A/N: Forgive me if there are mistakes with the grammar or the flow of the story. I suck at proofreading. It's my least favorite part of writing lol.

Norma finally arrived at the Seafairer Motel. It was 10 minutes after her scheduled time, so she hoped the owner wouldn't be too hard on her for coming in a little late.

She exited her car and entered the motel office. A man a little bit older than her was sitting down at the desk reading a magazine. He glanced up at the sound of the bell ringing on the door and smirked at Norma.

"What can I do for you darling?" The man asked, his yellow teeth on display.

"Yes, I'm looking for Margaret Summers. I'm the new maid here," Norma said nervously.

"Oh really?" The man quirked an eyebrow. Norma nodded and stood there awkwardly as he looked her over.

"Have you ever been a maid before?"

"Um, no. But I do a pretty good job at keeping my house clean," Norma tried to joke.

"Oh I bet. You look like a clean woman," Kieth chuckled, staring Norma up and down with his greedy eyes.

Norma studied him. He looked dirty and unkempt and the way he kept looking at her made her very uncomfortable.

"I'm sorry, where is the owner? I was told to meet with her in here."

"I'm her brother. Maggie and I both have ownership of the motel and the house up there. So I guess I'm your boss too," the man gave her a look. "My name's Kieth Summers."

"Oh okay. Nice to meet you. I'm Norma."

Kieth nodded as he glared at her. Norma couldn't help but feel so uneasy by the way the man glanced at her. The motel seemed creepy and so did its owners.

"Maggie is up at the house right now. Probably sleep. I'll show you around. Come back here."

Norma frowned before quickly fixing her face. She was so worried about being late and making a bad impression when her boss couldn't even care to be awake to make sure she got settled in okay on her first week.

She followed Kieth to the back part of the office where there was a closet with a maid's cart, sheets and linens, a tool box, and bathroom essentials for the guests.

"This is where mostly everything is stored. If you need more stuff to clean with, let me know." Kieth pulled out the maid cart and some fresh towels and sheets and walked out of the office with Norma to one of the motel rooms.

"How old are you?" Kieth asked.

"26."

"You must be new around here?"

"Yes, I am."

"You got a man? Any kids?" Kieth asked.

Norma didn't know if the man was trying to get to know her or was just being nosy.

"Um, yeah. I have two kids."

"And a husband?"

"I'm getting a divorce..."

Kieth turned to look at her as they finally stopped in front of room 12.

"What could a woman like you do to make a man give up a fine piece of ass?" Kieth said bluntly. Norma was shocked, and couldn't even think of anything to say back.

Kieth ignored her stunned expressions and pulled out his set of keys and opened the door. The last guest was a slob, as there was trash left all over to room and the sheets were a mess on the bed.

"Alright. So first change the sheets and then clean up all this trash. Then clean the bathroom. Let's hope there's not shit on the wall this time," Kieth said, laughing to himself. Norma didn't say anything else as Kieth exited and left her alone in there.

She was feeling a little iffy about working here now. This place seemed sketchy and this Kieth person was very crass and he disgusted her. She started to feel Maggie was a bit irresponsible as well. But they paid her good cash. She hoped she could stick it out.

After Norma got done with the room, she walked back into the office where Kieth had a different magazine in his hands now.

"You think you can do the next rooms now?" He questioned once he saw her.

"Yeah. It should be no problem," Norma replied.

"Good. Say, since you're getting divorced, that means you're available yeah? I haven't been out in a while. I can treat you real nice."

Norma looked around the office awkwardly. Kieth was not someone she would entertain ever in her life. She wasn't meaning to be judgmental, but she already got a first impression on him and she didn't like it.

Luckily for her, Maggie entered the motel office.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I forgot I told you to come in today," she said to Norma.

"Un, it's fine. Your brother showed helped me get started."

"Did he..." Maggie gave her brother a look before turning her attention back to Norma. "So... everything went okay with him?"

Norma squinted at the question after seeing the look Maggie gave her brother. Kieth glared at his sister as if he was telling her to shut up. Norma thought it was odd.

"Yeah it went fine," Norma replied.

"Well. Good. I'll show you the rest of what you'll be doing. Let's go," Maggie nodded. They walked to another room that needed cleaning and Maggie told Norma where to dispose of the trash and how she should properly make the bed.

"Okay, so will you be fine doing the rest?"

"Yes, should be no problem," Norma assured with a smile and watched as Maggie walked out of the room.

She had no issues cleaning the rest of the motel rooms and learned pretty quickly how the guest schedule on her chart worked so she could clean the rooms in time. Once she was done, she went back into the office and saw Kieth and Maggie in there looking at the computer screen.

