Page 51 of Pining for Pierce

“I honestly don’t care.”

He seems surprised, as does Brady, but they’re aware of how much I love my bike, so I guess I can’t blame them, because what they’re not aware of is that I love Harley so much more.

“I’ll have to impound it,” Brady says. “Just until I’ve worked out what happened here. I’m sure you weren’t at fault, and your bike was totally roadworthy, but rules are rules, I’m afraid.”

“It’s fine. Do whatever you have to.”

He nods his head, and we all turn as we hear more sirens in the distance.

Chapter Thirteen

Harper

Pierce helps me into the back of the cab, getting in beside me, and leaning forward to give the driver his address, before he sits back with me and lets out a sigh.

We’re both clutching our helmets and are still soaked through, but otherwise we’re unhurt… although I haven’t stopped shaking. Pierce is clearly aware of that, and releases my hand, putting his arm around me, letting me rest my head on his shoulder. We’re exhausted, but he kisses the top of my head and holds me tight as the driver takes us back to Hart’s Creek.

Brady came in while we were being checked over, just to make sure we were okay. He stopped with me first, looking concerned when he saw me.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to call your mom and dad?”

“I’m positive. They’d be bound to panic and rush back, but we’re both fine.”

He hesitated for a moment and then nodded his head. “As long as you’re sure.”

“Absolutely.” He smiled and glanced down at his watch. “You’re worried about Laurel, aren’t you?” I said, and he looked up at me again.

“Does it show?”

“Just a little. I’m sorry we’ve kept you out so late.”

“It’s not your fault,” he said and ducked around the curtain to see Pierce. Because we were in adjacent beds, though, I could hear everything they said.

“I need to give you this back,” was how Brady started the conversation, and while I didn’t know what he was talking about, it soon became clear.

“My phone,” Pierce said, like it was a revelation. “I’d forgotten all about that.”

“It was still attached to stand on the bike, and is remarkably intact. I thought you might need it… and speaking of the bike.” Brady’s voice dropped a note or two. “I’m sorry,” he said.

“Why?”

“I may never have been a fan of it, but there’s no way anyone’s ever gonna ride it again. It meant a lot to you, I know, but it’s history.”

“That’s okay.”

I was surprised by how well Pierce was taking the news, and wished I could see him, regretting the curtain they’d pulled between us.

“We’ve arrested the truck driver,” Brady said. “And I’ve taken Gabe Sullivan’s statement already. Unfortunately, I’m gonna need one from both of you, too.”

“Okay. Do we need to do that now?”

“No,” Brady said. “I think you’ve both had enough for one night. Can you come into my office?”

“When?”

“Monday or Tuesday would be fine.”

“No problem.”

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