Page 7 of With Every Breath

“I thought you didn’t date. Seems like a dating question to me.” He chuckled.

“I’ve gone out. I don’t make a habit of it.” I tried to act nonchalant.

“You’ll make it a habit after we go out.” He leaned in next to my ear, and his breath made the hairs around my face tickle my neck. “Dress in athletic wear.” He turned and waltzed away.

“Wait! Athletic wear? Are you taking me to the gym?” I shouted at his back.

“See you at 5:30 tomorrow.” He waved in the air before disappearing into the parking lot.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I sighed.

“I have no idea,” Madi murmured from beside me.

Chapter 4

Bailey- age 20

It was five o’clock and I was pacing. I hated not knowing what or where we were going. Surprises are not my thing, and this was slowly killing me.

“Would you relax?” Madi sighed from where she was sitting on the couch. She was currently channel surfing, which also drove me crazy.

“I can’t. You know I hate surprises. You also know I’m a planner.” I fisted my hands at my sides as I shuffled into the kitchen. I stood in front of the refrigerator, and stared as if it had answers for me.

“There’s nothing different in there than when you looked ten minutes ago.” Madi laughed. Just then, there was a knock on the door.

“I’m going to tell him I’m not going,” I grumbled as I went to open the door. When he appeared in front of me, I couldn’t help but stare. He was wearing a fitted Under Armor tee and athletic shorts. His arm muscles were much more pronounced, and he knew I was staring.

“Are you finished?” He grinned.

“Don’t flatter yourself.” I rolled my eyes and grumbled.

“You two have fun.” Madi giggled from the couch as I stepped outside.

ooooooooo

“Hope you’re not afraid of bikes,” Dex called as we reached the bottom step.

“I’m not afraid of anything.” I laughed.

“That I believe.” He handed me a helmet.

“Oh, you mean motorcycle.” I slipped the helmet over my head.

“What other kinda bike can two people ride?” He chuckled as he helped me with the buckle.

I frowned. I was secretly excited about the idea of riding through the city on the back of a bike, wind in our faces— this also prevented awkward conversation.

“You still haven’t told me where we’re going,” I shouted as he cranked the engine.

“You’ll see.” He winked and then patted the seat behind him. “Hold on tight.”

I swung my leg over, and with a bit of skepticism, I wrapped my arms around his middle. His abs were rock hard, and I made a mental note that I needed to appreciate Dex more than I had.

We weaved through the streets of Malibu, the ocean leaving a salty feel to the air. It was freeing, and a feeling I didn’t want to end. It didn’t take long to reach our destination. Dex parked near the front of this large warehouse style building, and cut the engine. He removed his helmet as I climbed off the bike.

“Where are we?” I looked for a sign indicating where we might be. I’ve driven down this part of the city with Madi, but never noticed this place.

“My second home.” Dex grinned. “Come on.” He motioned for me to follow. He led me to the front of the building and through a set of glass doors.

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