at him as he turned toward me.

He nodded, "Yeah, okay." I could still hear the irritation in his voice, though he tried to hide it. He leaned down and kissed my cheek quickly.

It was a kiss to silently assure me that our previous kiss hadn't been just a spur of the moment thing; and that we would return to the kissing later. It was his tenderness behind it that silently told me he wasn't just aiming for a one night stand to be easily dismissed later on.

I silently thanked my psychology degree. The same degree that my mother kept claiming I was throwing away. I hadn't told her of my wise investments that were giving me a very soft nest egg to turn to once I figured out what I wanted to do with my future. I had finished my bachelor's degree majoring in psychology and minoring in english in only three years. I took an internship at a major medical book publishing company after graduating and left after completing it and taking the money.

A week later I bought my Mustang and worked two jobs until I got enough to begin repairing it. Once the car had been purring I left.

Two months later I broke down outside of town and Harold had towed me to his garage. Ted gave me a place to stay and a job, then he offered advice in investing as he saw my tips growing each night. I took his advice and continued to give him a percentage of whatever his advise returned to me. I was adding to his retirement fund, even though I doubted he would ever retire.

I had spent over $10,000 to custom paint my car and get the interior done. I had to drive out of town for both of them, but it was well worth it. Now my '69 Ford Mustang looked like a prized collector's car.

I took pride in my car. It had started with just a frame from a junkyard. I had custom built the engine, with help from experienced mechanics and research. While I had help, it was all instructional or muscle. I had done the engine myself and did all the repairs. Even oil changes were done by me.

I had refused to insert technology and opted only for a higher tech sound system. My navigation system wasn't attached to the car because I refused to have a computer integrated into the custom engine. It was a true collector's car and I prided myself in every aspect of it.

My mother may have thought I was wasting my potential, but I took pride in my work. The work I did to get my degrees; the work I put into making my dream of a gorgeous car a reality; the work I did at the tavern; the work I did in investing. I was proud of what I had done and knew that one day when my mother learned that I had set enough money aside for my little brother's college to be paid fully- gaining interest in an account until then... She'd thank me then.

Ted handed me three opened beer bottles and smiled widely at me. I smiled in return and thanked him.

He didn't have a problem letting me get out of work one night because I worked most nights. I signed a contract a few months ago offering him a base salary for me. That way I didn't have to get paid overtime and he could have me work more hours without having to pay me extra. I enjoyed working at the tavern too much and with his advice I was probably one of the richest, yet most silent, person in the town. No one- other than Ted- knew of my accounts and how much I was truly making. And Ted had no reason to tell anyone else. He offered the same advice to everyone else, but most in small towns didn't go the route of investing.

I headed back to the table, getting glances from Leon and Blake at opposite sides of the tavern.

Sam sat in the middle of his side of the booth and Dean was leaning against the window and sprawled out on the other side. As I approached he moved his legs down and sat up, draping his arm on the back of the booth. As I slid in beside him, his arm moved around my shoulder as his other hand grabbed a beer.

He kissed my cheek, "Thanks, love." He said softly before leaning back and put his arm on the back of the booth.

I wished he hadn't moved his arm from my shoulders, but I hid my disappointment and looked at Sam. "So, what has Sandra told you?"

Sam set his beer down and shook his head, swallowing. "Nothing. We didn't speak with her. She called," He glanced at Dean, "A friend of our's and he called us. Didn't give us specifics. Just said a girl in town died a mysterious death and that there's a girl named Dee here that needs help figuring out why, how... and how to get rid of it. Said the woman called the house evil." He shrugged, "So, we're here. Tell us what you know." He leaned back and took another drink of his beer.

I told him everything I knew. All the rumors I had heard over the months. Everything Sandra had told me. And everything Heather and Margaret had told me. I told them how I had found Heather after she had been late for our daily run.

Dean had wrapped his arm around me during that part and had made it easier to tell them the details of what horrors I had found when I had discovered Heather on the living room floor, her body distorted and a look of true terror on her face.

When I was done, Dean sat up, leaning on both of his elbows. He downed the rest of his beer and set it down. Then he began to prattle. "First things first. We'll have to go to the town's coroner and get a copy of the report. Then we need to see the house..." He continued, but my mind was already telling me what we would be doing.