"Hi, I'm all done with the rooms."

"Are they clean enough?" Kieth inquired as he looked her up and down. Norma hated how the man would glance at her.

"Yes. I really like that cleaning solution you have in the closet. It works like a charm."

"Yeah. We usually order it by the bulk from a company," Maggie inserted.

Norma nodded and smiled as she stood in front of the two siblings awkwardly.

"So um, is there anything else I should be doing?"

"Yes. You need to get those dirty sheets clean. We usually go to the laundromat in town to clean them, but since you only cleaned three rooms, you can use our washer and dryer up at the house."

"I'll show her," Kieth announced. Maggie watched her brother for a minute. She had noticed the way he kept looking at Norma.

"No. I'll show her. Follow me Norma," Maggie said.

Norma followed Maggie out of the office and up the stairs to the large mansion. When they reached the home, Maggie opened the door and waited for Norma to step inside before closing it behind them. Norma looked around, forming an opinion of the beautiful house.

"The washer and dryer are in the hallway there. You can place the dirty sheets in the washer. It's timed to about 20 minutes. And then come back to put them in the dryer for an hour on high heat. Once they're done, fold them and then put them back into the closet where the rest of the stuff is."

"Sure."

Maggie took the opportunity to observe Norma while she looked around the house. Maggie thought she was a beautiful woman, and she was nice and seemed sweet. She knew she would have to keep Kieth away from her as much as she could, which would prove difficult since Kieth lived here and Norma would be here four to five days a week.

"It's a little after noon. You hungry?" Maggie offered.

"Oh, yeah sure."

Maggie slowly moved to kitchen where she went to the fridge. There was hardly anything inside and she groaned, knowing it was Kieth who had eaten up mostly everything she bought earlier in the week.

"I only have some lunch meat and bread. Is that okay?"

"That'd be fine. Thank you," Norma took a seat at the wooden table.

Maggie fixed the sandwich and handed it to Norma. She also poured her a glass of tap water and sat down at the table with her, staring at her as she ate.

"So, how long have you and your brother been owning this motel?"

"It was inherited to us. So about four years now. It's not much, but we try to keep it running as much as we can. How long have you been here in White Pine Bay?"

"Hmm two months now. Maybe three."

"Oh, where are you from?"

"Arizona. My husband and I moved here for his new job. Well, soon to be ex husband I should say."

"Oh, I'm sorry," Maggie offered.

"Yeah. Thanks again for this job. It'll do well with me trying to take care of my boys."

"How many do you have?"

"Two. Norman's five and Dylan is nine," Norma smiled.

"Wow," Maggie chuckled. "Well how's everyone been treating you around town? People here love new faces."

"Yeah, I haven't really interacted much with anyone. But I became good friends with this one deputy. Alex Romero."

"Oh Alex?" Maggie seemed to light up at the mention of his name. Norma noticed.

"Mhm yeah. He's been a great help to me with some things."

"Oh yeah, Alex is the best. He's smart, funny, really charming," Maggie grinned widely. Norma could tell the woman was a little infatuated with Alex. She wondered if they had history.

"My brother grew up with him. I was two grades younger than them so Kieth's friends kinda' ignored me, but Alex was always nice to me."

"Yeah," Norma said and ate the rest of the sandwich Maggie made for her.

Time had passed and the washer's buzzer went off so Norma went to go transfer the sheets into the dryer. She then went back down to the motel where Maggie showed her how to run the computer in order to check in guest. It was more than what a maid was supposed to do, but it seemed easy so Norma wouldn't complain.

When the day was over, Maggie had given Norma cash and told her she should come back after she dropped her kids off at school the next morning.

*deviatedrift*

Alex was currently making his way towards the county jail to deliver Sam Bates his divorce papers from Norma. It was a 30 minute drive, and he spent his entire time thinking about what happened between him and Norma this morning. He thought he'd feel more guilty about what transpired, but he didn't.

When he arrived at the county jail, he greeted some of the officers and was pointed to the visitor's area where he waited for Sam. Being in the jail brought Alex memories of his father. He was in a prison an hour away from here rotting. Alex didn't feel bad for the older Romero, as he made his childhood insufferable and pushed his mom to commit suicide. He'd never forgive his father for that.

Alex watched as Sam Bates entered the visiting room in handcuffs. He eyed Alex from afar, the gears grinding in his mind, wondering what Alex was doing there. They kept eye contact until Sam sat down across the small table from Alex.

"Divorce papers from your wife," Alex spoke. Sam glanced down at the documents on the table and then back up at Alex.

