Total pages in book: 109
Estimated words: 101985 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 510(@200wpm)___ 408(@250wpm)___ 340(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 101985 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 510(@200wpm)___ 408(@250wpm)___ 340(@300wpm)
And I’m considerably hornier, but then she always has that effect on me. It doesn’t matter what we’re doing, where we are, the time of day. There’s never a time I don’t want her.
There’s something worse than that, though. I want to make her smile, and I think I might be able to do that today. “We’re going to take a ride on the Harley,” I announce. “There’s a great spot around half an hour from here. I checked it out on the map and looked at the pictures on Google Earth. I think you’ll like it.”
She smiles, happy, but I can still see a touch of uncertainty in her eyes. She doesn’t quite understand what the big deal is. But she will.
It feels too good, riding with her behind me, her arms around my waist. Her weight against my back. I could almost imagine things always being like this—and I know I need to stop. It’s no good, allowing my imagination to run away like that. It’s only going to end up biting me in the ass when the inevitable happens, and she moves on with her life. It’s going to happen someday. Her father’s going to find her a husband.
And every day I let pass without warning her is another day I’ve betrayed her. There’s no question in my mind that’s how she’ll take it. I can’t even say she would be wrong.
We reached the lake around three o’clock, meaning we have a couple of hours before it gets dark. The campground is virtually deserted at this time of year, giving us all the privacy and safety we need.
She gasps when I pull to a stop on the shore. “Wow. It’s gorgeous out here.” And it is. Peaceful, the water still as glass. The sky is the kind of deep blue it can only be at this time of year. I never much thought about it before now.
And when she turns to me with a smile, I’m fairly sure my heart stops. It takes so little to make her happy, unlike the bratty façade she put up to protect herself when she first came to live with her father. “It’s incredible. What made you think to come here?”
“That’s easy.” I put the kickstand in place before swinging a leg over the seat. “I’m teaching you the basics of riding a motorcycle.”
“What?” She’s loud enough to drive a few birds out of the trees, but she doesn’t notice them since she’s busy gaping at me. “You’re going to let me ride your bike?”
“Slow down,” I murmur, chuckling. “I’m going to be behind you the entire time. I would never step back and let you careen off into the water.”
“Thanks for all the faith you have in me.” But she can’t pretend she’s not thrilled.
“I just want you to pay attention. There may come a time when you have to make a quick getaway, and I want to make sure you at least know the basics if the Harley’s all you have at your disposal. Know what I mean?”
I can tell she’s troubled at the way I put that, but I can’t coddle her forever. “Got it. Teach me.”
I do, giving her the rundown of the basics. The intensity of her attention is almost cute. She wants so much to do well. By the time I tell her to get in position, she’s chewing her lip, caught between excitement and apprehension. “I’m not so sure.”
“You’re going to be fine. Remember, I’m right behind you. If you freak out, I’ll help you.” I mount behind her and repeat the instructions on how to use the throttle and brake. “The Harley comes with anti-lock brakes,” I assure her. “Still, take it easy. Don’t twist too hard. You’ll figure out the pressure. And don’t panic and hit the brake too hard.”
“Okay, okay.” I can tell she’s overwhelmed, but I couldn’t be more proud that she still wants to try. We shoot forward, and she squeals.
“Relax,” I remind her. “You’re doing fine.” Still, I’m ready to reach out and take control at any second. “I’m right here. You can do anything. I have faith in you.”
“Really?” Her voice is soft, sweet. We pick up speed.
“Focus,” I remind her. This isn’t the time to swoon.
And she does focus, and after an hour, she’s more confident. We ride around the perimeter of the lake, taking our time, and it’s amazing to witness her attitude shift. She’s not so stiff anymore. She actually laughs a few times.
I’m so proud of her. Dammit, what the hell am I doing?
“That was amazing!” We stop at the place where we started, and she’s very careful to cut the engine before lowering the kickstand. “I feel incredible. Like I can do anything.”
She leans back against me with a sigh. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” I slide my hands up her thighs before wrapping my arms around her, holding her close to me. We’re looking out over the lake, the sun setting, and I take a deep breath. Soaking it in. Part of me wishes we could stay this way forever. What’s happening to me? I don’t think things like that. I usually laugh at people who do.