Sam was finishing his drink, barely listening to his brother. I could see through his eyes that he was thinking.

I took a swig of my beer, downing a quarter of it. "Or, you could shut up and listen to another plan..." I said, nonchalantly.

Sam almost choked on his beer as he tried not to laugh.

Dean flashed me a crooked smile that made my stomach flip and my heart flutter. "And what do you have in mind, Dee?" He said in a smouldering tone.

I reached into my pockets and pulled out my keys and tossed them to Dean. He looked at me quizzically, but with a hint of excitement. "You drive us back over to my place and I get you a copy of the coroner's report. I'll grab the keys to the house and we can go there right after." I took a drink from my beer and glanced at both of them quickly.

"Wait..." Sam eyed me. "Why do you have-"

"I have the coroner's report because it was needed for Heather's mom to claim the life insurance that Heather took out for her and her mom a few months ago. I have the keys because I'm the one getting the house ready for Margaret when she's finally released from the hospital in a few weeks." I finished my beer and set it down and leaned back.

Dean chuckled and leaned back with me, "Well, that just saved us an entire day's work!"

Sam shook his head and smiled, in a look of disbelief and relief. "Then let's go!"

Dean's smile faltered as he gripped the keys, "You were serious when you said I can drive, right?"

I chuckled, "Yes. But you better be good to her!" I said wagging a finger at him.

"Oh, I will!" He grabbed my hand and pulled me toward him as he kissed my cheek! "Let's go! Oh and I told you, Sam. It's not only guys that call their cars girls!"

Sam chuckled, "Why?" He asked me.

I smiled, I had been asked before. "Because only a female can be so beautiful in all her gorgeous curves. And, in case you're wondering, her name is Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty and sex, because my car is beautifully sexy." I smirked and headed toward the exit.

From behind me I thought I heard Dean gasp and with his voice low, "I think I'm in love, like seriously."

I clearly heard Sam chuckle as they came up behind me, "And I think you may have met your match, seriously!"

Dean wrapped an arm around me and pulled me toward him as the exit crowded with bikers entering. "Can I look under her hood?" He asked me excitedly in my ear. "Just curious what work you've done."

I rolled my eyes as I heard the hint of seduction in his tone, but I smiled and nodded. "Of course. You wouldn't know her full beauty until you looked at her engine."

I swear he shivered behind me, I felt his cheek beside mine move as I knew he smiled widely, "It is so hot that you speak car!"

It was something that most guys thought was hot, until a girl knew more about changing out any part on a car than the guy did. Then they grew intimidated. I had a strong feeling that Dean wasn't like that. Something he shared with most true car enthusiasts or collectors.

Car shows were where I got the full appreciation for her beauty. I had appeared in most of the local town's and some of the state car shows. I had won awards for her, but I mostly just enjoyed sharing my passion with others that shared the same.

We made it outside and Dean ran to pop the hood. He gently raised the hood and look at the inside of it using the bright motion light outside. He brought a fist to his mouth and bit his knuckles.

"Oh my God! It's beautiful! No, it's... You did this yourself?" Dean asked, truly impressed.

"Yes, I redid the whole engine with premium parts when I got here. So I technically redid the engine twice. But I took opportunity of having extra money and cheap rent with free use of a full shop to get it done the way I truly wanted it. Had to have some pieces custom welded. It was a long process. Just finished her a month or so ago." I crossed my arms and glanced down at my work of art and smiled proudly.

Sam tucked his hands in his pockets as he looked at it with wide, impressed eyes. "Wow! That's amazing. I don't know of many girls or guys that even know how to properly change oil. And here you are rebuilding an entire engine! That's impressive!"

Kelsey stepped out of the shadows with a lit cigarette, "That ain't nothin'!" She put the cigarette out on the bottom of her boot. "Did she tell you she has a psychology degree from...
Her face wrinkled, "Some fancy university in Washington, where's she's from." She waved her hand. "Still don't know why she's here in this town!" She disappeared inside.

Sam's eyes slowly moved back to me, "A psychology degree?"

