Page 49 of Iron Heart

“Never mind.” I pick up a rib and take a bite, hoping he won’t ask me more questions if my mouth is full. Dante picks up his red Solo cup of beer and takes a long drink.

“So,” he smirks. “Are your parents still so protective now that you’re all grown up?”

I dodge the question. “They divorced now,” I say instead.

“Sorry to hear that. Or are they better off?”

I consider his question. “I’m not sure. I think maybe my dad is. My mom can be pretty hard on him. She’s definitely got more of a social life now. But I think she misses having him around.”

“You said the other day that Ironwood used to be your escape, but now it feels more like a prison.” He fixes me with a look. “So why are you here, if you feel that way?”

Damn. This conversation has turned into a minefield. Everywhere I turn, there’s an answer to his question that means me telling him about my heart condition. But I just don’t want to do that. Dante still looks at me like a normally healthy, not at risk of dropping dead person. He probably never would have invited me to take a ride on his bike if he didn’t. I just want to be normal with him a little while longer.

“I told you. My aunt Jeanne left me her house. I guess I just couldn’t bear to sell it.” A little white lie. A half-truth, really. It’s true that the thought of selling her house makes me feel weepy. “And I guess lately, I’ve been sort of liking it better here.”

“Is that right?” Dante’s eyes are on me now. His voice drops a notch lower. “Any particular reason for that?”

I start to feel warm under his gaze. “No more stories about Jesus sightings in people’s lawns, I guess.”

“That all?” One corner of his mouth tilts.

“Um…” My mouth starts to go dry. I grab my cup of beer and take a sip to buy myself time. “I mean… these ribs are pretty good. Can’t get these back home.”

His smile grows, making my pulse quicken. “I see.”

“And…” I decide to risk it. “I sort of like riding a motorcycle, actually. And I don’t know any other bikers. So…”

“So?”

“So… I’m hoping maybe I’ll get another ride if I stick around town for a while?”

“Let’s finish up these ribs,” Dante suggests, his low rumble echoing through me almost like the engine of his Harley. “And I’ll give you a ride back to your place. Then let’s see what other kinds ofridesyou might have on your mind.”

20

Tori

“Was that birthday sex?” I gasp. “Because that was even better than last time.”

Thank God Savannah’s not here, because I’m pretty sure I shouted the house down a few moments ago when I came. Holy hell, I used to think people got way too obsessed about sex… but is this what the fuss is all about? Because if everybody else is having this kind of sex, why does anyone ever get angry or stressed oranything?

Dante chuckles, my head lying against his chest. “Practice makes perfect,” he jokes. “We probably better practice some more.”

“Right now? I’m not sure I can go again,” I say honestly. I feel like my muscles are made of water.

“I’ll give you a few minutes to recover,” he murmurs, laughter in his voice.

I close my eyes and sigh. “You know, when I woke up this morning, I didn’t expect that I’d be celebrating my birthday by going on a date with a biker.”

The worddateslips out without me thinking about it. Inwardly, I cringe, hoping he doesn’t notice it. Was tonight a date? Or maybe just a booty call? Should I care? Should I just let myself enjoy it and not worry about it? Having a one-night stand with Dante was one thing. But now, twice? Does this mean anything? Plus, I know Savannah isn’t coming back here tonight to sleep. Should I ask Dante to stay the night? What if he says no? Or even scarier, what if he says yes? How awkward would that be in the morning?

Oh, God, I’m alreadyseverelyoverthinking this.

“I hope the evening has met with your approval,” Dante drawls. I anxiously listen to his tone, trying to decipher any hint of discomfort, but I can’t hear anything.

“Very much,” I say back, working to sound casual. “Killer ribs and good sex? What girl could possibly resist?”

“Goodsex?” he teases.

---