I know you will all hate me for this chapter, but it simply couldn't be any longer. I'll try to speed along the next one. Don't forget to review, cause then I'll be crushed and unable to write. Heh heh.

Chapter Three

It was hours later into nowhere when they stopped. Even though every muscle she had was aching, Elizabeth couldn't help but regret having to let Jason go. Holding him on the bike ride had given her comfort. The illusion that she was offering him comfort. She wanted so badly to be able to give him something, to be able to do something to ease his pain.

It was a ridiculous wish. Nothing could help him.

Jason watched the road ahead, the streaks of white disappearing beneath them, the rush of tree beside them, and thrust of air against his face. He was aware of exactly two things. That same road, and the hands clasped across his chest. In some part of his mind, he acknowledged his surprise at the turn of events. After she had walked from his apartment, he had given up hope of ever having her there again.

In some small way, her presence warded against the crushing weight in his chest, made it easier to breath.

He caught the passing of a sign, promising shelter in the next town, and when the exit came, he took it.

They pulled up to the Motel 6, the bike dwindling to silence, the engine turned off. Elizabeth slid off and stretched, her muscles stiff from hours of unaccustomed riding. She watched as Jason walked into the office. He seemed to be arguing with the clerk.

Jason paid for the room, the only one he could get. He wondered incredulously what about this small, useless town was so attractive, that only one room was available. He took the key in a chilly silence.

She quirked an eyebrow at him as he returned, able to tell he was displeased.

"All they had was a double bed." He explained.

She shrugged. "We're adults. I trust you."

The subject was dropped.

They grabbed their packs, and Jason opened the door, handing her the second key.

"Why don't you get the first shower?" She offered.

And then time stuttered and when it started again the kiss was already long.

Jason broke away. "We shouldn't do this."

"Why?" her eyes were filled with desire, and she swayed toward him.

"Because this isn't about us." His voice was reluctant.

"I know." Her mind cleared by a small measure.

"But that's why. It isn't fair to you."

She smiled. "What's unfair? No one's lying. We both know what's really going on."

The past rushed at him as he recognized his own words. He remembered what had happened next. How she had told his she wanted their first time to be special, sending him away. That was the right thing to do. He knew it. "We shouldn't." The words sounded as if they were being ripped from him.

She leaned in and gave him a gentle kiss. Then she just stood and looked at him, and the tension in the room continued to skyrocket.

She broke the silence, with his words, again. "You can always change your mind... again."

The waves of grief threatened to drown him, and he stared down at the pixie woman who had somehow always danced just out of reach. All he had to do was stretch out his hand.

Then his fingers were in her hair and his mouth was against hers and his exhale was her next breath. It tasted of coffee and mountain air. His body formed a new contour in hers and their touch had an edge of desperation as they tumbled down to the sheets.

TBC