I blushed slightly and nodded.

"From where, exactly?" Sam asked, tilting his head.

"WSU. I started in their lawyer program, but changed my major halfway through my first year." I said with a shrug. "I was all set to get my masters and move on to my PHD, I finished my summer internship with a medical publishing firm, then took the money they gave me and got Aphrodite."

Sam looked at me in disbelief. "Why not finish your degree?"

I shrugged, "I don't really need to. I have the degree, I can use it. I don't really need to spend that much money trying to further my degree."

"But with a higher degree you could make more money. Get out of this town, move on to better things." Sam said.

I furrowed my brow, "I like it here. And believe it or not, I make good money. I get great tips here, in both wage and advice."

"I'm sure most of that advice is to get out of this town and start your life." Sam said crossing his arms. He looked so much like the older brother giving his little sister a lecture that I almost laughed.

I smiled warmly at him, "The advice I've been given has been investment advice from someone who used to work as an investment banker. So far his advice has been very rewarding. I have quite a nest egg that continues to grow. I don't even have to work if I don't want to, but I enjoy working here. Just as I have enjoyed the town enough to call it home."

Sam put up his hands in mock defeat, "Alright, I'm sorry. I meant no offense. And I mean no further offense when I say that it seems like a lot to have all bundled up into such a pretty package."

I crossed my arms, "What's that supposed to mean?"

"You're smart, carry a psychology degree, are able to fully rebuild a car's engine, by yourself, you're certainly fearless and strong and you know you're pretty, but you don't excessively flaunt it... your work attire not included." I saw his cheek blush, "I meant how you present yourself, and how you speak."

I smiled, "I know what you mean, and thank you."

Dean continued to admire the engine.

Sam chuckled and slapped his brother's back. He leaned down, whispering just barely loud enough for me to hear him. "You truly have met your match, brother!" Then louder, "Are we ready to go, or do you need more time to admire and drool over Aphrodite's engine?"

"She really is a Goddess!" He gently, yet firmly enough, closed the hood. "The name suits her." He smiled at me.

I nodded, "I know. The first time I heard her engine roar to life and then purr in the pleasure of finally running again... I knew what she would be and I named her then." I ran my hand sensually over the front of her.

Dean looped his finger through one of the belt hoops on my jean skirt. "You can tell alot about someone by looking at someone's creation like this. This is a piece of art and it speaks volumes about you." He smirked at me.

I brought a hand up to his chest, "And what does Aphrodite's engine tell you about me?" I looked down at his lips and bit mine as I tried to quiet the quickening of my heart.

"Everything..." The word was nothing more than an escape of air as he brought his lips softly to mine. HIs kiss took my breath away.

It was all too brief, but his brother's presence was made known through the clearing of his throat. "Are we ready to go now?"

Dean pulled away, "Yeah, yeah." He kiss me once more, a brief peck. Then he pulled away and opened the driver's side door. He slid the seat forward for Sam to get into the back seat. The seat clicked back into place and then he slid in.

I was in the passenger seat and buckled up before Dean had even gotten the key in the ignition. He gawked at everything. "Nice choice going with the velvet, very sexy." He glanced at the dashboard, "No computer? Trying to keep it original?"

I nodded. "I wanted a better sound system, but I refused to put in a full computer."

Dean nodded in approval, "Nice choice."

"Let's get going, Dean." Sam said, clearly beginning to get annoyed.

"Don't rush me, Sam! Let me drink in this moment."

I smiled, knowing how he felt. I watched as he slowly slid the key in, my lips parted in anticipation as he turned the key. My body ignited with desire and images of Dean filled my vision as I closed my eyes and listened to Aphrodite's engine calm to a purr. I smiled proudly and delightedly as I imagined Dean's hands on me, untying my halter top, unbuttoning my skirt and letting it slid to the floor as his hand slides down my thigh and grips it tightly as he lifts me up with his strong arms.

Dean revved the engine, breaking my concentration on my daydreams. I shook my head slightly and took a deep breath. The engine shifted as Dean put the car in reverse. He gripped the shift and took a deep breath before shifting it into first gear and pressing the gas. He pulled onto the highway.

