Page 31 of Coming Up Roses
“Look,” I say, turning to face her. I get distracted by a lock of hair, set askew by the helmet. My fingers automatically find it and smooth it back into place. I refocus on her face and find her staring up at me with her lip caught between her teeth. God, I need to focus. “You can do this. I wouldn’t offer to let you ride my bike if I didn’t think you could. If any of the others knew I was offering they’d want me to get my head checked.”
“Yeah, because me driving that thing is a ridiculous notion.”
“No, because I usually don’t let anyone ride my bike.”
Abi raises her eyebrow at me. “Yeah, like I’m going to believe you’re going to let me ride it if you won’t let anyone else.”
“Maybe I trust you more. You’ve met my best friends, right?”
“Have I?” Abi’s voice is quiet. Quieter than I thought this moment was.
“Yeah. Katie and Olivia.”
“They’re your best friends?”
I quirk an eyebrow. “Will you ever believe anything I say without me having to argue the point?”
Her cheeks turn pink. “Sorry,” she mumbles. “I just didn’t realise.”
“It’s okay.”
The breeze picks up and whips Abi’s hair across her face. I capture it between my fingers and tuck it back behind her ear. I need to stop touching her, being close to her.
Because every time I am, I want more.
More of her.
More of my fingers on her skin.
More of her body pressed against mine.
More of her opening up to me, sharing herself with me, letting me in.
“You actually think I can do this?” Abi asks, eyeing the bike like it might bite her.
“I do, and I’ll be right there with you the entire time.”
Abi lets out a long, heavy exhale. “Okay.”
“Okay?”
“Against my better judgement, yes.”
My hands fall to her shoulders and squeeze, then break free from the contact.
Apparently it doesn’t matter how much I try to avoid touching her Ican’t.
I’m naturally touchy by nature, even with Olivia and Katie. It’s always been hugs and arms wrapped around shoulders and smoothing hair.
But with Olivia and Katie it’s never felt the way it does with Abi.
“Right, on you get.” I hand Abi her helmet and refasten the strap once she has it on. She swings a leg over the bike and straddles the seat. “Kick start is here,” I say, indicating the little lever tucked against the side of the motor. “It can take a bit to get the hang of it, so I’ll deal with that for now. Clutch, brake, throttle, gear shift,” I say, pointing to each part of the bike. “It’s pretty much like driving a manual car with the clutch and throttle, but it’s hand controls instead of feet.”
“That’s a fabulous analogy, except I can’t drive a manual.”
My jaw drops. “Abigail. That’s unacceptable. Driving lessons coming right up.”
“Yeah, sure. Right after I manage this,” she mutters, but the corner of her mouth is tipped up and her eyes are filled with humour.
