Page 105 of Pining for Pierce

“No. I’ve always loved riding the bike, but…”

“You love Harley more?” he says, smiling.

“Yeah, I do. I’ve submitted the insurance claim, but all I’ve heard so far is that they’ve received it.”

“They’ll take their time, trust me. If I can help at all, let me know.”

“Thanks.”

“Of course, if what I heard about yesterday afternoon is true, you might need me for crowd control, too.”

I chuckle. “You never know.”

His phone beeps, and he pulls it from his pocket. “I’d better get over to the coffee shop,” he says, looking up and smiling. “It seems Addy’s about to eat my lunch.”

I chuckle as he leaves, wondering about lunch for myself, and close up the store, wandering to the deli, where I pick up a BLT, bringing it back, and settling on the seat behind the counter, where I call Harley. She answers on the second ring, and I smile, just hearing her voice.

“How’s it going?” I ask.

“Okay.” She sounds a little hesitant, and I put down my sandwich.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. It’s just that I’ve… well, I’ve packed a few more things to bring over to your place. I hope that’s okay?”

“It’s better than okay, babe.”

“Do you think we’ll be able to find space for it all?”

I’ve got no idea what she’s bringing, but I nod my head anyway, even though she can’t see me. “We’ll make space.”I’m just relieved she’s no longer seeing her parents’ return as a roadblock to us being together. This kinda proves that.

“How’s your morning been?” she asks.

“Brady came in. He told me they found drugs in the truck driver’s cab. The guy’s confessed to three offenses, evidently.”

“He was high?”

“I don’t know if he’d taken them or not, and Brady didn’t say. But they were there.”

“Oh, my God.”

“Are you okay?” I ask, realizing I probably should have told her that in person. “Do you want me to come over?”

“No… I’m all right.”

“Are you sure?”

“It’s not long until Mom and Dad get back, and then you’ll be coming over, anyway. I’ll be fine.”

“Call me if you need me, won’t you?”

“I think I’ve said this before, but I always need you.”

“I always need you, too.”

There’s a moment’s pause and then she says, “What kind of need are you feeling right now?”

“The kind that makes me wanna hold you, and never let you go… and the kind that makes me wanna bury myself deep inside you, until you’re screaming my name.”

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