It was a straight shoot to the garage, speed limits set at 75 mph. I smiled and turned to Dean, "Go ahead, let her loose."

He smiled at me, his smirk deliciously devilish. His eyes returned to the road and he stepped on the gas, slowly increasing her acceleration.

The wind whipped through the car and I closed my eyes in pure bliss.

"Uh, you're going like 85, Dean. Speed limit is 75, you don't wanna get pulled over." Sam said in a brotherly tone.

I chuckled, "No worries," I said loud enough to be heard. "The cops around here know my car and the hard work I put into it. They don't mind my occasional late night joy ride. They won't pull us over! They might honk or flash their lights quickly to warn me to be careful, but that's about it."

Dean's smile widened, "See? No worries, Sammy!" He increased the speed slightly and then kept it steady until he needed to slow down to turn into the garage. He pulled up around the garage where the office and my apartment were.

"Sam, you wanna wait down here?" Dean asked as he cut the engine.

"Actually, yeah I do. These seats are really comfortable!" Sam said, running his hands along the velvet.

I smiled, "I think he's beginning to feel Aphrodite's effect!" I said to Dean as he came around the car and opened the door and tugged me gently out.

He pulled me to his chest and wrapped his arms around me, "I know I am." He kissed me hard and deep.

I was frozen for a very brief moment as my body was shocked and then elated at his desperate and hungry kiss. My hands wrapped around him and my lips parted for him. He stole the breath from my lungs as he kissed me tenderly and infected my whole body down to every molecule with desire for him.

"We're here for a file and keys, guys." Sam said, not unkindly, there was even a hint of amusement in his tone.

Dean reluctantly pulled away, and motioned with his head for us to head upstairs. He slid his hand into mine and handed me my keys. I never locked my door here, I didn't keep anything of monetary value in the apartment, but I also trusted the town wholeheartedly. Plus no one would be stupid enough to break into Harold's property.

I opened the door and flicked on the light. The apartment was a small studio. Against the far wall was a queen sized bed with nightstands on both sides and a bookcase against the wall. Across from the bookcase was the large master bathroom with a jacuzzi tub, stone walk in shower and granite vanity. Just down the wall from the bathroom was the kitchen nook with all amenities and a breakfast bar serving as table. Just through the front door was the living room with flat screen TV. I had a dresser set up between the living room and bed.

Just off the bedrooms far wall between the nightstand the bathroom wall was a door leading to the balcony over looking the wild flower field that grew behind the shop.

I closed the front door and was startled when Dean pressed me up against the door. His lips were instantly on mine, softly yet so eagerly.

One of his hands wrapped around my waist. His other hand slid up my thigh, gently easing my leg up his thigh. He trailed his kisses down my cheek and over my neck. My back arched in delight as his lips grazed my collar bone. My leg wrapped around his waist as his hand slid up and grabbed my thigh just below my underwear line as he lifted me into his arms. My legs wrapped around his waist, pushing my jean mini skirt up to my waist, where it bunched uncomfortably, yet I ignored it as I found bliss in his embrace. Wondering for a brief second if my daydream had been somehow broadcast as it played out exactly.

He carried me to the foot of the bed, where he sat down. I was now straddling his lap. I pulled away from his kiss and stood up, fixing the skirt. His arms gently entwined around my legs and pulled me to stand between his legs. I bent and kissed him as my hands gripped the back of his shirt. I pulled away long enough to pull the shirt off of him and toss it on the floor. His finger unbuttoned my skirt and it slid down my thighs and fell with a soft thud to the wooden floor.

Dean ran his hands up my thighs and over my butt as his lips gently caressed my stomach. His hands slid down my legs and unzipped my boots. I kicked them aside as I moved to straddle him again.

His hands slid over the lace of my thin bikini cut underwear. My fingers ran through his short hair as he kissed my neck. I gently pushed his head up to meet my lips. As my tongue danced wildly with his he wrapped his arms tighter around me and then quickly flipped me over on to my back farther up the bed. He crawled to kneel between my legs, he made no move to undo the buckle on his jeans.

He gazed at me longingly for a moment then slowly lowered himself between my legs. His lips changed from being hungry to just being sensual. He was slowing the tempo to enjoy the moment, not rushing to end it so quickly.

