Page 64 of Huge Dynamite
Shaking my head, I smile. “Nu-uh. That’s a surprise. Damn, you look gorgeous in that helmet, by the way. Come on.” Mounting my bike, I pat the small passenger’s seat. “Yes, motorcycle accidents happen, but so do car accidents.”
“Yes, but cars have metal around them.”
“Yeah, an accident can happen. Just like you can slip in the shower. But most motorcycle accidents happen to less experienced drivers. Holly.” Reaching out, I slip my hand around hers. “I promised you once before, but maybe you need to hear it again. I promise I will never let anything bad happen to you.”
The stirring in my gut tells me it’s true. I would do anything to protect her—and the thing is, I may just have to.
“Okay.”
Nodding, she looks at me. Deep in her beautiful, dark eyes, I can see that she trusts me.
“Come on, my brown-eyed girl.” Turning over the key, I start the bike.
“My father used to sing me that song.” With that look of determination she gets, she smiles and hops on the back of my bike, wrapping her arms around my waist.
“Hold on tight.” I pat her hand encouragingly. “I’m going to take you on the ride of your life.”
Squeezing me, she speaks directly into my ear. “Yes, Seth Hardy, I believe that you will.”
***
Slowing the bike, we pull onto a side road that leads to an open highway.
“We’re in the desert?” she says into my ear.
“On the outskirts.” Pointing, I nod straight ahead. “We’re clear out of the city and on the way to where we hold a music festival every year—called Music in the Desert. There’s a spot I sometimes stop on the way. The ride out is spectacular, especially at sunrise. I thought you would like it.”
“Thank you, Seth.” Her breathy voice sends chills down my spine.
It feels so damned good to have her body leaning against mine, her long legs pressed up hard against my legs, her arms wrapped tight around my abdomen. Damn, I could just stay out here all day—and why the hell not? She’s out of Dog turf and safe on the back of my bike. Frankly, I’d love to get her away for a couple of days—or, considering the way things are now, forever. We could go to the empty building up in Mid grounds. That area is in ally territory, and the building is vacant most of the year. Yeah, it can be a place for couples to hook up, but everyone knows if there are bikes out front, you don’t go walking in.
Taking a deep breath, I sigh it out. Nah, as much as I want to, running is not going to do us any good. I’ve got to confront the mess I left back in Rumble. As much as I want to take her away and make love to her again, that’s not what this morning is about. This morning is for her to experience what it feels like to be free.
Craning my neck around, I ask her, “You okay? You did great on the highway the whole way here. Your first time on the back of a bike can be a lot.”
“Yes.” She’s breathless in my ear. “I’m better than okay.” She squeezes me tight and lays her cheek against my back.
“It gets better,” I tell her. “The whole ride before us is open desert, and there’s a perfect spot to stop to see the sun rise.”
“Sounds like you know your way around.”
“I drive this route whenever I can’t sleep. I jump on my bike and head out here. I’ve just never experienced it with anyone else before.”
Holding me even tighter, she whispers, “I’m glad your first time is with me.”
Patting her hand, I grin. “I’m gladyourfirst time is with me, too.” Leaning forward, I rev the engine. “Ready?”
“I’m ready.”
“Good. Hold on tight, and if you need me to slow down, tell me.”
“Yes.”
“Okay!”
Revving the bike again, I take off from our spot on the side road. Soon, we’re on the open stretch, rolling through the desert, chasing the sunrise. Along the sides of the road are patches of green and brown bushes. Ahead lies far-off mountains. As we coast down the open stretch, she loosens her hold on my chest but tightens the grip of her legs. It’s like I can feel her desire to be even freer, so I slow to a comfortable speed. As soon as I do, she pulls away from my chest. Glimpsing her in my side mirror, I catch her sitting up with one hand in the air and a gorgeous smile on her face. She’s free.
Leaning forward again, she puts her mouth near my ear.
