He wrapped them around me without hesitation and held me like he didn’t want to let go.
“Call me tonight?” he asked, his voice low and soft against my hair.
“Yes,” I said without pause. “After Lottie’s asleep.”
His lips found mine, slow and deep. I melted into him like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Things had changed between us.
We’d skipped right over the awkward phase and crashed headfirst into something real. Something intense. There were still conversations to be had, questions to answer, but I wasn’t worried. Not really.
Because it feltright.
We’d figure it out—whateveritwas.
“Later, babe,” he whispered before kissing me one last time.
I followed him to the door and leaned against the frame as he stepped out into the warm evening air.
He looked back at me once before straddling his bike.
The engine roared to life and vibrated through the concrete. Through the soles of my feet and up into my chest, I felt it.
I imagined what it would be like to be on the back of that bike, with my arms wrapped around him, wind in my hair, and his body warm and solid against mine.
He gave me a small smile and lifted two fingers in a parting wave.
And then he was gone.
The rumble of his bike faded down the street, but the echo of him lingered long after.
I pushed off the doorway and shut the door behind me.
Now it was back to reality.
Lottie would be home soon, and then I needed to start planting seeds of Duane around. I didn’t know how I was going to do it, but I knew I needed to.
Duane wasn’t going anywhere.
Chapter Seventeen
Dice
“You look pretty fucking happy.”
Smoke’s voice cut through the hum of conversation in the common room. I didn’t need to turn around to know he was talking to me.
“I’m sure he is,” Yarder added with a grunt, “afternotcoming back to the clubhouse last night.”
I took a long swig from my beer and let the cold wash down the stupid grin I didn’t quite manage to hide.
“He didn’t tell you he wasn’t coming back?” Smoke asked and glanced between us.
Yarder nodded. “He did. Just pissed me off that it was anot coming hometext.”
Smoke snorted and laughed. “Straight to the point, I guess.”
I gave a one-shouldered shrug. “I wasn’t asking for permission. I wasn’t coming home.”