I wasn't known for one night stands. it was something that happened occasionally, but I usually was better. Yet something about Dean was pushing me toward him.

I lost my senses in his caresses and kisses. I breathed in only him. I gathered enough senses at some point to realize he still had his pants on and moved my hands slowly down his chiseled chest and to his belt buckle. He moved off of me so that I could reach it better. I quickly undid it and unbuttoned his pants. I pushed him on his chest and nudged him onto his back.

His arms wrapped around me as I straddled him again. His hands ran up my back, getting caught on the tie for my halter. HIs fingers deftly untied the double knot and caressed my bare back as he kissed around my collar bone.

Aphrodite's horn honked from below. Sam was growing impatient. I had completely forgot that Sam had been in the car. File and keys, that's what we were here for.

Dean's hands froze on my back as he kissed me one last time around my collar bone. He sighed and brought his lips to mine. "To be continued later." He breathed against my cheek.

I smiled and kissed him one last time before climbing off the bed. I grabbed a pair of jeans, a black bra and practically see through tan blouse and headed toward the breakfast bar. I grabbed the file and quickly tossed it on the bed beside Dean.

"The coroner's report." I said quickly before turning around and slipping the black bra on quickly and tossing the halter in the basket. I slipped the jeans on and pulled my arms through the blouse. I buttoned three buttons down the rib cage and tied the ends around my midriff. It was revealing enough to show cleavage and a hint of the bra underneath, but dark enough and buttoned enough to leave some things to the imagination.

I watched as Dean finished with his buckled and pulled his shirt on. He grabbed his shoes and paused to get a closer look at the picture the coroner attached of Heather how I found her. I looked away and saw Dean grimace before I did.

I put the black boots on again and went into the kitchen and grabbed the keys to the house as well as the gate opener. I grabbed my keys from the bowl by the door and held them out to Dean.

He shook his head, "You know where we're going." He smiled as he slid his arms through his jacket.

We headed out. Dean wrapped his arm around me and slipped his hand into my back jean pocket. We walked down the stairs together. "You are going to be the death of me." He whispered against my cheek.

I smiled, "No dying on me," I said, half serious. "I still have use of you yet." I kissed him as we reached the bottom. I slipped out of his arms as he reached out for me.

I slid into the driver's side and Dean took a moment longer to get to the passenger side.

Margaret's family home was on the outskirts of town and took us fifteen minutes to get there. The property was surrounded by a large brick wall with lantern like sconces atop the wall- a modern convenience added to add warmth and take away from the ominous brick wall.

The gate opener blinked green as it slowly swung open the large iron gate.

Sam whistled, "This place is huge. What's the history?"

"It's an old plantation house. From the early 1800's. Although, the original burned down in the early 1900's, but the replacement house was an exact replica stuffed with fancy new things. Heather's grandma had lived here from birth and inherited the house. She died of a heart attack a few months ago. Doctors said it was stress from having started too big of a project. She wanted to add to the house and began to expand it back, starting with a terrarium thing. She had wanted to expand the house around it so that it would have a beautiful garden in it's center.

Heather had found her and said that her grandmother had looked frightened and strange, not like a strained look that is usually the case with heart attack. I have a copy of her grandmother's report at the house as well. Heather moved in a few weeks later."

"How was heather's behavior once she moved in?" Sam asked as we pulled up to the house.

We all got out before I answered and began slowly walking up the lit up front porch, "It was fine at first. Then she started showing up to our runs overly tired. I asked her why and she claimed it was nothing but nightmares. It had been steadily getting worse. We went down to only a couple runs a week together. When I went looking for her I figured she had just slept in and I wanted to check on her to be sure she was alright. I had the spare opener and let myself in." My voice caught in my throat.

Dean wrapped an arm around my shoulders and pulled me toward him. I wiped a stray tear from my cheek. It wasn't from just sadness of memories of losing my friend, it was also from fear of what could have done it to her. I spent most days here in the house getting it ready for Margaret to move in. I had experienced only a few strange things other than just an uneasy feeling whenever I was alone in the house. I wasn't usually alone. Someone, usually a guy from the tavern, the regulars, always offered to come with me. It was a purely polite thing and I usually always took them up on the offer. I had even let Luke take me once, but he had tried to kiss me and made me feel uncomfortable.

