“Whatever, Lu. Get on the bike; don’t get on the bike. I’m still going to be here the whole way back to your house.” I can hear the annoyance growing in his voice.
But I don’t care right now.
We walk the next thirty or so feet in silence when the first drop hits my cheek.
You’ve got to be kidding me.
I keep walking, pretending I didn’t feel it. But I can only do that for about another five more feet before the heavens split open and rain begins pouring down on us.
When the first strike of lightning hits, I jump a little.
He rides ahead of me, parks the bike, and hops up onto the sidewalk, blocking my path. “If you don’t get on this damn bike right now, I’ll put you there myself.” He stalks up to me with the helmet in his hand. “I’m wet, annoyed, and pissed the fuck off that you won’t just let me help you. I just want to get you home safe—that’s it. Stop making this so hard.” He drops the helmet in the grass and thrusts his hands through his hair. “Laura, for fuck’s sake, get on the bike.”
The rain has completely saturated my coat and down through my shirt, which is now stuck to me.
I’m about to shoutnoat him. Then, the first water drop soaks into my panties, and my resolve begins to fade.
The wetness quickly spreads, and the decision is made. I stalk over to the helmet, snatch it off the ground, and stomp my feet over to the bike, waiting for him.
He throws his hand up and stretches his leg over the bike, sitting down. “Thank God. What’s the address?”
I tell him, and he types it into his phone as I settle in behind him. I can’t help but giggle at how much I got under his skin.
I place my hands on his shoulders and wait for him to pull off.
He twists, shifting to see me. “Now, I know you’re smarter than that. Hold on to me like your life depends on it. Because, well, it does.” He turns back around, revving the engine.
Lifting my arms up, I wrap them around his torso, feeling every solid muscle and mound.Dear God, this boy spends some time on the ice.
Not a second later, he gives it some gas, and we shoot forward. My arms instinctively tighten, and I can feel him let out a deep breath. My thighs are practically squeezing the life out of his hips.
The air whips around us, and it’s refreshing and calming. Definitely needed after that heated argument. It’s almost grounding, feeling the wind and the world around us as we ride.
I lean my head against his back, letting myself pretend for a second that this is my life. Alec is my boyfriend; we are going home to our son, and we are in love. That my mom is okay and we aren’t swimming in debt. That life is perfect.
I take deep breaths, letting the cool air cleanse me.
As fast as the ride started, it seems to have ended even quicker. We pull into the driveway, and the living room lights are on, letting me know Char is most likely ready to interrogate me when I get inside.
Alec kills the engine and rests the bike on the kickstand, helping me off. Taking the helmet off, I shake some of the mess out of my hair. Which does nothing to the wet strands stuck to my face.
Alec quickly reaches out and swipes them out of the way. “Thanks for letting me bring you home tonight, Lu.” He steps back, letting me lead the way to the door.
I hand the helmet over to him. “Thanks for bringing me.” I smile at him, trying to keep as much animosity in my tone as I can.
He steps onto the porch and a gentle warm glow is cast over him from the light. Goddammit, his cheekbones are carved out of stone.
He’s fidgeting with the helmet when he opens his mouth. “Um, tonight really didn’t go as planned. And I still would really like to talk sometime if you’re up for it.” He glances at the bike.
Regardless of how the night went, we do still need to talk. About a lot of things.
“Yeah.”
“Really?” A spark of hope lights in his eyes, and I’d be lying if I said it didn’t affect me.
“Yes. Meet me at Nikki’s tomorrow at noon. Don’t be late.”
Without another word, he leans down, and his soft, full lips press the sweetest kiss to my cheek. His kiss grazes the very edge of my lips, and a shiver rolls down my back.
