Page 82 of Just Trouble

“Not any more. I’ll be setting up on my own, at the old Foreman place.” It feels audacious to even say it out loud.

She nods and straightens. “That’s good to know. I may need you. Thanks, Daphne.” We share a hug, one I sure wasn’t expecting when I got home. “Where do I find Luke? He left the café earlier this afternoon and didn’t come back. I thought he might be staying here.”

“No, he’s at the Maple Leaf Motel.” I check my watch. It’s another hour before he’s picking me up, so maybe he is there.

“Okay. Thanks.” She gives me another smile, then heads off, walking with purpose toward the end of Forest Drive. No doubt she’ll take that shortcut behind the United Church.

Luke isn’t Sierra’s father.

Luke didn’t do the one thing he’d always vowed he wouldn’t do.

And yet still, Luke tried to do the right thing. One thing’s for sure—I think a lot more of Luke’s character than that of his brother, Mike.

Now, I just barely have time for a shower before Luke arrives. Maybe I’ll have time to change the sheets, too.

A little optimism never hurt.

Right on time,Luke pulls to a stop in my driveway, looking more like trouble than anyone I’ve ever known. What is it about him? I have to wonder if his effect on me will ever change.

I zip up my jacket and lock the door. He smiles as he surveys me, from my leather jacket to my black boots. I’ve conjured my best biker-chick-in-leather look and I see that it meets with approval.

“Yet another variation of Daphne Bradshaw,” he murmurs.

I lift my hands and turn around to show off. My jeans are black, just denim not leather, and a slim cut. I’m wearing a charcoal turtleneck under the black leather jacket, just in case it’s chilly in the wind. I love these short boots, too, with their pointy toes and spikey heels. Willow calls them my witchy boots.

Luke gives a low whistle, which makes me smile. He has another helmet, a cherry red one, and he helps me to put it on. I see that he has a red helmet, too.

“Borrowed them from Bruno,” he says. “He and Marissa ride together.” He puts his on, then taps the side by my ear. “Can you hear me?”

“Yes! How do you feel about not being a dad after all?”

He grins. “Relieved. I hated that I could have forgotten something so important.” His gaze searches mine and he doesn’t have to ask out loud.

“Relieved,” I admit. “But proud of you for making that offer.”

His eyes gleam. “And you say that when I can’t kiss you. Part of a plan, Daph?”

I laugh because I’m supposed to, but I feel lighter and happier than earlier in the day.

Luke straddles the bike then helps me into the seat behind him. It’s wonderfully sexy to be crushed right against his butt, my legs wrapped around him. I slide my arms around him and flatten my hands across his chest, my move making him chuckle.

“Behave yourself,” he growls. “We need to get there and back in one piece.”

“Yes, sir,” I say and just hang on as he turns out of my driveway. I feel I’ve lived a very sheltered life since I’ve never ridden on a motorcycle before. I’ve actually never had the urge. Safe Daphne, securely on the straight and narrow path.

Hmm. Even my boyfriends were safe choices, driving safe vehicles, safely to our dates.

No wonder Luke is irresistible. He’s exotic.

A little bit dangerous.

And if there’s going to be a first time for anything, doing it with Luke is the way to go.

He accelerates as we head out of town and I realize why he likes the bike so much.

It feels like freedom, the wind buffeting us and the bike humming beneath us, the strength of Luke beneath my hands. In a way, it’s indecent to be wrapped around him like this, and in another way, it’s primal and just perfect.

It’s addictive, just like he is.

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