Page 3 of Wild Forever
“They’re my daughter’s.”
The fact that I’ve got a kid seems to relax her, and I get it. I’m not a weird stranger anymore. I’m a dad, and I must be responsible.
“If it makes you feel any better, take a picture of me and the bike and send it to someone so they know who you got a lift with.”
The smile drops off her face.
“I don’t have anyone to send it to,” she mutters as she pockets her phone.
Sadness flashes across her features, and then it’s replaced by the wariness.
I want to smooth her brow, find out what’s got her so down and then fix it. And most of all, I want to make her smile again.
2
APRIL
The stranger, Grant, smiles too much. It peeps through his beard and lights up his pale blue eyes, and every time he does it, I feel a twinge in my core.
Which is the last thing I need right now.
I’m on a mission, and there’s no time to get distracted by a hot man in leather straddling a bike.
Not even one that has a tattoo peeping out from the top of his t-shirt that clings to his muscular chest under his jacket.
He’s got red flags all over him, the kind of guy my caseworker would tell me to steer clear of. But like a fool, I’m contemplating his offer for a lift.
But what choice do I have?
I messed up the train timings and got to Hope late. Then I stupidly went for a walk along the river instead of waiting for the bus. But my back ached and needed a stretch, and now it still aches and needs a rest.
My fingers itch, and I scape them against my jeans.
Visualize your happy place.
I hear my therapist’s voice in my head. It’s her solution for when anything gets complicated.
With this bearded biker looking at me with intense curiosity and heat in his gaze, I think I just found my new happy place.
“Are you visiting someone in Wild?” he asks.
It’s a fair question, but I’m not sure how to answer it. “I’m on vacation.”
Which isn’t exactly a lie.
He stares at me, this time managing to keep his gaze from my chest. Although I have to admit, I don’t mind him checking me out.
My cheeks heat as he watches me. I’m not used to being looked at like this, like I’m somebody worth looking at.
“Most people stay in Hope. It’s got the river and the shops. Why Wild? It’s a bit off the beaten track.”
Damn, he’s asking too many questions. I stand up off the boulder, clenching my teeth when my back bites. It’s been good lately, but six hours on a train has triggered the old pain.
“I like being off the beaten track.”
I reach for my bag, hoping he gets the hint and doesn’t ask any more questions, but before I get my backpack, he gets there first. Our fingers brush, and a spark of electricity jumps between us. It makes me gasp and I pull my hand back quickly, my eyes darting to his. He looks as shocked as I do, so he must have felt it too.
I turn away quickly. The last thing I need is to finally find a man I’m attracted to. Not here, not now.
