Flames of Passion

Nya had joined more out of curiosity, because she was surprised that such a group even existed. But she found herself signing on at least once a week to discuss how the week had gone and whether she had been able to withstand the temptation.

Nya had created a username then had started interacting with the group. Even though she’d done so more out of curiosity, she found that they understood her and truly were a source of support for her.

THEONLYWAY, the site’s administrator, was logged in. Nya had never come on and not found her logged in. While the members didn’t give any identifying information about themselves, Nya figured that THEONLYWAY was unemployed, independently wealthy or far too invested in this site to allow herself a personal life.

Within a few seconds of logging in, there were hello messages coming at her from various members who were online. FOOLMEONCE was a male. NOMOREHEARTBREAK, ANDBRAINSTOO and RESPECTME_1 were females.

RESPECTME_1: Hey, MAKING_ACHANGE! How r u?

MAKING_ACHANGE: Feeling stressed. Just need some support from you guys as I’m dealing with an awkward situation.

THEONLYWAY: What’s going on?

Nya glanced over her shoulder, fearful that Sabrina might appear. But she knew that Sabrina was busy with her appointment, which would give her the time she needed to get support from her online friends.

Nya loaded the picture of Tyler, then cropped it to obscure his face.

MAKING_ACHANGE: Recently met this guy. Exactly my type. I think he’s interested, and I’m afraid I won’t be able to resist him.

THEONLYWAY: You want to end up devastated again? That’s what will happen if you get involved with this guy. I promise you that.

Nya frowned. THEONLYWAY was hardcore when it came to remaining celibate. For her, the only way to happiness was to abstain from sex until marriage.

RESPECTME_1: No doubt as to why you’re tempted! The sexy firefighter? But don’t let a hot bod keep you off track! You’ve been celibate for five months, which is awesome. Did you sign up for a course in photography yet?

Nya had shared with the group that she was interested in photography, and they’d enthusiastically told her to pursue courses in part to distract herself from dating, but also as a way to find herself and concentrate on her passion.

MAKING_ACHANGE: Not yet. But I plan to. Soon.

NOMOREHEARTBREAK: Be careful! The hot ones always break your heart.

ANDBRAINSTOO: Yeah, I remember guys like that. Hot and bothered and wanting to get in your pants. Hot guys like that are used to women throwing themselves at them. They’re not used to hearing no. I’d stay away!

FOOLMEONCE: Not all attractive guys are heartbreakers. But I agree, don’t let yourself get sidetracked.

MAKING_ACHANGE: Thx.

RESPECTME_1: Things with Bill are going well. Four months and he hasn’t pressured me for sex. Says he’s willing to wait.

As the forum members began to write congratulatory responses and supportive messages for RESPECTME_1, who was a born-again virgin saving herself for marriage, Nya shot a glance over her shoulder again. She didn’t want Sabrina to catch her in this chat group.

MAKING_ACHANGE: Great to hear, Respect! He sounds like a keeper.

RESPECTME_1: Who knew I’d give up sex and actually find love?

MAKING_ACHANGE: Hate to do this, but I gotta go. At work. TTYL.

As Nya signed out of the chat room, she again felt a little silly that she was even taking love advice from a group of strangers online. She had signed up on a whim, and hadn’t truly expected to interact with anyone, much less make any meaningful connections. But she had. She liked these people, even if she didn’t truly know them.

Nya was happy for RESPECTME_1, who’d had too many sexual partners and more broken relationships than a person should at the age of twenty-eight. She had decided to swear off sex until marriage—it had apparently worked for her. Nya didn’t plan to take her own vow that far, but what she hoped was that the next man she got involved with sexually would be the man she married.

And she held no illusions that that man would be Tyler.

Chapter 6 (#ulink_7acc21c2-8b37-565a-895e-38ae00800ce7)

“What to wear?” Nya asked herself Friday after work as she perused her closet. She had bypassed all of her current outfits and was now searching the back of her closet, where she had discarded her sexier outfits. She needed to look good for the premiere tonight. Only an item from the back of her closet would do.