Page 19 of The Trauma Response
“So I said, yeah, I know.I’mthe bodyguard, remember?” Thor says after regaling us of the woes of protecting a fellow war veteran at a function for disabled vets. “By the time that memorial was over, I think he was protecting me. He was literally 101 years old, and ornery as they come. But hey, I got a signed copy of his book so there’s that.”
“Why did he even need a bodyguard?” Whits asks, leaning closer to Thor as if he’s about to tell her a secret.
Thor shrugs. “His family was worried about him wandering around in D. C. and they hired me to go with him.”
I steal one of her fries but she doesn’t seem to notice or care. Meanwhile, Christian keeps glancing my way with shifty eyes. He’s curious about what’s happening between Whits and me, at least, that’s what I think he’s getting at. He won’t outright ask in front of everyone but I’m undoubtedly in for questioning later.
Chantelle sighs. “Well, it’s been fun, kiddos, but I have an early morning.”
“Same here,” Christian adds. “Lots of meetings and other fun stuff.”
Whits looks up at me and smiles. “Ready to head out, too?”
“Whenever you are, beautiful.” I can’t help that my cheeks warm when her smile widens. At least no one calls me out on her nickname infrontof her. I’m not sure I can handle that much embarrassment in one night.
With a round of goodbyes, we head out and go our separate ways from the parking lot. It’s been a bit since we had a good ride, but everyone’s schedules are a little crazy. I hand Whits the helmet and swing my leg over my bike, but she doesn’t follow suit. She’s got the helmet resting on her hip, her other hand on the opposite hip, head tilted, and a knowing grin tugging at her lips. This is not good. I knew I wouldn’t get out of this night without an interrogation, I just didn’t think it would be from her.
I flip my visor up. “Okay, spill. What do you want to know?”
Whits shrugs. “Oh, you know, I only wanted a little follow up information about that comment you made. You know, the one about how you used to think about kissing me?”
Thank goodness for the darkness and the helmet, otherwise, I’m positive my face would give away my old crush. Okay, mystillburning crush. There is no denying it at this point, only it’s hotter and more likely to burn me if I’m not careful.
I rest my elbows on the gas tank and clasp my hands. “I said what I said, and I didn’t stutter.”
“Ha! That’s not gonna cut it, and you know it. Out with it, Gray. Were you talking a big game in front of your friends, or is that what you really thought back then?”
Back then? Oh yeah, for sure. And now…definitelynow. I sigh and remove my helmet, offering her the respect she deserves. “Yes, that was how I felt back then. I might have had a thing for my best friend’s big sister, but that does not diminish how much it means to me that you saved my life, Whits. You were always as good a friend to me as Jax, and our friendship meant a lot to me.”
Her features soften under the moonlight and her smile fades into something less giggly and more appreciative. “You’re welcome, Cai. And you were always a good friend to me, too. You’re a good friend now. Even though I know Jax sent you, you still came to help me. I appreciate you getting me out of the house for a while. Felt nice to laugh a little.”
“I mean, we can do it again if you want. We both live in Denver. I see no reason we can’t hang out again. Do you?” I widen my eyes, hoping she reads deeper into my question than what it seems at surface value.
Her smile widens again. “No reason at all. Ready to take me home?”
“I can. Or we can ride around a bit, take the long way back? See some sights?”
Whits pulls the helmet over her head and manages to climb onto the back of my bike without much help. Once she’s in position, she wraps her arms around me. I pull my helmet on and check the comms.
“What do you think? Home or on an adventure?”
“Let’s see where the night takes us.” She reaches forward and squeezes my arm, my signal to head out of the parking lot and out into town. I don’t have a specific destination in mind until I remember the date.
“Hey, we’re supposed to be able to see the aurora tonight. Want to take a little ride up to a place I like to watch it? Might be a while before I can get you home if we do.”
Silence settles over the comms for a while and her arms tighten around my waist. I think maybe I’ve pushed too hard, kept her out of her comfort zone for too long, but just when I’m ready to turn around and take her home instead, she relaxes. “Cai, I think…I think I’d let you take me anywhere. Let’s go see it.”
I don’t wait for her to change her mind. We take the side streets out of town in relative quiet save her occasional squeal when we have to take a sharper turn. Once we’re out of town and headed to the mountains, she sits up straighter and lessens her grip on me. I love that she’s relaxed, taking it all in, seemingly enjoying the ride as much as I am. Being on my bike is an escape from reality, a little slice of calm and fun after long, intense shifts at the firehouse. Riding with the guys is amazing, but I’m often on my own, taking these winding roads to various hiking trails. My schedule affords me more weekdays off than the others get, which means a lot of solo riding.
“It’s gorgeous out here at night. The sky is so clear,” she murmurs, her hands rubbing circles on my back. A guy sure could get used to that, but we’re about to take some curves.
“Better hold on, beautiful. We’re almost there, but there are a lot of curves ahead.”
She tightens down and leans into me, swaying back and forth alongside me with each turn. I’ve never had a woman riding backpack before, but having Whits with me feels as natural as breathing. Ahead is my usual stopping place. It’s a little clearedarea near a trailhead that has a small parking lot. Pulling off, I glance toward the heavens. Sure enough, the faint green waves of light ripple in the sky, dancing around a blanket of stars.
I’m barely parked before Whits slides off and frees herself from the helmet. “Wow, this is amazing. I’ve never seen it so clearly before.” Her eyes sparkle and reflect the green glow, amplifying their beauty. Tallulah Whitmore is as much a work of art now as she was ten years ago when I last saw her, and it’s going to take every ounce of my strength to keep my hands to myself tonight. “Do you come here often?”
I shake my head and refocus, remembering to remove my helmet. “Yeah, quite a lot actually. I like it up here.” My breath puffs out in front of me, exhibiting the still cool temperatures at this altitude even on a summer night.