I had taken Blake once too, but he had shown his increased aggressiveness and kept his distance for the time being.

I slipped the key into the lock and opened the door. I flicked the main switch and turned on all the lights in the house with one flick. I had been adding a few conveniences for Margret's return, to make it easier on her until Rachel moved in. My main concern was cleansing the house of whatever was there.

"Do you know anymore about the history?"

I shook my head, "No, but the town history society would have the whole history. I can take you there tomorrow." I headed toward the office.

"Where're you going?" Dean asked.

"Getting the other coroner's report." I replied.

Dean and Sam furrowed their eyebrows at me. I shrugged and turned around.

"Shouldn't we stay together." Dean asked. "How many times exactly do you come here?"

"Almost daily." I replied turning the corner and entering the darker office. "I'm not always alone. And sure weird things happen. A house this old is bound to have it's history. It's creepy too, but I have to figure out what this is and fix it so that Margaret can live here safely and happily. It's what Heather would've wanted." I found the file and turned around handing it to Dean.

He smiled and took it. He flipped it open and his brow furrowed he turned and headed back toward his brother. I went to follow him, but a sound caught my attention. I turned around, I thought I had heard the sound of the chair moving. I didn't see anything and turned to exit the door.

I barely stepped one foot through the doorway when something struck my stomach hard and fast, knocking me off my feet and flying back into the office. The door slammed with an echoing bang.

I caught my breath and scrambled to my feet, thankful that my boots were not high-heeled. The lights flickered in the already dimly lit room, but I couldn't see anything. I ran to the door and pounded. I could hear Dean and Sam on the other side.

"Dee?"

"I'm fine. But the door won't open." I said, trying to turn the knob.

The room around me suddenly went cold. I could see my breath and the air around me was thick and held a charge.

"Do you have any salt?" Dean asked.

I shook my head in disbelief. "Why the hell would I have salt? And why the hell does that matter right now."

"It wards off spirits. You could surround yourself with it and protect yourself." Sam replied.

"Yeah, well, I don't have salt."

"Is there a fireplace?" Dean asked.

I glanced to the far wall and saw the small fireplace. "Yes."

"Good. Are the tools made of iron?"

I know what he was referring to and walked hesitantly to the other side of the room. I grabbed for the poker and felt a rush of relief as I hefted it's weight. "Yes, it's iron. Please tell me iron hurt spirits!"

I heard a nervous chuckle from Dean, "yes, it does. Stand away-"

I couldn't hear what Dear said next as I was knocked down again. The air expelled from my lungs. I swung the iron out and madly swung in every direction. Something was in the room with me and it didn't want me there. My mouth went dry as I continued to swing.

I blinked and swung out to my side. A force hit my gut and pressed me against the book shelves, knocking the iron poker from my hand. "Dean!" I screamed as a form appeared in front of me and a hand reached out and wrapped around my neck. Pushing me up along the bookcase.

I shot rang out and the door flew open. Dean stood holding a shotgun and approached the figure and pulled the trigger again. I made a squeak as I covered my ears and the figure disappeared.

I wasn't stupid enough to believe the gun would end what ever that had been. I let Dean take my arm and lead me quickly out of the house with Sam leading the way. He carried both files in his hands as we got to the car.

"Out of all the times I've been to this house, why pick now to harm me?" I asked turning toward Sam as he tried to usher me into the back seat. I was standing tall and not showing fear. We were out of the house and I trusted them to protect me.

"Because it sensed you being a threat. You called us here and it sensed what we are here to do. Before you were just a frequent guest, clearly not the threat." Sam said, his eyes full of kindness.

"You made sure to get rooms from Ted when we were at the tavern, right?" I asked him, changing the subject.

Sam nodded, slightly confused. "Yeah, already got our room keys." He said pulling them out of his pocket.

Dean handed me my keys and I extended my hand. My fingers trembled and I clenched my hand and pulled it back. he closed his hands around the keys, "I'll drop you off at the hotel. Then I'll take her home." he said to Sam.

