Page 33 of Pining for Pierce

“He had plans for tonight.”

“I know. You said. He’d intended for you to have drinks and then go on to a restaurant.”

She shakes her head. “Not a restaurant. I’d assumed that was what he meant, but when we got to MD’s, he told me we were going back to his place.”

“Seriously?”

“Yeah. He explained his mom was out for the night, and I think it was pretty clear what he had in mind.”

She shudders again, and I twist on the bike, using both hands to pull her back to me. “The guy’s an idiot, Harley.”

She frowns, pulling so far away, I have to release her. “For wanting me? Of course he is.”

I shake my head, although I’m not ready to explain myself yet, and I look up at the house. “Are you gonna be okay here by yourself?”

“Sure,” she says in a quiet whisper. “I’ll lock the doors and set the alarm. It’s what I’ve been doing every other night.”

“I can stay, if you want me to.”

The temptations might prove difficult, but I’ll do it if she needs me to. I’ll sleep on the couch, or in a guest room. She gives the idea a moment’s thought and then shakes her head. “No, thanks.”

I feel a little rejected, but I guess she’s still mad at me over what I just said about Kaiden, so I bury it and reach out to take her hand. She’s stiff, reluctant to be held, although I don’t let go.

“Do you want me to do anything about Kaiden?” I ask.

“Like what?”

“I don’t know… I can speak to him, or speak to Brady about him. Or I could just accidentally kick the shit out of him, if you want.”

She giggles, raising her free hand to cover her mouth, and then shakes her head. “Thanks for the offer, Pierce, but I’d rather just forget about him.”

“Okay. As long as you’re sure.”

“I am.”

Despite the slight thaw between us, I release her hand and pick up my helmet, holding on to it as I gaze into her eyes.

“You misunderstood me just then,” I say, flipping my helmet around, ready to put it on.

“I did?”

“Yes.”

“When?”

“When I said Kaiden was an idiot. I mean, he is… obviously, but you misunderstood what I meant. I didn’t say that because he so clearly wanted you. Wanting you is the sanest thingKaiden has ever done.” She opens her mouth to say something, but I don’t let her. “The reason he’s an idiot, Harley, is because he didn’t realize you’re worth the wait… no matter how long it is.”

Her mouth drops open, and I smile, giving her a wink as I pull on my crash helmet, fastening it, and starting the engine before I slowly drive off.

Chapter Nine

Harley

I wish yesterday had been Friday.

At least then I wouldn’t have to face getting up and going to work, having barely slept. As it is, I have no choice, and I throw back the covers, using every ounce of willpower to sit up on the edge of the bed.

That was a terrible night… one of the worst.

---