"So what... she leaves me and goes to you?"

Alex squinted, ready to deny the man's accusations but Sam shook his head before Alex could speak.

"You think I'm stupid? I've see her phone light up with text messages from some son of a bitch named Alex. That's you right? And you attacked me in my cell that night because of her. I know you're seeing her."

"You don't know what you're talking about Sam. Just sign these papers and be done with this. Do your time in peace and move on with your li-"

Sam banged his hands down on the table, catching the attention of several guards. Alex gave them a look and focused back on Sam who was trying to calm himself down. He then laughed as he stared at Alex. "You think I beat her ass bad before? Wait til you see what I'd do to her for lying and cheating on me."

Alex face turned red, anger rising within him like a fire in a pit. He leaned forward more in Sam's face and pushed the papers closer to him.

"Sign these. Now."

Sam snorted and laughed obnoxiously. "Looks like she's gonna' have to get a lawyer, because I'm not signing shit. You know... with good behavior, I can be out of here within a month, maybe less. I have no criminal record, not even a parking ticket."

Alex knew what kind of man Sam was, and he couldn't let him get back to Norma and Dylan, not after the threats he was making. Alex stood up while Sam still sat down, glaring up at Alex now. Before Alex walked away, he stopped and stared straight ahead while standing directly next to the man.

"Careful what you say Sam. And think real hard. I think it might be in your best interests to sign those papers and leave Norma alone. I'll be back next week."

*deviatedrift*

Later that night, Norma lay in bed thinking about millions of things. She had so many things she was worried about. Sam, her boys. Alex.

Alex.

She wondered about him all day, about what he was doing and if he was thinking about her like she was thinking about him. It was insane how much she thought about him on a daily basis. He was always on her mind, embedded in some part of her brain. That's when she pulled out her phone to text him.

Hey

She sent the message and waited anxiously for his reply. She felt silly, like a high school girl texting her crush. Truth was, she kind of was, except she wasn't a teenager. She tapped her fingers, staring at her screen intently until it lit up.

Hey. Everything ok?

Norma smiled at his concern.

Yeah

She wanted to bring up what had happened at her house this morning. It was unexpected, but she wasn't complaining.

I went to the county jail to give Sam your divorce papers. He wasn't too fond of the idea, but I'm going back next week to see if he changed his mind

Great. Norma replied. She knew Sam would say no, so she had to prepare herself for a messy divorce.

Don't worry. I got it handled. Anyway... how was your day? I'm sorry I couldn't take Dylan to the program today. I was getting off work too late. I'm trying to get ready for the Sheriff's election next month.

Oh it's fine. He's actually been doing better. No calls home from his teachers. I actually talked to one of his teachers who's he's been giving the most trouble to and she says he's doing marvelous, behavior wise

Glad to hear that.

I'm proud of him

You should be. I think you have great kids and I think you're a great mother

Norma's heart could swell and burst from his compliments. She always wanted to be a good mother to her kids and even though she hardly felt like it, it was good to hear someone else say she was.

Thanks Alex :) That means a lot to me. You too

Lol I'm a great mother? Thanks. I appreciate that

Hahaha I mean you're a great person!

Yeah just teasing

So um, this morning? Norma sent, becoming so nervous. She wanted to bring it up but then again she didn't.

Alex replied three minutes later. Oh yeah, look, we can forget about it, if that will make you feel better

Forget about it? Why?

Oh I don't know. Just thought that was how you'd feel

I enjoyed it. Did you? Norma asked. She bit her lips awaiting his answer.

Yes. Very much

Norma giggled and became glued to her phone. She thought vividly about their encounter this morning. His hands touched her in all the right places.

I have a question Norma texted.

Alright. Ask away

I'm missing my favorite panties, the ones I was wearing this morning. You wouldnt happen to know anything about that would you?

Norma figured he took them, or maybe he placed them somewhere in her house, but she couldn't find them for the life of her. At first she thought they would show up, but she looked everywhere possible and the last place she knew they were at was on her kitchen floor.

Oh, um... I was going to give them back. I just... I didn't know how. I didn't want to just leave them sitting there on the floor

I knew you stole them! I thought I was losing my mind and that they grew legs and walked away

I'm sorry I can bring them to you?

Keep them Alex ;)

On the other side of the phone, Alex was laying in his bed hard as a rock. The texts he and Norma were currently exchanging had him aroused more than he should be. He knew she would eventually wonder where her panties went.

Alex wondered what this meant. Were he and Norma a couple now? Were they dating? He would very much like that, but knows how complicated it is. She wasn't even divorced yet. It was best to discuss this in person.

