Page 12 of Red's Peril: Part 1

A little wriggle at my side warns me Cheryl’s awake. I lean down to kiss her, but she covers her mouth.

“Morning breath!”

Chuckling, I stand, stretch, then go into the bathroom to rectify that, piss and get cleaned up. When I’ve finished, Cheryl’s waiting to take my place.

When she emerges smelling of toothpaste, she approaches with an upturn to her mouth. “You can kiss me now.”

Smirking at the permission, I do just that, pulling her into my embrace. She responds, clutching at my arms, clinging to me even after my lips leave hers. I return the caress with the same desperation.Nothing can come of this,I remind myself.

Her forehead comes to rest against my chest. “You leaving today?”

“Yes,” I force out. Last night was more than I’d expected, but I’d promised myself it could only be a one-night stand. I know I wouldn’t be happy staying. I’m single focused on heading south before winter really starts to take a hold. Even now, I should be miles on from where I am. A temporary interlude might upset all my plans. A few more days and snow might be settling.

She’s quiet, and still she’s holding me tight.Did I raise her expectations?Hoping not, I try to think back on any promises I might have made in the throes of passion, but I decide I hadn’t misled her. I’d been clear all along.

I stand still, idly rubbing my hand up and down her back.Could I stay?Fuck no. This isn’t my kind of town. I might not know precisely what I’m looking for, but I know I won’t find it here.Would I like to get to know Cheryl better?I try to block that thought from my mind, as the honest answer is yes. The sex had been great, and she’s got a way about her and a spark about her that I find captivating. My cock sure would be willing, but I’m sensible. I know that’s not enough to upset the plans which have been months and years in the making.

She pulls away, wrapping her arms around her. Going to the window, she stares out wistfully at my bike, making me wonder if she’s seeing it as another woman who’s taking me away from her.

Is she going to make this hard?I hope not. I’m a sucker for tears. I hate seeing them. I frown. If she begs, will I change my mind?

Running my hands through my hair, I try to think of what I could say to her.It’s been good, babe. Thanks, but I’m moving on now.That seems cold, and while I’m nowhere near ready to express my undying love for her, I do have regrets leaving her behind, and already suspect what-ifs will come back to haunt me.

She’s still staring away from me when she makes her request. “Take me with you.”

The words, spoken so softly, take a moment to filter through my mind. Even so, I have to question whether I’ve heard her correctly.

“Say again?” My eyes are wide open, and I forget to breathe.

She spins around, half-smiling, half-frowning cautiously, as if worried about my response. “Take me with you,” she states firmly. “There’s nothing for me here. I like the idea of just heading out on the road, not knowing where I’ll end up.”

I approach and stand right in front of her, my heart leaping at the solution she’s proposed. But she has to see sense. One night isn’t enough on which to base a future, however good it had turned out. “Cheryl, babe. I can’t make any commitments. You and me? We had a great night together, but I’m not in a position to pledge anything to you. I don’t even know which state I’ll land in or what I’ll do for work. Some people might say I’m throwing my life away on a whim, and I don’t want to interrupt yours.”

“What life?” she huffs. “I’m a waitress in a dead-end town. I was born here. I didn’t choose it. I work, sleep, get up and repeat. What would you have me do? Sit around twiddling my thumbs and waiting until another stranger comes through?”

My gut suddenly clenches at the thought of another customer taking a liking to her, and just like me, taking her back to a motel and using her for just one night.Maybe he’ll see the treasure I’m tossing aside and marry her.Fuck no to that.

It’s fucking stupid, but my thoughts become possessive, and I don’t like the idea of her ending up in another man’s arms.

It’s that that makes me rash. “There’s not much room in my saddlebags, but just enough for you to bring a few essentials.” Then I force myself to be sensible. “Cheryl, we’ve known each other one night. I can’t promise you a happily ever after or anything like it.”

“I like you, Red.” She fixes her eyes on mine, then shrugs. “But who knows where the road will take us. I’m prepared for us not to work out. I… I just like the idea of freedom, of heading out of this no-hope place. Sun on my face rather than snow? Yeah, I like the sound of that.”

I study her intently.Does she know what she’s getting into?But there’s determination in her face, the set of her jaw, and the stubborn twist of her mouth that tells me that. Why shouldn’t she be a kindred spirit just wanting to seek out her own future instead of waiting for it to come to her? There’s absolutely no reason.

“O…kay.” I draw out the word, hoping I’m not making a mistake.

Her eyes brighten. She gives me a wide smile, and dances on the spot with unbridled excitement.

I know in that instance, she’s my kind of girl.

Chapter Five

I’d said yes, but it’s not long before I start to wonder whether I’m doing the right thing as I sit on my bike waiting for Cheryl to emerge from the house where she apparently lives. I certainly hadn’t planned on having a companion on the road. There’s one advantage for sure, good sex on tap. But am I being led by my dick? And if I am, has he my best interests at heart or just looking out for himself?

What if I get bored? What if she thinks I’m making more of a promise to her? How, if I wanted to, would I get out of this?

Ride away now. Before she comes out.A sensible option, but fuck knows I can’t do it. The thought of her riding behind me as she had last night has me rooted to the spot as I wait for her.

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