Page 3 of Riding with the Bad Boy

“Danni,” Dermott spoke up. “She needs a ride to Tennessee next week, and I told her you’d be happy to help her out.”

There was a dark chuckle from behind me and I looked back into forest green eyes that darkened with hidden passion.

“Is that right?” The smile that spoke to every part of my body crossed his face. “I’d be happy to give Danni a ride any time she needs it.”

Chapter 2

Rocco

Fuck, she was gorgeous. I let my eyes slowly run down her body. Her straight, sandy brown hair was pulled into a high ponytail that accented her strong cheekbones and jawline. The skin-tight jeans and low-cut blouse she had tied in the front were about as casual as I’d ever seen her dress. Not that it mattered. Her long legs brought up the same desire I always felt. Being around Danielle always pulled at my chest. All I wanted was to walk over to her, pick her up in my arms, and carry her off somewhere private so we could fuck until neither of us could breathe, but those days were over. At least that was what she said the last time. According to her, she needed to make some changes, but that was all she said. I still wasn’t sure why she brought our deal to an end.

“I’m sure I can find something else.” Her chest rose just enough that I knew she still felt some attraction to me.

“What’s going on?” I walked further into Dermott’s house. There were boxes everywhere. I still couldn’t believe he had asked Daphne to move in with him. Didn’t he know he was just setting himself up for heartbreak when she left? And they always leave. It didn’t matter what anyone said.

“Danielle here needs a ride to Saddleback for her ‘foster’ sister’s wedding.” Sunny actually used air quotes. I didn’t think people still did that.

“And we were just talking about how nice it would be if you would let her travel with you.” Hailey Wynters, Daphne’s sister, smiled. “I’m sure Danni would be ever so grateful for the assist.” The way she looked between us made me nervous. Surely she wasn’t trying to fix us up. No one in town tried to fix me up with nice girls anymore.

There was a time that had been different story. Being the son of Heartlands Falls city council leader and one of the owners of the biggest brewery in the country made you an eligible target. The fact I had been on track to join Dermott as a pro hockey player had been a bonus. That was before my life took a turn and I found out true love didn’t exist. It was all smoke and mirrors. The only relationship that wasn’t a lie was a physical one. At least sex didn’t have to involve the heart.

“I’ll be fine.” Danielle kept her back to me. “Once I call the rental company, they will fix everything and get me another car.”

“You were going to drive by yourself?” Nerves ran up my arms. I didn’t like the idea of her being on the road alone. Anything could happen.

“Yep.”

“Absolutely not.” I didn’t try to keep my distance. There was no way I was going to let her travel by herself. “You’re going with me.”

“I’m a big girl and I can make my way on my own.” Her green eyes met my dark blue ones. We weren’t the same height, but we were close.

“You don’t have to.” I was not going to budge. “It’s no big deal. I have plenty of space.”

I had just purchased a bus-sized RV that I was testing out on this trip. The thing was huge and would easily work for both of us. It also only had one bed. It would take us a week to get to Tennessee. That was a lot of nights alone. If I played my cards right, she’d be spending them all naked.

“I said I’ve got it.” Damn, her fire was such a turn on, but it didn’t matter. I’d made up my mind, and she was coming with me, on the trip and otherwise.

“And I said you’re with me.” I smirked. “Unless you don’t think you can handle a few days on the road with me.” I knew she hated a challenge. “I’m rolling out Friday morning and I expect to see you there.”

Her eyes narrowed as she curled her lip in. It was a toss-up as to if she was pissed or debating the chances she could really find another ride.

“What else do you need help with?” I turned my attention to Dermott. As far as I was concerned, it was a done deal.

“There are a couple more boxes.” He pointed out the garage door.

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