I would ask you to meet me somewhere but your boys would probably wake up and wonder where their mom went Alex sent after a while

They're deep sleepers. You could actually come by Norma sent back

Before he could reply, she sent another one.

You interested in finishing what we started or something?

"This woman..." Alex whispered before replying.

Well, I do want to talk. I just want clarifications on things, but it can wait til tomorrow. Whenever you're free

I'll be pretty busy tomorrow. Can you come by now? I want to talk too and I cannot seem to sleep

Sure, I'll be there in 15

Norma read the last message Alex sent saying he would be there in 15 minutes. She jumped out of bed and went to her bathroom to freshen up a bit before he got here.

15 minutes flew by quicker than she expected. Alex had texted her again to let her know he was outside. She guessed he didn't want to ring the doorbell so that he wouldn't wake up her kids, which she was grateful for, although she told him they were deep sleepers. Sometimes Dylan would be up in the night grabbing something to drink, but his medication for his arm made him sleep through the night lately.

She opened the door and saw him standing on the porch. He looked so good in his casual clothing of a dark navy blue t-shirt and black jeans. He had on his leather jacket she always saw him in as well. Norma wanted to throw her arms around him and kiss him until her head became dizzy.

"Hey Alex," she said in a sing-song voice. He smiled and stepped into her house quietly.

"Boys still sleep?"

"Yeah of course. I told you they sleep deep. Why are you so worried? Trying to start something again?" She smirked, flirt evident in her voice.

Alex chuckled lightly and shook his head. "I think you might be the one trying to start something, but actually I did come to talk."

Norma nodded and took him into the kitchen, away from the hallway where the boy's bedroom was at.

Norma stood there, hands in the pockets of her silky blue robe. Her big eyes blue trying to adjust to the dim light the lamp in the corner provided. Alex didn't think it was possible for her to look even more beautiful.

He stood in front of her smiling. "You look so beautiful, I just have to say."

"Thanks," Norma beamed. "You look great too."

"Yeah thanks. I try," Alex chuckled nervously and cleared his throat. "So uh, I've just been wondering. I want to tell you something and I want you to respond honestly."

"Of course," she said.

"Well. I really like you. A lot. I have been for a good few weeks now. I just think this whole thing is complicated because you're in the middle of a divorce. And I just want to know how you feel about this whole thing," Alex rushed out. Never had he been in a position like this over a woman. There's a first time for everything though.

"I like you too," she smiled warmly. "I know how complicated this must seem, but Alex, my marriage has been dead for years now. Sam and I are not in love. I'm like a piece of property to him. I've been wanting to leave him for the longest. Meeting you has been so life changing for me. I feel more confident and for once in my life, I feel safe and feel like I have someone I can finally trust. I'm so thankful for that feeling. And that's thanks to you."

Alex looked down as he felt a little embarrassed of the compliments she was giving him. He loved that he made her feel that way.

Norma stood there staring at him, waiting for him to say something to her.

"I'm glad you feel safe and that you trust me," he finally replied. Norma stepped closer to him, getting a good look at his beautiful face.

"So you really like me huh? A lot?"

Alex laughed quietly and nodded his head. Norma grabbed his hand in hers and squeezed gently. She wanted him in her bedroom. Right now. She tugged his hand but Alex stood in place.

"I want to take you out," he announced.

"Like a date?" She stared at his lips as he spoke.

"Yeah. Is that moving too fast for you?"

"I mean... no. But I don't know when I would have the time to do that. With watching the boys and this job I got, it'll be hard to squeeze a date in. But of course I would like to go out with you. I'm just not sure when."

"No worries. It doesn't have to be tomorrow. Just call or text me to let me know when you can," Alex let her hand go and headed towards the door which Norma found disappointing.

He reached for the door and opened it then faced Norma again. He could see her figure perfecly even if it was covered by her blue gown.

"So you didn't want to finish what we started this morning?" She asked, taking Alex by surprise, but he knew she seemed to be a persistent woman.

Alex reached up and stroked his thumb underneath her chin. The skin there was so soft and inviting and her lips looked even more craving.

"You're serious?"

Norma shrugged. "Yeah but um, if you want to take this thing slow then we can."

"Yeah. I do actually."

Norma blew out a huff of air and nodded.

"You know this is the third time you blew me off. I almost had you this morning though," Norma joked. Alex smiled at her once again.

"We were caught in the moment earlier today, but I promise you our time will be great once we move at the right pace."

"Okay," she grinned. Although disappointed, she was very much pleased at the restraint Alex held. A man like him was good for her.