He continued rubbing her back. “Who knew fools turned me on so much?”
She laughed again, her chest tight. “First, Christian Grey is a fictional character. Second, how about a tour of your place and secret room?”
Beckett stood up, took her hand. When he pulled her into his arms for a hug, she all but melted against him. His arms held her tight, his chest making the perfect landing spot for her cheek. She closed her eyes, breathed in the scent of Beckett. She hoped she’d never forget it. One day, she’d be walking along and something would trigger her memories of this moment.
“Come on.”
He led her down the right hallway first, then showed her his bedroom, which was masculine, welcoming, and comforting with its dark gray tones. When he hesitated in front of the spare room door, butterflies tickled the inside of her stomach.
“Show me your secrets, Beckett,” she teased.
Laughing, he squeezed her hand. “This town has no secrets.” He pushed open the door.
Presley walked into the room and took it all in. There was no furniture. Only bikes. She hadn’t been on a bike since… forever. A friend had taught her to ride in the field behind their elementary school in about fifth grade.
She recognized one as a tandem and another as a cruiser but only because she’d helped a few guests rent them over the years.
“This is quite the collection,” she said, warmth spreading through her chest. This town had a few secrets, and he’d shared his with her.
Beckett walked to a regular-looking bike and put his hand on its red handlebars. “This one is actually mine. It’s called a crosstrail. It’s good for around town or riding through some of the bike paths in the woods.”
“Are you one of those adrenaline junkie bikers? Do you jump ravines and ride across thin rails?”
He laughed. “No. I love a good trail ride, but I’m not into extreme biking. That’s a whole different sport. These are some of the bikes I want to have available at my place. I want to get a couple more tandems. Those are fun for families and couples. I’m looking at a bulk order of cruisers. I’m hoping to stock six of those.”
She wondered if he realized what he’d just said. “That means you’ve made a decision. You’re doing it?”
A slow, almost reluctant smile tilted his lips up like he was finally accepting the truth. “I am. I definitely am.”
“This is so cool, Beckett. Your family must know you love biking.” She watched as he ran his hand over the rubber handle grips.
“They do,” he said, meeting her gaze. “We all do. It’s fun. I’m going to tell them about my idea.”
“From what I’ve learned about them, they’ll be in full support,” she said quietly. It wasn’t her place, but she’d already crossed and tangled lines in unknottable ways. What was a few more knots? “They love you. It’s so clear all of you want the best for each other. I understand the timing isn’t perfect, but you’ll make it work.”
Beckett came to stand in front of her, taking both of her hands. “I know you’re right. I just don’t want to add to the chaos. Not yet.”
She removed her hands from his, slid them up his shirt, around his neck. She loved the way his immediately shifted to loop around her hips. Speaking of tandem, she’d never felt so in sync. Because of course. Life was full of ironies like that. She hadn’t even realized she was lost until she came to a lodge with that very name.
“I wanted to take you for a bike ride tomorrow. We don’t have to though. Biking probably isn’t your thing.” He gave her a lopsided grin.
“You have no evidence that it isn’t.” She tried to keep a straight face.
He returned the look. “Great. So, we can take two of the trail bikes? The inclines aren’t too bad.”
She broke first because there was no way she was getting on a trail on a bike. This was an either-or situation.
“It’s been a while. How about we ease in?”
He nodded. “I was hoping we could stay here tonight. Maybe tomorrow, too.” He kissed her forehead.
Presley’s heart sighed inside of her chest. Just them, no others around? She loved people, and his family in particular, but time alone with him sounded like a fantasy come true. “I’d love that. Well, the staying-over part. I’m reserving judgment on the biking. Won’t they need you at the lodge?”
Beckett pulled back, one of his hands finding the skin beneath her shirt and rubbing small circles. “Tevin owes me a favor. He’s pitching in for a night or two.”
Presley moved her own fingers into his hair. It was soft and felt good against her skin.
“You didn’t have to do that,” she said, though she was glad he did. When was the last time someone other than Rylee had put her first?
