Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 61929 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 310(@200wpm)___ 248(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 61929 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 310(@200wpm)___ 248(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
“I’m really sorry to hear that,” Aisling told me. “But I bet you’ll be ten times better than your parents. You’ve helped me out a lot this morning already.”
“That’s a big motivation for me. I want the family that I never had before. Of course, the guys are my family, but this will bring us even closer than we already are,” I admitted, lowering my walls just a little bit more. It wasn’t like she was going to run and tell anyone what I told her.
“I’m starting to think you guys aren’t as scary as you come off to be,” Aisling said as she tilted her head at me in a playful manner.
I crossed my arms over my chest and shrugged.
“We’re not ones to be messed with, but we protect our own. You’ll be safe with us,” I told her.
Aisling smiled a little, her teeth catching onto her bottom lip in a manner that made my chest tighten.
“I’m feeling a bit better. I wouldn’t mind some more fresh air, though,” she said.
“Want to take a ride?” I asked.
Aisling’s face flushed at first.
“Oh! Like on your bike?” she replied.
I couldn’t help the smirk that crossed my face. Now, she had me thinking about that kind of ride. A dangerous thought around her.
“What do you think?” I asked as I tilted my head at her.
Aisling smiled in a slightly nervous manner, but there was an excited glint in her bright eyes.
“I’ve never actually ridden on a bike before,” she admitted. “I mean, realistically, how safe is it?”
“With me, perfectly safe,” I assured her. “There’s nothing like tearing down the road without any obstacles around you like there are when you’re in a car. You’re completely free. Like you’re truly flying.”
Aisling’s eyes seemed to widen with wonder.
“That sounds like just what I need right now,” she said.
I grinned a little and held my hand out to her, helping her up to her feet and pausing for a moment as our eyes locked.
I could smell something sweet. Maybe it was her shampoo or the soap that was on her skin. Whatever it was, it was addicting. I continued holding her hand as I guided her outside after picking up an extra helmet for her, like losing hold of her put her in danger.
“Just hold on tight,” I said as I carefully slipped the full-face helmet on her head.
Aisling nodded and waited for me to get on my black Softail Standard cruiser before taking my arm and sliding onto the seat behind me. She wrapped her arms around my torso, pressing her body against my back.
It was such a simple, expected action, but heat stirred in my body. I had to distract myself by putting my helmet on and gunning my engine, feeling the rumble of my bike beneath me.
Aisling jumped at first, squeezing me so tightly that she nearly knocked the breath out of me. She only loosened her grip when I slowly edged out of the parking lot and hit the road.
“You good?” I called out over the rumble of the engine as I drove toward a little park that I knew of in the area. She seemed like the type of person who loved a good thrill, but I wasn’t going to put her in any danger. She was supposed to be relaxing.
“Yeah! This is amazing!” Aisling shouted, her words being followed by a laugh.
With my face hidden behind the helmet, I smiled, increasing my speed and taking her the long way so that she could enjoy the ride. We whipped past buildings and people walking down the sidewalk, my bike smoothly veering through traffic. I loved taking a ride, but this one felt particularly exhilarating.
When the park came into view, I slowed down and pulled into the parking lot, killing the engine and pulling my helmet off.
“How was that?” I asked, looking over my shoulder at her.
“That was so awesome!” Aisling said as she took off her helmet, showing me the shining smile on her face. “I know you weren’t, but it felt like you were going so fast.”
I helped her off the bike before following her, setting our helmets down.
“It’s a rush,” I agreed before glancing around.
The park was small with a concrete walking path that circled the grassy area. Metal benches and trees sporadically dotted the area, but what I was really here for was a food truck that always came in the mornings.
“Come on,” I told her, motioning for her to follow me to the white trailer where a middle-aged, bald man popped his head out the window.
“Morning! How can I help you two?” he asked in a raspy voice.
“Two breakfast burritos and two orange juices,” I said, paying the man before looking over at Aisling. “I always like a little something sweet in the morning.”
Aisling laughed softly and placed her hand over her heart.