Page 66 of The Side Road
‘Figures don’t lie, but my sex life is using a different algorithm than yours.’
PART III
REPAIRS
When it’s time to work on the major components of your motorcycle, start with the fuel tank. After it’s empty, throw in a few nuts and bolts and rattle them around. This will loosen any surface rust.
Next, examine the frame. Depending on the level of perfection you’re after, many of the minor scratches can be filled. Then sand the frame back to bare metal, repaint and apply a clear topcoat; this will prevent solvents from damaging the new paintwork. Intermittent faults in the wiring mean the protective sheath has perished. If you’re a wiring expert, then get to work. Otherwise, ask for help; you could be stuck in a loop for weeks.
21
A PICNIC
Overnight,the surrounding vineyards, olive groves, and pastures turned gold, amber, and rust. A tapestry of colours under the bright morning sky; autumn had arrived.
They would take the BMW. There was space in the boot for their picnic items. Oliver ordered food from the local delicatessen: sandwiches and mini pies. Fruit and a cheese platter. He added slices of citrus and olive oil cake to his order.
Before he left the house, he collected his motorbike gear from the garage, taking a spare helmet for Mia. At the homeware store on the main street, he bought a picnic basket, which included cutlery, crockery, and a rug. He thought this was an excellent investment, as more picnics would surely be on their Monday agenda. He packed the items into the boot of the Citroën and drove across the river.
Mia was ready, waiting with Snood on the front step. She beamed when she saw him. Snood, sporting a red bandana, did a full-body wiggle. Mia wore a denim skirt and a loosechocolate-coloured jumper with a delicate flower pattern around the band and cuffs. In her arms, she hugged a leather jacket. Seeing them stirred his heart, but it felt like he had a secret family.
Inside the front gate, he kissed her. She buzzed excitedly, like a power source.
‘You smell nice,’ she said.
‘I’ve been thinking about you constantly. You are turning me on like you wouldn’t believe.’
‘We should go straight inside?’ she said.
Inside the front door, he picked her up. She hitched her skirt and wrapped her legs around his waist. For several minutes, they kissed. Then he carried her into the bedroom and set her down.
She pulled off her jumper. Her skirt and underwear quickly followed. In a hurry, she rushed to the bed. He wouldn’t keep her waiting. Clothes off, condom on, he met her naked body. Already aroused, she wanted him immediately.
Hands by the side of her face, his naked body hovered over hers and he entered her slowly. She clenched her thighs. Slow, grinding movements at first. When she moaned his name, he kissed her. As her back arched, she pushed into him. Missionary was his favourite position. It was the intimacy that turned him on. Their bodies moving together. Her lips within reach. Clear blue eyes smiling into his. To make her come, he squeezed her nipple. He followed her orgasm with his own.
Later, recovering, he thought they might forgo the outing and bring their picnic inside. Spend a lazy few hours in bed. More sex would follow, and she would sleep in his arms.
She rose on one elbow and looked down at him. ‘I’mexcited for our picnic and I can’t wait for you to ride the BMW.’ Quickly, she kissed him. Climbing out of bed, she started to dress. ‘Come on, we need to get moving.’
He laughed and collected his clothes.
Outside, she helped him move the picnic items from the Citroën to the sidecar. He passed her the spare helmet. ‘This is for you – I don’t love your helmet.’
‘What’s wrong with my helmet?’
‘It doesn’t fit. Totally up to you, but if we’re doing a few rides, I’m offering this.’ He handed her the spare helmet. ‘It’s a small size. It should fit.’
Unsure, she stared at him.
‘I’ve seen a few accidents. A lot of tissue damage, and structural?—’
‘Okay.’ She nodded.
He looked down. ‘We also need to talk about your shoes.’
She followed his gaze, glancing at the sandals on her feet.
‘You need covered footwear. Today, you’re in the sidecar, so it’s not an issue, but I’ve seen some messed-up feet.’
