Page 39 of Puck Sweat Love

At my apartment door, I grab my leather jacket and the extra helmet I bought for Stephanie—I swung by the bike shop and grabbed one designed to make room for her ponytail and a satin liner cap to protect her hair—and head down to my bike.

It’s the perfect day for a long ride, warm but not too hot, with just enough breeze to keep things comfortable.

My phone buzzes as I’m strapping my helmet on, the sight of Stephanie’s contact flashing on my screen enough to make me smile—Just finished class and grabbed a quick shower in the back room. My sub is here, Mr. Sniffles went home with my friend, Zelda, for a playdate with her cat, and I’m ready whenever you are. I’m still DYING to know where we’re going by the way…

My smile widens as I type back—Nope.No hints. I’m headed out now. Be there in ten. Meet you out front?

Her response is immediate—YES! Hurry. I’m excited for our adventure!

Me, too, I reply.See you soon, Teach.

Three little dots appear, then—See you, Sexy.

Sexy…

I would be lying if I said I didn’t like that nickname.

I like it way too much, a fact I prove by replaying every second of the way Stephanie came for me on that yoga mat over and over again in my head as I guide my bike through the light midday traffic.

By the time I near the studio, I’m sporting a semi that’s also ridiculous.

This woman does things to me…things I couldn’t be happier about. Just the sight of her standing on the curb outside the studio, her pretty face lighting up when she spots me, is enough to make me feel like the luckiest bastard on the west coast. In a cropped purple tank top that shows off her toned arms and fitted black pants that pay proper tribute to her fine ass, she’s even more stunning than usual. And—score one for me—her braids are already pulled back in a low ponytail that should tuck into her new helmet just right.

“Hey, you,” she says, bouncing over as I kill the engine in a loading zone about a dozen feet from the studio entrance. I extend an arm and she slides up against me, her petite formtucking against me just right as I pull her close. “I missed you since class last night.”

I kiss her cheek, inhaling the addictive scent of her skin—vanilla and clove and something citrusy that’s new. “Me, too,” I murmur near her ear before kissing her neck. “Damn, Teach, you smell even better than usual.”

She shivers, her voice taking on a husky edge that goes straight to my dick as she murmurs, “Well, thank you. I put on my good sunscreen since we’re going to be outside all day.”

I hum beneath my breath. “Are we? You think so?”

She pulls back, shooting a mock glare my way. “Oh, come on! A hint. All I’m asking for is a hint. Inside or outside? You can give me that much.”

Lips curving, I concede, “Outside. Mostly. But there will be indoor options available.”

She nibbles her bottom lip. “Okay, that’s a good hint. That should keep me from going crazy while we drive.”

“Don’t go crazy. It’s too nice a day for that,” I say, handing her the helmet. “For you. It has a little space in the back for your ponytail.”

“It does?” Her lips curve in a delighted grin as she reaches inside, pulling out the satin cap. “And what’s this?”

“It’s a liner,” I say. “To keep your hair from getting messed up. The lady at the store said she always wore one when she went on long rides. I thought you might like one, too.”

“I have something like this I sleep in for the same reason.” Her gaze warms as she rests a hand on my chest, giving my pectoral an affectionate rub that I like way too much. “Thank you, Tank. This is so thoughtful. I appreciate it so much.”

I grunt, and she smiles.

“I do appreciate it. Just take my gratitude and enjoy it, Mister Grunty.” She steps closer, rising onto her toes to press a soft kiss to my lips.

My eyes slide closed for a beat, savoring the sweetness of this woman who clearly hasn’t had a decent man in her life for a while. If she had, she wouldn’t be so touched by simple gestures and garden-variety consideration of her needs.

In that moment, I silently promise to give her a proper spoiling ASAP, to show her not all man are idiots and that she deserves better than the bare minimum.

Way better.

“Let’s go, beautiful,” I murmur against her lips. “We have VIP tickets and the gates open in an hour.”

She pulls back, her eyes wide. “Is it a concert? What kind? I don’t even know what kind of music you like.”

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