Page 8 of Jimmy

“How did we not run into each other before now?” he asked. “We’ve been in the same town for three years -- three, right?”

“Two.” She smiled. “I tend to melt into the background. Guys see my friends, not me.”

“Then they’re looking in the wrong places.” He finished his burger. “Want to go to the Riverwalk?”

“I’d love to.” The Riverwalk was public, well-lit, and populated. She sipped more of her tea. “What do I owe you for this?”

“My treat.” He tossed his empty cup into the waste can. “I asked you out, and I’m happy to pay.”

“Thank you.” She left the bike. “Here. Now you can get back on.” Plus now she could watch him move. God, the man was so graceful and pretty.

“Thank you.” He gave the carhop a tip, then turned his attention to Karey. “Shall we go to the Riverwalk?”

“Sure.”

He climbed onto the bike, then gestured to her.

She settled behind him on the bike and held on tight. She had this evening to enjoy herself with the man of her dreams.

Why not enjoy it to the fullest?

* * *

Jimmy sped away from the diner and headed back into town. Brighton featured a great Riverwalk area and beautiful vistas along the river. Truth be told, he had the best view behind him on the bike.

Karey might think she blended into the background, but she demanded his full attention.

He liked her adventurous streak and the way she held him. She might think she was bland, but she sent the blood coursing through his veins. He wanted to kiss her. To unwrap her and explore her body, while learning all her secrets. He could get lost staring into her eyes.

He thundered through town to the Riverwalk area. People were already out and the area seemed to hum with activity. He parked and made sure to pocket his keys.

Karey climbed off the bike first. “You drive fast.” She took off the helmet. “Wow.”

“Exciting, isn’t it? The bike is a drug.” He clicked the helmet onto the bar behind the saddle. “I love just going for rides. It clears my mind.”

“I bet.”

He offered his arm. “Walk with me?”

“Sure.” She threaded her arm around his. “I love coming down here, but I feel strange doing it alone.”

“It’s nice to stroll with someone.” He walked with her to the fencing. “I enjoy coming here, too.”

“Do you often?”

“No. I tend to be at the shop more often than I should.” He liked to hide there. Staying isolated meant he didn’t have to deal with the messiness of his life.

“I don’t come here much, either. Being single makes it tough.” She shivered.

“Cold?” Silly question. It was getting chilly out, and they’d just been on the bike. “Here.” He removed his jacket and draped it around her shoulders.

“Thanks.” She cuddled in the jacket. “Toasty.”

She had his temperature hiked up. Right now he wanted to peacock and show everyone he’d found a great girl.

“Don’t let me have all the warm.” She snuggled up to him. “There. I can share.”

He enveloped her in his arms. Holding her felt so right. He breathed in the scent of her and enjoyed the softness of her hair on his cheek.

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