Page 28 of Baby for the Bikers

“And you think I want to go because…?” But there’s something in her eyes—a flicker of interest she can’t quite hide.

“Because you’ve been in Wolf Pike for a week and haven’t done anything but work and sleep.” I take a step toward her. “You need to integrate, princess. Can’t be an island forever.”

“I’m not trying to be an island,” she says, but the defensiveness in her voice tells me I’ve hit a nerve. “I’m trying to pay off a debt so I can focus on my bakery.”

“One night off won’t change that.” I keep my tone casual despite how much I suddenly want her to say yes. “Besides, how else will you meet potential customers? Everyone important comes to the track.”

She seems to consider this, weighing the practicality of networking against her obvious desire to refuse me on principle.

“You’re not riding with Ryder this time,” I add, knowing exactly which buttons to push. “You’d be on my bike.”

Her eyes snap to mine. “What makes you think I’d want that after what just happened?”

I spread my hands in mock surrender. “Look, I crossed a line. I admit it. Let me make it up to you.”

“By taking me to illegal street races?” The sarcasm drips from her voice, but her lips twitch toward a smile.

“They’re not illegal if the town sheriff’s watching from the stands,” I counter. “Call it a cultural experience. Local color.”

She turns away, resuming her aggressive cleaning. For a moment, I think she’s going to refuse.

“So…” I ask when she’s been quiet for too long.

“The answer is no. After what you pulled in the kitchen, you think I’m just going to hop on your bike and pretend everything’s fine?”

Ouch.

I step closer, lowering my voice. “Tell me what it’ll take to make it up to you. I’m a man who pays for his sins.”

She considers this for a moment, and then a small, triumphant smile appears. “I need something from the store. Bathroom cleaner. The sink’s getting gross.”

“Seriously? I gave you an open check, and you choose bathroom cleaner?”

“You want forgiveness for being a dick? Bathroom cleaner. The good kind with bleach.”

I can’t help laughing. “You drive a hard bargain, Callahan.”

“Take it or leave it.”

“I’ll get your cleaning supplies, princess.” I walk backward toward the door. “But you better be ready at eight sharp. I don’t wait for anyone.”

A genuine smile finally breaks through her reserve. “We’ll see about that.”

The bell above the door chimes again as I step out into the afternoon sunshine, feeling lighter than I should after being kneed in the balls. The afternoon stretches ahead of me—timeto check in at the garage, grab Rowan’s cleaning supplies, and maybe take a ride out to the track to make sure everything’s set for tonight.

For someone who claims she’s not interested in being interesting, Rowan Callahan is already the most fascinating thing in Wolf Pike. And tonight, I get her all to myself.

At least, until my brothers find out I’ve invited her to the races.

12

ROWAN

I can’t believeit’s only been twelve days in Wolf Pike. Feels like forever, and also like no time at all. Working at Black Dog Bites has been better than I expected—almost like a real job, not just a cover or a way to pay off my debt.

I step out of the cab, paying the driver with some of my tips from today. Fridays are always good for tips. People actually seem to like my baking, which still surprises me. In Dad’s world, my skills were just useful, not appreciated.

Working with Ryder isn’t as awkward as I thought it’d be. His silence gives me space to think, to breathe—to just do my job without constantly watching what I say. However, it doesn’t stop my mind from wandering to places it shouldn’t, especially that day last week when the AC broke, and he had to strip his shirt off while we cleaned up.

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