Page 21 of Javier

“She is and I’m sorry I barked at you. I love you.”

“I love you too, son. I’ll call her in the next hour and set something up.”

* * *

Keeping his relationship with Memphis private was proving difficult in the Narrows, where most considered themselves friends if not family. A small group of interested locals had gathered by the time they left Smugglers Inn. Among them, the inn’s owner Cissy—who he had a sporadic sexual history with—and Rose. Great.

Memphis spoke loudly over the rumble of the Harley’s engine while they waited their turn at a four-way stop. “Are you something of a local celebrity around here?”

“Nope. I think the interest is because you’re a visitor hanging with a longtime resident.”

“I sense there’s more.”

She was right but he wasn’t going to go into it. Adept at hooking up for the sake of sex, it had been a long time since he had taken a woman on a date or appeared with one in public. There was also the fact that if Daphne knew she was Ransom’s daughter, others did too. Tongues had to be wagging.

“Hold on.” He goosed the bike forward. It was impossible to talk as they rode, so Javier focused on Memphis leaning into his backside, her arms circling his broad torso, her legs bracing his. Damn, it felt good. He took the low bridge spanning the Torch and turned onto Warren Trail. His destination was Fire Summit, the highest point in Danvers County, just south of Torch River’s town limits. After ten minutes of following the winding road, they arrived at a clearing to view the sunset. He had never seen one from the Summit, but he had to think it would be incredible.

He helped her dismount and pulled the picnic items from the bike, including a blanket, his sandals, and her flip-flops, then stripped down to his tank and jersey shorts. The light breeze cooled his skin.

“Necessary, I know,” —Memphis flashed him a smile while ridding herself of the helmet and other gear— “but too hot. This feels so much better.” She wore a pair of lightweight gym shorts and a black tank that showed off her shapely form.

She shook out and finger-combed her long red waves, then secured them into a messy and sexy arrangement on top of her head.

No bra, he noticed.Yes indeed, his cock agreed, drooling.

“Do you ever get used to wearing all the layers? How can you be comfortable?”

“It’s about safety.” Javier stepped in and bracketed her hips. Touching her had him at full attention. “Normally it doesn’t faze me,” he said, gruffly. “But it’s a challenge when I have a certain enticing woman with me. I could be naked on my bike in freezing temps and still be hot. You make me burn, baby.”

Memphis’s response was a full-throttle kiss, complete with pelvic grinding. They were both breathing hard when she broke it off. Her impish grin was accompanied by a sultry wink. Her hand slid into his shorts and grasped him. “I thought an appetizer might be nice, to ease the hunger pains. My nap was rejuvenating and a long soak in the tub did wonders.”

“What’s after the appetizer?”

“Dinner, enjoying the sunset, and …, if we’re still by ourselves, us.”

* * *

‘By themselves’ was delayed. Several large groups of young adults arrived in fast cars and loud trucks. Partying began immediately. Javier and Memphis finished their picnic and dressed for their ride back to the Narrows.

He slowed to a stop in front of the inn, turned off the Hog, and helped her off the bike after he dismounted.

“I’ll be quick.” She handed him the helmet and hurried in to pack an overnight bag. She marched out not five minutes later, her lips set in a firm line and fists clenched at her sides. Her eyes were clouded like a brewing storm.

What the fuck?He crossed his arms to ward off the chill. “What’s up?”

She glanced at him, then focused on her sandals. “It’s probably a good thing that our evening, our intentions, were interrupted. I’m calling it a night. Staying here and getting on the road home tomorrow. I’ve let this, us, get out of control. I’m only planned to be here for a short time. Do what I came for. But I got swept up in … hormones.”

“Are you fucking kidding me? Hormones? You’re not a teenager and you certainly haven’t hit me as a woman who is a hookup queen. You’re an emotionally and physically strong. Smart. Driven. You’re fucking spooked, Memphis.”

She snapped back at him. “I’m not fucking spooked.”

Whoa.“I believe you are. I don’t know what’s going on, what happened that caused you to suddenly make a one-eighty. But I know you run hot. I know you want me, and I want you. I know we’re more than sex. So, what the hell is going on? It’s like winter arrived.”

“There’s more to me than my libido. Those kids partying at the summit are free of responsibilities and commitments. They reminded me that I’m not, but my actions are making it appear otherwise. I’ve veered from my goal. Instead, I’ve ended up out of my mind with lust and in your bed. I have to go home.”

“Bullshit.” He barked and stepped closer. “That’s not the story. There’s more.”

She stepped back, keeping the distance between them. “That’s the problem. Why I’m here isnotbullshit. You’re not listening.”

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