Page 16 of Your Two Lips
Emily blinked at me. “What level is it?”
“All levels,” Carried continued. “You did those trails today. You can do the top level with Finn, no problem.”
Emily’s lips curved in a slow, seductive smile. “I’ve never raced before, but I’ve wanted to try.” Her eyes glittered.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Dan’s big grin. “Emily’s perfect.”
The danger alarm in my head went off louder this time. But the look on her face was too much. I couldn’t say no without an excuse better than I was worried if left alone on a trail, I would kiss the shit out of those pouty, pink lips.
Giving that image time to fade, I kept my expression blank. “Are you available to train, practice some obstacles and climbs?”
“I have my work schedule, but otherwise, I’m free.” She bit her lip. A move I found highly distracting. “I watched races in Whistler. And with you as a partner, we might even win.” Her eyes shone brighter, somehow.
“I raced a bit when I was younger. I think we’d do fine.”
“Yeah, a bit.” Dan chuckled. “Finn and our buddy Alex were major competitors in high school and college. You guys were killing it.”
“That was a long time ago.” I ran my hand through my hair and tried to appear relaxed as I raised my glass to Alex at the other end of the table.
Emily was a skilled rider, and I wasn’t getting out of the race, even if I didn’t find a partner. I would double down on my resolve and get through this. She was perfect, too perfect. But if we spent more time together, I bet that shiny glow would wear off. The sooner I saw her flaws, the sooner I’d stop wanting her for anything more than biking partner. Yes. That made sense.
“Let’s do it,” I said. A smile lit up her face and stole my breath.
Dan and Carrie continued to talk up the race, and the conversation flowed, but I barely took my eyes off Emily. The way the fading sun turned her hair to warm gold, the crinkle around her eyes when she laughed, and the defined curve of her jaw above the silky firm skin of her neck. Damn.
I’d finished my beer at the same time Emily stood. “I should get ice on my shoulders, or my arms will be toast tomorrow,” she said.
“I’ll walk out with you. We can schedule a ride.” I bumped Dan’s shoulder as I unfolded myself from the picnic table.
Heads nodded goodbye, and hands waved. As we walked toward the parking lot, I felt eyes on us and turned back. Yep, eyes on her ass, more like. I wanted to put my hand on her lower back, claim her. But I couldn’t claim her.
“Thanks again for the beer,” she said. “Next time’s my treat.” My instinct pinged, and I reminded myself she was returning a favor, not paying me off. She opened the door to her SUV and slipped into the plush leather seat.
I reached out to hold the side and caught her sweet flowery scent, still lingering even after a bike ride. “Are you available to ride this week?” I asked.
“I’m sure I am. Let’s exchange numbers, and I’ll text you my work schedule. We can go from there.”
“Sounds good.” Nice and friendly.
13
EMILY
Sunday.Mother’s Day. Soon this weekend would be behind me.
From my bed, I stared out at the drizzle and the dull gray clouds refusing us a glimpse of the sun. Even with the butterflies in my belly when I thought about training with Finn every week, the dreary day matched my mood, and I wanted to snuggle under the covers and wake up tomorrow. But I had three Pamper Mom massages to get through this afternoon. Caffeine was required.
I stopped by Shakey Grounds Café on my way in for an extra boost. The smell of coffee and the buzz of relaxed conversation brought a sense of soothing normalcy. I placed my order and glanced around the seating area.
ReeAnn waved from a table by the wall of rolling doors that opened the space to sunshine on warm days. As the barista called my name, ReeAnn motioned for me to join her.
I put on my bestI’m finesmile. “Nice to see you. I thought you’d be at the spa.”
“I grabbed lunch first and ended up working. Here, friendly folks bring me hot water for my tea rather than me having to fetch it for myself. I may start doing all my computer work here.” She arched an eyebrow over twinkling dark eyes. “Caffeine boost before work?” she asked.
“Definitely.” I raised my cup in salute as I sat across from her. “I biked yesterday, and I’m a little tired today.”
“Oh right, with Carrie and everybody.”
