Page 53 of Stone

Mom’s stare slashed toward me; her eyes already narrowed angrily. “You idiot,” she chided, pulling a hand back and slapping me upside the head.

I jerked away from her, rubbing the back of my skull. “Ma! What the fuck?”

She pointed a finger toward a retreating Elise. “Go after her and apologize.”

“What’d I do?” I argued.

Isaiah’s eyes bugged out. “Fool. She’s flown here to see you, waited nearly a week between visits, and then you say you’d rather spend time on your bike than with her.” He shook his head frustratedly. “You’re a dick.”

I clasped the back of my neck. “Shit.”

“Yes,” Mom retorted. “You are. Now go and make it right.”

Heart sinking, I turned in the same direction Elise was headed for and stalked after her. “Hold up, Leesy,” I called out, but she kept her back to me and carried on walking.

The weight of my words settled heavily inside my chest. I wasn’t thinking when I told Leesy I wanted to ride. I was a biker at heart, so being off the road for so long had almost crippled me.

I could’ve been more diplomatic, though. I should’ve thought before I spoke. If the boot was on the other foot, I’d have been pissed too. Elise had proven her strength by sticking by me, but she was still sensitive and deserved more care. The problem was, being here amongst bantering men and getting bellowed at daily didn’t cultivate much sensitivity in me.

I sped up when I saw she was heading toward the road leading to the main gate. “Duchess, wait!” I shouted in a strained voice. “Jesus, woman.”

Her steps faltered, but she didn’t turn around.

“Baby. I’m sorry,” I called out, catching up to her.

Finally, she turned to face me. “Go ride your bike, John,” she said, voice flat with resignation. “I’ll catch up with you back in Hambleton.”

“I’m sorry,” I reiterated. “I didn’t think.”

She smiled sadly. “It’s the opposite for me. All I ever think about is you.Yourdreams,yourneeds, andyourfeelings. Shame it’s not reciprocated.”

“Okay. I’ll stick around,” I acquiesced. “We’ll spend some time together.”

She slashed an angry hand through the air. “Don’t do me any favors. I’ll try to change my flight and go home tonight. I wouldn’t want to put you out.”

My forehead furrowed. This wasn’t like my girl. Elise was the most understanding person in the damned world. She never got upset about this kind of thing, and she’d never gotten angry and flounced off.

“Leesy,” I retorted. “I said I’m sorry. What the fuck do you want from me?”

“Nothing,” she whispered. “I hope you and your bike are happy. Maybe your ride will write you letters every day and worry day and night about what you’re doing and if you’re safe.”

My head reared back, eyes rounding. “Jesus. What’s got into you?”

“I’m pissed, John,” she screeched. “All I’ve done for the last three months is count down the days until I’ll see you again, and all you wanna do is go off and ride your bike.”

My gut dropped.

“You’re taking me for granted,” she announced, folding her arms across her chest. “And I don’t like it. I love you, John, but I won’t stand being treated with disrespect.”

I scraped a hand down my face.

“I want you to do whatever makes you happy, even if it means leaving for months at a time,” she continued. “I’ve told you I’ll support your military career, and I meant it, but during the times we can be together, I want us to make the most of it. If riding’s your priority instead of me, then why the hell am I prioritizing you?”

My face heated. I could’ve kicked myself. Elise had hit the nail on the head; I’d been selfish, and I hadn’t taken her feelings into account. “I never thought of it like that. I’ve been cooped up for so long that I need to blow the cobwebs away. The best way to do that is to ride, but I get what you’re saying, and you’re right. I really am sorry, Elise. I’m ashamed I even considered it now.”

Her eyes softened as she studied me. “If you want to ride tonight, do it, but at least stay for dinner.”

I gathered her in my arms. “You know I can cover more ground at night. I’ll probably get to Vegas by the time I need to stop and rest. If I time things right, I reckon I can be home by late tomorrow night. The more time I get with you, the better.”

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