Page 52 of Biker's Babygirl

I twirl my coffee cup in my hands. “With your work schedule, I guess it’s been a while since you’ve gotten girl time.”

“True, but it’s not just that. I really like you, Ginny. And I want to get to know you better.”

My body responds to her words before I’ve even fully processed them. My heart tightens in my chest even as tears fill my eyes. “Really?”

She grabs my hand once again. “Yes,really. I make it a habit to not say things I don’t mean.”

I duck my head, embarrassed by my tears. It’s stupid—no one else would cry about finally having a girlfriend, right?

“You okay?”

Her voice is nothing but tender concern, and the tightness leaves my chest and I’m able to smile at her through my tears. “Yeah, it’s stupid. It’s just… I’ve wanted a friend for a long time.”

Ellie’s brow furrows. “You have to have had friends.”

I shrug. “I did, but… that was another part of what Lucas ruined. I mean, I was living with him and he pretty much took control of where I went and who I talked to.”

“I’m so sorry, Ginny. That’s awful.”

“Yeah. But there was more to it, once I realized who he really was. I didn’t want anyone to get hurt because of me, you know?”

Her eyes are serious, her expression somber, and when she nods, I truly believe she does understand.

Feeling understood is a balm to my heart I didn’t even know I needed until it’s there, slowly beginning the healing of all the hurt I’ve been through the last couple of years. It started with Duke, but now with Ellie too… I’m so full, I’m nearly bursting. “Friends, then?”

“Of course!” Ellie giggles. “We’ll be best friends before you know it!”

I know I’m smiling like an idiot, but I’m too happy to care. “Friends go for coffee.”

“Sure do.” Ellie takes another long sip then grins with satisfaction.

“And… friends share stuff.”

She nods, her expression turning serious again.

“So…” I force myself to meet her eyes despite my rapidly pounding heart. “What you said about Duke… him letting me have coffee?—”

“Ohmygosh, Ginny, I?—”

“I’ve never asked him,” I say in a whispered rush. “Was I supposed to?”

Ellie stares at me for a long moment, taking in my worried expression before smiling and shaking her head. “Nope. I don’t think so.”

“I don’t want to get in trouble,” I explain, smiling shyly.

“Wait, is that why you haven’t touched your drink?”

I nod. “Well… that, and I don’t actually take my coffee black,” I admit sheepishly.

When Ellie throws her head back and cackles with laughter, I can’t help but join in. “Well, first of all, you can’t get in trouble for drinking it if he never told you not to. And second, let’s get you what you need for that coffee. What do you take?”

“That whipped creamdidsound good.”

“See, I knew you were a whipped cream kind of girl.” She winks. “You know what, I think I’m going to have them put some on mine too!”

By the time we are ready to leave Ellie has talked me into another coffee and I’m wired on caffeine and happiness. I’ve never felt so carefree in my life, and I can’t stop smiling. I know my face will ache before long, but I don’t even mind.

“Next time we have to go toLawsons.”

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