Page 5 of Hard Knox

Frustrated but more hooked than ever, I watched her walk away. Her gentle refusal and that almost-kiss just threw more fuel on the fire. Eliza was a challenge alright, one I was dead set on winnin’. Her strength, her elegance, and that spark between us she was tryin’ so hard to ignore—it drew me in like a moth to a flame. And I was all in, come hell or high water.

Chapter 3

Eliza

The morning sun streamed through the classroom windows, casting long beams across the colorful chaotic artwork that adorned the walls. As my second graders filed in, the day’s predictable rhythm began to unfold—a comforting cadence of lesson plans and youthful energy. I greeted each child with their choice: a smile, a hug, a handshake, a fist bump, slipping effortlessly into my role as Ms. Eliza, their ever-patient and encouraging teacher.

Once the children were settled and engrossed in their reading groups, I allowed my thoughts to drift, briefly touching on the parts of my life that weren’t defined by lesson plans and parent-teacher conferences. The parts that involved being Emma’s mother—and lately, the parts entangled with a certain biker whose image I couldn’t quite shake.

The previous day’s coffee encounter with Knox had left me feeling as equally exhilarated as uneasy. Coming right out and asking my wildest fantasy? Until then, it had been unconnected to a biker. But last night, alone in my bed, that outlaw was all I could think about. His rugged charm was undeniable, but the cautious, careful side of me—the side that had been shaped by years of letdowns and a particularly excruciating divorce—urged caution.

Later, during my lunch break, after hearing about everyone’s new Stanley cups, their target runs or new grandbaby, I found a quiet corner in the teachers’ lounge and called my closest friend, Birdie. Being a Marketing Manager, she worked from home, and I knew she would take my call at any time. However, it had been a long time since I had a crisis like this.

“I don’t know, Bird,” I started, my voice quiet. “There’s something about this biker. He’s so different from what I’m used to, from what I thought I wanted.”

Birdie’s voice crackled through the phone, warm and teasing. “Isn’t that a good thing, Eliza?”

“No, Bird. You should see him. He’s so big and muscly, I feel small next to him. And he’s probably the hottest guy I’ve seen in all of Knoxville, seriously,” I couldn’t stop my voice from rising.

“After Mark, you deserve someone who makes you feel alive. And hell, hasn’t been long enough.”

Toying with the edge of my lunch napkin, I sighed. “It’s not just that he’s a biker, Birdie. It’s… he’s intense, and kind, and when he looks at me, I feel—”

“Like you’re the only woman in the world?” she offered, and I could almost see her knowing smile through the line.

“Yes, exactly that. But what if it’s all just a game to him? What if I’m just a challenge?” My fears, always simmering beneath the surface, threatened to boil over. “Or a dare?”

“Eliza, listen to yourself,” Birdie scolded.

“I’ve put on so much weight since the divorce. I have no idea why this hot biker is even looking at me.”

“Bullshit. You’re beautiful.”

“I know. I am. Big and beautiful, and you know I’m usually proud of it. But it’s been so long since a man looked at me the way he does. And he’s so different. I’m sure I’m nothing like the kind of women who probably surround him. I guess I feel like he’s out of my league.” These were feelings I could only admit to Birdie.

“You’re not just any woman. You’re a brilliant, beautiful single mom who’s held her own through everything.”

“You know, when Mark left me, I promised myself I’d put Emma first. I’m not sure dating a biker is putting her first.”

“You said Knox seems like a nice guy?” Birdie wasn’t wrong.

“Yeah, but charities and coffee or not, he’s a Royal Bastard. A President of a motorcycle club, Bird. He’s gotta be dangerous.”

“Yeah, but hopefully to other people and not to you.” Birdie laughed. “It’s time for pros and cons. Cons first. He’s a biker. A con in your book. I don’t agree.”

“It’s not like he just rides a motorcycle. He’s in a club and their leader,” I added.

“Another con?” Birdie asked.

“He’s gorgeous,” I said automatically.

“And how is that a bad thing?” Birdie strained her words.

“Mark was gorgeous once, and he cheated,” I reminded her.

“Any other cons,” she conceded.

“We’re so different, and Emma.” I gave her two.

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