Page 52 of One Golden Summer
Okay, this was totally unfair.
Saffron got the spare helmet from the bike’s sturdy black pannier and handed it to Kirsty. “Ready to go for the ride of your life?” She followed that up with an ironic wink.
This friend thing wasn’t going so well, was it? Kirsty shook her head. “Get on the bike, you moron. And by the way, youreallyneed to work on your lines.” All lies, but making a joke of her feelings was the only way she could handle this. Almost like they were actually friends. Today, she was going to suspend reality and just enjoy the ride. Literally.
“Remember to wrap your arms around me tightly,” Saffron instructed. “I followed your advice when we went kayaking, so the same courtesy here, please. I don’t want you to fall off, okay?”
Kirsty nodded. She pulled down her helmet and wrapped her arms around Saffron, ignoring the purr of her body.
Then Saffron pulled away, the engine roared, and a whole other dimension opened up.
For the first ten minutes, Kirsty did nothing but hold on, too scared to look left or right. Was Saffron going as fast as it felt? Kirsty had no idea. When she eventually looked up, they were riding through glorious purple lavender fields, no other cars in sight. Kirsty risked a glance left, then right, then wobbled.
She pressed both arms tighter around Saffron. When Saffron pulled up in a lay-by, Kirsty’s thighs clenched.
She was straddling leather with Saffron.
It was something she might have dreamed about in another way, too.
Kirsty pushed the thought from her head.
Those were not helpful, friendly feelings.
She stumbled off the bike, dazed. She shook out her wobbly legs, then pulled off her helmet. The scent of lavender filled her nostrils, and she breathed it in, almost forgetting she must look a state. She ruffled her hair, trying to unclench her muscles. But even though she was still getting over her first bike ride, the tension was mixed with a thrill. Kirsty was being a rebel. She was living. That was definitely something her new friend had brought to the table. Since she’d met Saffron, her life wasn’t just about work.
New shoots were bursting through.
She liked it. She liked it a lot.
It almost took her back to a time when she had someone to share special moments with.
She missed that.
“Well?” Saffron shook out her blond locks again.
“How come you don’t look a sweaty mess like me? Did they teach you that on set, too?”
Saffron grinned. “You look gorgeous. A little sweaty, but in a sexy way.” She blushed. “I mean sexy in a friendly way.”
Kirsty rolled her eyes, but her heart sang. Saffron thought she was sexy? It wasn’t helpful, but it made her morning.
They walked over to the lay-by’s solitary bench and sat. Kirsty stretched out her arms and legs and turned her face to the sun. It was hot this morning, just like it had been every morning since Saffron’s arrival. She squinted, missing the disguise of her sunglasses. She was completely on show, but Saffron was, too.
“Are you going to tell me what you thought?”
Kirsty glanced right. “It was… scary. Luckily, you’re easy to hang on to. But it was definitely something I could get used to.”
Saffron quirked an eyebrow. “You’re already booking in for another ride?”
“You’ve got to get me home, so I hope so. I’ve got a cake tasting with Ginger at lunchtime.”
“I wouldn’t want to keep my sister waiting.” A few moments went by before she spoke again. “You’ve got a very thoughtful look on your face.”
Kirsty gave her a slow smile. “I was just thinking this is nice. To be doing things again that aren’t work related. Sharing moments.” Why had she started down this road, and how was she going to back up and not make this sound awkward? “It’s something I’ve missed since I split with my ex.”
Not like that.Really, Kirsty? You’re out on a ride with Saffron Oliver and thinking about Anna?
“I don’t know her or what happened exactly, but she was dumb to let you go.” Saffron gave her a searching look then turned away. She crossed her legs. She must be baking in those leathers.
