Page 44 of I Knew You Were Trouble

“Huh?”

He laughs—he really needs to knock that off—and reaches back, tapping my thigh. Why is he doing that? Is that supposed to be reassuring? It’s not. More goosebumps pebble across my skin and through my open legs, centering in on any part of me that’s touching him.

“Can you slide any closer?” he asks.

“Closer?” I squeak. He twists enough for me to catch the smile lines in his cheeks. He puts both hands on my legs, hooking me just under the knees. He pulls the slightest bit, and I slip down the seat like it’s a water slide, crashing into the wave that is Pete at the bottom.

“There,” he says. “Snug as a bug.”

Oh sweet merciful heavens, I’m going to pass out.

“Troublemaker,” I breathe, finally able to get some air into my darn lungs.

“Already?”

“Mmmhmm.” I push my helmeted forehead into the comfort of his coat, begging my heart rate to calm the heck down. “I just… need a minute.”

I willnotadmit that it’s not the road I’m afraid of. Or the bike underneath us. Or the bitter wind that will inevitably freeze my face off.

It’s the thought of essentially spooning with him for however long he plans to drive me around.

“Anything I can do to help?” He offers, setting a hand on my knee. His finger starts to trace random patterns over the fabric of my pants.

Circle.

Infinity sign.

Triangle.

“That’s working,” I tell him, my heart slowing to a dull thud rather than a buzzing bee. He moves his finger more deliberately.

The letter C.

A.

N.

I blow out a breath into his coat as he spells the rest of my name. My mom and I used to spell on each other’s backs all the time. I’d throw the hem of my shirt over my head, keeping my face covered with the fabric as she traced all sorts of things.I love youwas common.Tickle monsterwas common also, followed by her tickle fingers attacking my neck—my most sensitive spot.

I always wondered how my laughter sounded in her head. She couldn’t hear it, and so when she got her cochlear implant, I worried I might disappoint whatever version she’d imagined. Was my voice too squeaky? Did my laugh sound too grating?

“Doing okay?” Pete asks. Gosh he’s being so patient with me. I should give him a tip or something.

“I think so.” No… I know so. I’m feeling much better—barely even realize I’m still spooning him.

“I’m gonna start the bike, then.” He gives my leg a tap. “Keep away from the exhaust. It’ll hurt like hell if you get too close.”

Now I’m thinking I want my legs wrapped completely around his waist. Exhaust burn? No thank you!

He lifts the kickstand, and I try to keep out of the way, but I’m not sure if I’m doing it right. He slams on the starter thing, and the bike rumbles to life.

“Whoa!” I shout over the engine. If I thought my insides were bunched up before, it’s nothing compared to now. The power of the bike vibrates through the seat, rumbling my butt like a massage chair. An unexpected giggle flies from my mouth, and I slip my arms through Pete’s and clutch onto his waist.

“The curb outta here is a little rough,” Pete calls over the engine. “I’ll take it as easy as I can.”

I nod against him, my arms tightening their hold. I’m going to ride on a motorcycle. Holy wow. I’m going to be so bad-a-word after this.

A giddy squeal escapes me as the bike eases forward. The road beneath us moves almost as slowly as it would if I was on a regular bike. Pete’s taking it real easy on me, and I’m super grateful for it.

---