Page 16 of Shine: Sins of the Father
“Is this guy a bad guy?”
He cups my face. “He is, but trust me, you’re not going to get anywhere near him. Okay?”
“Okay.”
His eyes drop to my lips, and he presses a soft kiss to them. “Wish we had more time here. I was really enjoying this.”
“Me too.”
“I need to grab my pack. I think I can fit that little bag of yours in the other saddlebag if that’s all you’ve got. Time is of the essence. Need a hand with the dishes?”
“No, I’ve got this. I’ll be quick. Go on and load up the bike.”
Twenty minutes later, we’re on the road. As I cling to Shine’s back, I can’t help but feel the thrill of adventure. This is what life is about—racing down the highway, with my face in the wind, and really experiencing life. The risk, the danger, the unknown. It’s like we’re on a real-life quest, like in the movies, only this time I’m in it, not watching someone else’s life play out on the screen.
What Shine said earlier sticks with me. I do trust that’ll he’ll keep me safe. I haven’t felt this safe with a man who wasn’t my father or brothers.
As we roar down the blacktop, I tighten my grip on him, and his left hand drops to rub my thigh. Fantasy complete. I lay my head on his back and smile.
CHAPTER FIVE
Shine—
It’s about three hours north to South Lake Tahoe, but I manage to shave off fifteen minutes. It’s almost noon when we roll up the main drag. Pulling over, I punch in the address I have for this asshole’s mother, then find the place. It’s a condominium complex right on the water. Turning in, I roll through the lot and find her unit number. The units are all at an angle, facing the west, and hers is two in from the shoreline. I scope out the place and consider going up to the door, but I don’t want Desiree anywhere near if there’s a violent confrontation.
My contact said he was picked up in a burgundy four-door sedan. They thought it was a Nissan Altima. Scanning the lot, I don’t see one. Maybe they haven’t arrived yet. It’s possible they stopped off at a motel somewhere along the line. Or maybe his mother is out getting groceries for her hungry boy.
I do a double take, because I caught the movement of a curtain, but when I stare at it, I can’t tell if there’s anyone there.
If he’s here, I’ll find him.
With a last look, I roll out onto the road. There’s a motel right next to the condo complex, so, making a split-second decision, I turn in and park near the office.
We climb off, and I meet Desiree’s eyes.
“What are we doing?” she asks.
“I’m gonna get a room. You’ll be safe here while I do what I’ve gotta do.” I shrug out of my cut and lay it across the seat. “Wait here.”
When I return to the bike; she’s got her helmet off and has put her hair in a messy bun. I grab our bags. “Got us a room.”
She follows me to the second floor.
It’s an average room, but there’s a balcony overlooking the beach and lake, so the view makes up for what the room lacks.
Desiree looks at me, and I can read the question in her eyes.Now what?
“So, how dangerous is this guy you’re looking for?”
I ignore her and walk onto the balcony. There’s a perfect view of the condos across the beach to the right. Studying the third unit from the end, I see no movement.
There are people on the beach, and with so many eyes around, I figure it’ll be best to wait for nightfall to make a move.
Stepping back through the slider, I take Desiree’s hand and pull her against me, my mouth coming down on hers.
After a momentary shock, she pushes me away with a frown on her face. “What are you doing?”
“We’ve got some time to kill. It’d be better if I wait until I’ve got the cover of darkness to go snooping over there.