Sam smiled and nodded, "Yeah, then we can meet up later tomorrow. Head to the history society."

I slid into the back seat and let Sam take the front. Dean walked around to the driver's side. "We can search through the records and maybe find a match and figure out who it is." Sam said as Dean started the engine and headed toward the main highway to get us back to the hotel by the tavern.

"We can meet for lunch at the tavern, my treat, say around noon? Then head to the history society afterward." I offered.

Sam chuckled, "Better make it one with they way he sleeps. Or maybe even two or three?"

Dean punched his arm playfully, "One will be just fine, thank you, Sam."

I glanced at my dashboard. It was going on 2 am, it felt much later than that. I honestly would usually be up until dawn then I'd go for a run, come home and shower and then be able to sleep for five to seven hours, sometimes longer. I'd always be at the tavern by 7pm every night, if not earlier.

But I knew I would be talking to Ted tomorrow during our lunch to be given the night off and I also knew that he would gladly give me the night off and any others I might request. He thought I was too young to be working all the time, but also took pride in my working so hard for him, like i was his own daughter, and never turned it down.

I was forcing myself to remember the hot yet brief embrace we had at my place not so long ago and it ignited my desire and chansed any remaining fear that had lingered.

Dean pulled into the hotel parking lot and let Sam out. I climbed out from the backseat. I sat up front and Sam closed the door. He leaned down and looked at his brother. "I'll call Bobby and let him in on what we know. I'll see you tomorrow."

Dean nodded, "See ya then."

Sam smiled and patted the car door once, "Have fun." He said before turning away.

Dean looked at me, "You alright? Not everyone faces that and is relaxed afterward."

I nodded, "It was scary. And I'm sure once I fully process it, I'll have nightmares for a while. But you're here to get rid of it. Clearly you know more than what you let on, so I'm trusting you. We'll take care of whatever this is and the house will be cleansed and Magaret can move home and she'll be safe. And honestly, ghosts are something I've dealt with before, as a kid. Lived in a place once where I swear it was haunted by something evil." I shrugged.

He smiled, "Well, getting the house safe is the plan." He moved his hand to my thigh and leaned forward and kissed me gently as he cupped my cheek with his other hand.

I pointed down the road as he pulled away, "Now, back to my place. I need a shot! And I have whiskey at home."

He chuckled and put the car into drive. My mustang was a manual, so he needed both hands to drive. He shifted the gears so smoothly that I nearly salivated at the way his hand gripped the shifter.

He pulled behind the garage and we both quickly headed up the stairs. He followed me in. I drew the black out curtains closed on the large front window. The ones behind my bed were already closed. I went to the kitchen and grabbed two glasses and dripped some ice in them and pour some whiskey.

Dean was behind me, with his hands on my hips as he kissed my neck while I poured. I handed him a glass and he stepped beside me. His eye darted to the photo album on the breakfast bar. The front picture was the first image of Aphrodite, the way I had gotten her.

He reached out and picked it up. "This is what you started with?" I nodded. "I know you said that you started with the frame, but I thought you were exaggerating. But you weren't. That's incredible!"

He flipped through my photo album of all the hard work I put into Aphrodite. He stopped at a photo of me hanging my head in my hands and crying. "What happened here?"

"My first moment of almost quitting. I started feeling like I was in over my head." I was beginning to feel that way about Dean, there was something that felt like so much more and it scared me. Especially, since I had just met him.

He smiled, "But you didn't."

"I was stubborn." I turned the pages to the photo taken at the moment Aphrodite roared to life for the first time in years. "This was one of the best moments in my life, hearing the engine and feeling Aphrodite's engine for the first time. Those are happy tears, by the way."

He smiled as he closed the album. "I like your album. Documenting your adventure with Aphrodite, it's nice."

"There's videos too, on my laptop. A few ER visits and failed attempts at starting her engine." I headed to the shelf behind the sofa and grabbed my second album. "This one is Aphrodite's second engine rebuild."

He took a drink and opened the album. He flipped through a few photos and stopped. "Who's this guy? He's in a lot of the photos."

