Page 11 of Heartbeats & Highways

I returned his leather cut and put on his shirt, buttoning it up all the way. I fixed the collar, and turned my head, my nose grazing the fabric. It smelled of him. Warm. Earthy.

“Where’s your car?”

“Don’t have one,” I mumbled. “I took the bus.”

“Then let me take you home.”

He held out his hand to me. I bit my lip in a moment of indecision, and then reluctantly took it.

Savage laced his fingers through mine, as if he was worried I’d bolt.

“Where’s home?” he asked.

“The Sunset Motel. Just off the highway.”

He clenched his jaw. “You’re living in a motel?”

“Yes.” I straightened my spine, ready to defend my life choices, but he didn’t reply.

We walked around the warehouse to the front. His bike was parked on the street. He reached for the helmet resting on the seat. I thought he was going to hand it to me, but instead he gently placed it on my head and clipped the buckle. He adjusted the strap to tighten it.

“That okay?” he asked.

I nodded.

He straddled the bike and inched forward, gesturing with his chin to the spot behind him. “Get on.”

I placed my hand on his leather-clad shoulder and awkwardly settled myself behind him.

“Move closer,” he commanded. “Wrap your arms around me. When I lean, you lean. There’s no seat back. Just hang on to me and don’t let go.”

I wiggled closer to him, the V of my thighs pressing against him. I blushed at the intimate position.

“You good?” he asked.

“I’m good.”

“Okay. Hang on.”

He started the engine. The motorcycle rumbled beneath us, and then we were off. I gripped him tight, my nails digging into his stomach as fear engulfed me. I quickly closed my eyes.

Savage’s hand came around to touch my thigh, giving it a little squeeze.

I loosened my death grip on him and slowly opened my eyes. Though my hair was tied back into a loose ponytail, strands at my temples escaped, blowing across my cheeks as we rode.

With a deep breath, I forced myself to look around. The roar of the bike and the air rushing over me had my heart pounding the entire ride.

My heartbeat thundered in my ears, and even after Savage pulled into a parking lot and cut the engine, I still felt the tremors of fear and adrenaline pulsing through my veins.

“You can let me go now,” Savage said. When I didn’t move, he pressed, “Evie?”

I came out of my trance and hastily released him. “Sorry.” I scrambled off the bike, nearly falling onto the asphalt.

“Hey, easy,” he said, catching my elbow and steadying me.

My hands shook as I unlatched the helmet. “Thanks.” I handed it back to him.

“You hated it,” he guessed.

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