Page 39 of The Overdue Kiss

I’m still frozen in place as he slips his helmet on and climbs on his bike. I drink in his leather-clad image like a parched castaway. Something about seeing him in his full motorcycle gear nearly turns me into putty on the sidewalk.

“Just a reminder, our helmets are synced. But if you want to tell me I’m good-looking again, I won’t stop you.”

And just like that, the romantic moment between us bursts. I groan, covering my face with my hands. “I had hoped you’d forgotten about that.”

“Oh, I’ll never forget.” He wiggles his eyebrows knowingly and taps his visor down, spiking my heart rate up. “Ready to go?”

Nodding, I climb on stiffly behind him, purposely leaving space between us. With my emotions so out of control, a little distance will do me good. Honestly, I have no idea what’s come over me. I’ve never had such a reaction to a man since Felipe.

“Where are you?” His hand swings behind him until it lands on my knee. “Why are you so far back?”

“I was trying not to crowd you.”

“There’s no such thing on a bike. I need you closer. It helps with the...uh... it just helps if you are closer.” He twists the throttle then immediately brakes so I crash into his back with an unexpected laugh. “Much better. Now hold on so I don’t worry.”

I wish I could say it was because he said so, but my arms were already in motion before he asked. And now that I’m holding him, everything feels right again.

“For safety,” I murmur, more to myself.

“Exactly,” he agrees quietly and covers my hand with his. “Do you want to go on a quick ride before we head to my place?”

The correct response should have been a firm no. Instead, a giddy laugh escapes me, followed by a resounding yes.

Des doesn’t need any more encouragement and takes off. The world around us blurs until it’s just him and me as we leave Rocosa behind. The cool wind rushes over us, and I press closer to his warmth. I may be imagining it, or it could be the static of the comm system, but it almost sounds like Des lets out a little sigh of contentment.

Or maybe that’s me?

All too soon, we pull back into town, most of the windows dark with only the streetlights illuminating our path. Two dogs bark as we pass the bed-and-breakfast, running alongside the motorcycle on the other side of the fence. Not angry barks, but protests like they want to go riding too.

Not on this bike, little guys. This seat is taken.

“Sorry we couldn’t ride longer, but I promised Cai a quick game of Madden.” The deep timbre of his voice rumbles in my ears. “If you want, we can drive over to Georgetown Lake. We could make a day of it. Are you free this weekend?”

“I’d love to... oh, wait. I have plans this weekend.”

His back tenses. “Oh.”

“Maybe the following weekend? If I’m still here, that is.” I bite my lip, forgetting that my time in Rocosa is temporary. I glance away, unsure why my chest is constricting at the thought of leaving.

“I’m meeting up with some friends in Denver.”

“Oh.”

Silence hangs between us.

“Would you like to come with me to meet my friends?” he asks, the question shy and unsure. “We could hang out with them for a couple of hours and then head to the lake.”

There’s that underlying current again. Like we are approaching a crossroads of something I’m not sure I’m ready for. I already told him I wasn’t ready to date, and mentally I still want to stick to my resolution. The problem is the more time I spend with him, the more I like him. Yes, he’s handsome to distraction, but it’s the inner qualities that shine within him—his patience, kindness, and gentle manner.

“Even if you’re in Golden, I’ll come get you. I mean, if you want to go.”

The strange part is Idowant to go. More than I should. I want to meet all the friends he talks about. I want to be in his life.

I’m just so torn.

Would this be me falling back into old habits? Falling down that rabbit hole where my life only revolves around one person?

I shake my head, knowing I’m overthinking again. Hanging out with his friends isn’t a date or a lifelong commitment.

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