Page 22 of Cowboy

Ava shook her head. “I’m fine. It was just a moment. It happens now and then. It’s gone now. Do you have someplace in mind for dinner?” She tried to change the subject and get him to move on and forget about that one off-center moment. The last thing she would do was tell him that his instant defense of her was what set it off. No one, except maybe Aaron, had ever defended her so quickly.

Cowboy gave her a look that clearly said she wasn’t fooling him, and he wouldn’t be letting it go. His arm around her middle loosened slowly, as if making sure she was steady on her feet, then he released her and stepped back to give her a little space.

“I thought we could hit the steak house over on Villard, if steak sounds good to you.”

“Steak sounds great. You brought the motorcycle, right?”

“I did. Were you looking forward to riding?”

“I am. I like riding with you.”

His face softened and one corner of his mouth curled upward. She wanted to stretch up and kiss those lips, but held back.

“I’m glad to know that. Are you sure you’re okay to ride?”

“I’m fine.”

His eyes skimmed her from head to toe. “You look all ready, you have your keys?”

“I am and I do, or would you like to come in for a few minutes?” She stepped back to invite him in.

Cowboy shook his head and extended one hand. “No, let’s go.”

She put her hand in his and stepped out into the hallway, turning to make sure the door was locked, then walked with him down to the parking lot and his motorcycle.

“Need help with the helmet?” Cowboy asked as he handed it to her.

“I think I can get it but if I need help, I’ll let you know.”

“Okay.” He put his on and messed with the bike for a moment.

Ava fumbled with the catch for a moment, until it caught. “I got it!” she didn’t bother trying to keep the excitement from her voice.

Cowboy turned back to her with a smile. “Let me check, just to make sure you’re safe.”

Ava tilted her head back so he could see the clasp. The soft brush of his fingers against her throat sent heat pooling low in her belly. She wasn’t sure what he did, but when he spoke again, it came in through the speakers in her helmet.

“You did a great job. It usually takes people longer to get the hang of that.” He turned away and threw one leg over the motorcycle. He started and braced it. “Climb on.”

He held everything still while Ava carefully put one foot on the peg and swung her leg over the rear of the motorcycle and settled into the seat behind Cowboy, using a hand on his shoulder to stabilize herself. She wrapped her arms around his middle and snuggled close.

“Ready?” He turned his face toward her, though she was sure he couldn’t see her with the helmet on.

“Ready.”

He walked the motorcycle backwards out of the space, then they zoomed forward as he cranked the accelerator. She found herself grinning as her stomach swooped and flipped then settled as he pulled out onto the street.

When they pulled into the parking lot at the steakhouse a few minutes later, Ava couldn’t help but wish the ride had been longer. Cowboy pulled into a space and killed the engine.

“Hungry?” he asked.

“I am.” She braced herself on his shoulders and carefully stepped off the motorcycle, then fumbled with the catch on her helmet a moment before finding the release. She lifted the helmet off and handed it to him. “I kind of wish this place was farther from my apartment.”

He looked at her a moment, one brow quirked. “Want a longer ride?”

“It would have been nice.” She wondered if he might disagree. Was he glad to get her off the back of his motorcycle? She pushed the errant thoughts from her head and focused on him again.

“We can go for a ride after dinner, if you like.”

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