Page 57 of Twisted Mates

I’ve heard about this. Well, this and the one that’s like seventeen miles long. “How long is it?” I ask.

“Don’t worry, little wolf. It’s only three-and-a-half miles.”

“I don’t mind the tunnel so much; it’s the bridge over water that’s a scary idea.”

“Oh, that’s right. You’ve never been outside Richmond,” he says, dropping a hand to mine and giving it a squeeze. “You’ll be fine. I promise. I told you I’d protect you. That includes protection from scary bridges. Just close your eyes if you get scared.”

I melt against him and nod. “Okay. I trust you.”

As we start over the bridge, I look at the bay for a moment before I start to get a little freaked out. I take Xander’s advice and close his eyes. It’s like he feels the thumping of my heart because he asks, “You okay back there?”

“I’m good. Just ready for the tunnel part.”

“Almost there.”

After we pass through the tunnel, which was actually kind of cool, I keep my eyes open, enjoying the new scenery. Being an environmental scientist, the state of Virginia sort of fascinates me. There are so many different geographical features—valleys, mountains, plains, plateaus, oceanfront... I’ve never gotten to experience this side of it before, and I love it already.

Before I know it, we’ve reached Virginia Beach, and we pull into a parking garage near what must be the boardwalk, and Xander pulls into a small space next to a stairwell.

I finally loosen my grip on his waist. He looks over his shoulder at me with an amused expression as he pulls off his helmet, his blue eyes dancing over my face as I match his movements.

“What?” I ask, immediately reaching up to fix my hair I’d just immaculately styled a few hours ago. “I know my hair is messed up.”

He moves a strand out of my face and shakes his head. “No, baby. I was going to ask you why you had your thighs clenched so tight around me. Was thatallfear of the bridge?”

My face heats up and I glance around to make sure we’re alone before shoving at him playfully. “Stop teasing me, Xander.”

He takes my hand, entwining our fingers. “The way you were pressing up against me, you were the one doing all the teasing. I was tempted to pull the bike to the side of the road.”

My lips part and I squeeze his hand. “Why didn’t you? I would have enjoyed that...”

“I figure I’m going to be in enough trouble when Clayton realizes I took you from the house. I don’t need to add public indecency to the list.” He opens a door, and we jog down one flight of stairs and come out directly on the boardwalk.

The salty air and sea breeze is so... I don’t even know how to describe it. It’s fresh and light and makes me feel a little bit giddy. Now I see why everyone is always raving about going to the beach. It’s still wintertime, so it’s not hot by any means, but it’s definitely warmer than it is back home in Mount Selene. But nothing is more impressive to me than the Atlantic Ocean right in front of us, the tide high, and the waves crashing onto the shore.

“Wow,” I whisper. “This is beautiful.”

He doesn’t answer right away, so I pull my gaze from the water and glance at him. His eyes are trained on me, and his lips are tilted up in an amused smile. “I would give anything to be by your side as you experience everything for the first time. I didn’t think it was possible, but you’re more stunning when your face lights up.”

“Xander,” I whisper. “If that’s a line... it’s areallygood one.”

He brushes his knuckles down my cheek and says, “I can’t help it. I have this undying need to work on all my semi-corny lines.”

“And why is that? What makes someone who has been off on their own and takes no crap from anyone want to say things that make me blush?”

“You make me want to be different. When I’m with you, I don’t care if my softer side shows. In fact, I want you to know that part of me.”

“I want to know every part of you.”

“Good, because today you get to see the part that loves seafood, pasta, cheese flights, and stupid expensive wine.”

“Are you trying to tell me that you’re a foodie?”

“Snobbishly so.”

I throw my head back and laugh. “This is fantastic. Just picturing you with a charcuterie board is cracking me up right now.”

He glares at me. “Don’t shame me for my food choices, Miss Rush, or I won’t share my cheese with you.”

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