Page 23 of Ripper's Redemption

I shake my head firmly. “No. This is just consistent, safe sex. Nothing more.”

“Okay,” Kelsey says, but there’s that knowing look in her eyes.

It’s the kind of ‘okay’ that means she doesn’t believe me for a second. “He’s a real looker, Tara. If I were in your shoes, I’d probably get attached.”

“Not going to happen,” I insist, though a part of me isn’t so sure. My heart flutters a little whenever he’s around, but I shove that thought aside.

The first hint of daylight starts to filter through the windows, signaling the arrival of the morning rush.

We both turn our attention back to our work, preparing for the influx of customers.

Kelsey goes and opens the door, and just like every morning, we’re slammed with people before they head off to work.

Just as we’re getting into the rhythm, the door to the stairs opens, and Ripper strides in.

Dressed in his normal leather cut and jeans, he looks every bit the rugged biker that he is. “Morning,” he greets us, his deep voice sending a shiver down my spine.

I told him last night there are two stairwells that lead up to my apartment. One on the outside, and one on the inside.

“Morning,” I reply, trying to keep my tone casual. “Do you want anything? Coffee? A donut?”

“Coffee and a donut sounds amazing,” he says with a grin that could melt polar ice caps.

As I pour his coffee and hand him a donut, I catch Kelsey’s smirk out of the corner of my eye.

She’s watching us like a hawk, clearly noticing the sparks flying between us.

“Thanks, Tara,” Ripper says, taking the cup and pastry from me.

His fingers brush mine, and it’s like a jolt of electricity coursing through my entire body.

“You’re welcome,” I manage to say, my voice steady despite the storm inside me.

Once I get Ripper’s coffee ready and put a couple of donuts in a cardboard bag, Ripper heads out.

As he walks off there’s a lingering scent of aftershave mixed with gasoline.

As soon as the door closes behind him, Kelsey nudges me playfully. “Just safe sex my ass. You two have got it bad, even if you don’t realize it.”

“Shut up,” I laugh and roll my eyes, but there’s no denying the truth in her words. I do like Ripper, but I just have to be careful.

I don’t want to end up heartbroken after this whole charade.

“That was intense,” I mutter under my breath, wiping my hands on my apron as the door swings shut behind Ripper.

The bell jingles softly, a delicate sound in the quiet morning.

“More like sizzling hot. And you said it’s just safe sex. Bullshit. It’s a load of crock if I’ve ever heard one.” Kelsey teases, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

She leans against the counter, one eyebrow arched. “You two were practically undressing each other with your eyes, you realize that, right?”

“Shut up,” I groan, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks.

I turn back to the donuts, focusing on the task at hand while we have a small break.

The icing glistens under the fluorescent lights, and I force myself to concentrate on spreading it evenly.

Anything to keep my mind off the way Ripper’s gaze had lingered on me. As much as I want to convince myself Kelsey’s wrong, she’s not.

---