"That is Marcus. He's an engineering student. When he was home from school he worked in Harold's garage to earn extra money as a mechanic. He helped me customize the slant 6 for the second rebuild. He and a welder friend that he introduced me to. Without Marcus' engineering genius, Aphrodite wouldn't have been completed to my desires."

Dean smirked as he flipped past a photo of Marcus and me looking over blueprints of his design. "You liked him, didn't you?"

I smiled, "For a while. He was a nice guy, the shy quiet type. And he was smart. But we only had a brief affair. He returned to college after the slant six was finished. We still email and skype. Just friends, though."

Dean set the album down, "I'm still trying to figure out how you're single."

I snickered and down the rest of my whiskey and poured myself some more. "By choice, mostly. I've dated a couple of guys while I've been here. One was intimidated by my knowledge of cars, the other grew into a jerk and I dumped him." I shrugged and took a drink. "I learned to love myself and who I am. I don't settle for a guy who isn't good to me."

"Good." Dean wrapped an arm around my waist. "You deserve to be treated as though you are Aphrodite herself."

I rolled my eyes at his flattery, but still blushed under his compliment. He brushed my cheek and kissed me quickly. "Mind if I use the bathroom?"

I shook my head and gestured toward the bathroom door. He smiled and headed into the bathroom, closing the door behind him.

I took my drink over to the bed and sat on the edge after I set my drink down on a shelf. I slipped my boots off and removed my jeans. The blouse I wore was long and as I untied it, it hung loose on my body down to my thighs. There were only two buttons keep the blouse closed, but I unbuttoned those and let the blouse hang on my shoulder. The end of the shirt fell just below my underwear.

I grabbed my drink and headed back to the kitchen to refill it. I added some fresh ice and poured some whiskey over the ice.

Dean finally came out of the bathroom. He carried his leather jacket and draped it over a barstool.

I sipped from my glass as he walked around the breakfast bar and gazed at my bare legs.

He smiled, "You look like one of the girls from a car show. The ones usually clueless as to what a piston rod is, but looks good in skimpy clothes sitting on the hood of a nice car. But you're so… surprising."

"I know the girls you're talking about. I get told at every car show, by at least one jerk, that my place is with the other girls, modeling by the car." I easily hopped onto the counter and sipped from my drink.

Dean came up to me and stood between my knees. His hands gently brushed up my thighs as I set my drink down and wrapped a hand around his neck. His gaze fell to my chest as his finger trailed over a tattoo I had gotten a few months before.

"I didn't notice that before. What is it?"

I teasingly pulled the blouse open and looked down, giving him a better view of the tattoo. "It's a prayer to Aphrodite, to guard my heart and bring me the one who will understand my heart most."

He smiled as he trailed his hand down between my breasts, his other hand wrapped around my waist. His lips pressed gently against mine. He scooted me closer toward him, my body pressed against his, feeling his chiseled torso against me. My body flared with desire as his lips trailed down my neck.

I gripped his shirt and pulled it over his head. He slipped the blouse from my shoulders then pulled me against him, lifting me from the counter. He carried me to the bed and laid me gently on my back. He leaned over me and I didn't hesitate to unbuckle his belt and unbutton his pants.

He slipped his jeans off and they fell off the end of the bed.

I pulled him toward me and kissed him hungrily. He took his time, caressing every curve and kissing my bare skin tenderly. My body quivered with bliss and an overwhelming flow of desire. I was lost in his every touch and kiss.

I rolled him onto his back. His hands gripped my back, unhooking my bra. He held me tightly as he trailed his lips along my neck. I felt a strange energy flow through my veins with his every caress.

My hips moved effortlessly against him. His hands gripped at my hips and then slid around my waist as he rolled me back over. He trailed his hands everywhere, touching every curve of my body.

I had never felt anything like it before and I knew, somehow, that my future was in his arms.

When we were done, he laid on his back, catching his breath. I rested my head on his bare chest as he wrapped his arm around me and held me against him.

He absentmindedly stroked my back as he closed his eyes. I sat up and leaned over him and turned the lights off in the apartment. I settled back on his chest, his arm wrapping tighter around me and closed my own eyes.