Page 18 of Bishop

“Yes, mama. I’m fine.” I gave her a kiss on the cheek. “I just need some rest.”

She looked over my shoulder and I just knew Zane was watching the two of us. I could feel his gaze biting into my ass.

“Alright, well call me tomorrow. We’re going to church, I’m sure you’re not going to come.”

That was her subtle way of telling me, I needed to get my ass in the Lord’s house as soon as possible. “No mama, I’m not. I have a big case to prepare for.”

“Alright, Emmy. I love you.”

Giving her a quick hug, I turned and walked away. Zane was nowhere to be spotted and my stomach flipped flopped. I wondered if he’d maybe given up but to my surprise the moment I was in the driveway approaching my car, he was leaning against his bike.

“What are you doing?” I asked as I walked over.

He handed me a helmet. “Waiting for you.”

“I’m not sure why you’re doing all this?”

“Asking you to take a ride?”

I placed my hand on my hip. “That’s all you want. A ride?”

He didn’t answer, just simply started up his bike. The rumble from the engine began to vibrate through my body. Taking the helmet from him, I popped it on my head and climbed on the back of the bike.

Deep down, I knew this was idiotic. But there was something about him that had me ready to throw caution to the wind.

He eased behind me and wrapped my arms around him.

“Hang on tight to me,” he whispered, sending a ripple down my spine.

We pulled away from my family’s house and I knew without a doubt everyone was going to be talking about this. In fact, I could feel my phone vibrating and I knew it was my sisters.

As Zane navigated us to parts unknown, the wind whistled in my ears and I found myself breathing him in. He smelled like hints of rain, and lavender. Trying to ignore how extremely good it felt to have my arms around his hard muscular body, I eventually relaxed completely into him.

Finally, we pulled up to a fancy looking bar in the quarter called Sweet Bayou Baby.

“Thought we could use a drink,” he shrugged.

“I don’t want you to drink and drive,” I murmured. “I’d rather not die.”

“No worries,” he helped me take the helmet off, then jerked his thumb over his shoulder. “My apartment’s across the street.”

After he secured his bike, we walked into the dimly lit smokey bar, and the music instantly hit me. A blues singer’s raspy voice was talking about making deals with the devil as he sang his heart out on the stage. The people were going wild for him and downing drinks.

We settled at a table in a dark corner as the music washed over us.

“I haven’t been out in a long while,” I said looking around.

“You’re uptight,” Zane shrugged, leaning back.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You don’t do much for fun,” he replied.

I wanted to do something with my hands. Anything to get him to stop looking at me.

Grumbling, I was relieved when the waitress came over. “I have fun.”

“Yeah, sure,” he grinned.

---