Page 21 of We're At It Again

“I thought we were taking my bike.”

“Why would you think that?”

He glanced at me with a sly grin and his eyes held a mischievous sparkle, as if he knew a juicy secret.

“This is your opportunity to do something you’ve never done before.” He said with a shrug. “Because, no offense, being safe hasn’t gotten you anywhere other than dumped.”

His brash words were like a supernatural punch to the gut. It didn’t affect me like I thought it would. I imagined myself screaming, fuming like a fire-breathing dragon. Instead, I felt nothing. Maybe I knew deep down that he was right. I’d planned my entire life around Austin, our future, given up everything to where I’d given up myself. I sacrificed for a man who wouldn’t give me a coat in Alaska, duped into this charade of love, and I had no one else to blame but myself.

“You’re right.”

His eyes widened.

“I am?”

I nodded.

“Look where playing it safe has gotten me,” I said, gesturing around the deserted parking lot. “I dedicated my entire high school career to one guy, studied my butt off to get into a college with the said guy, but here I am in a deserted parking lot with you, of all people, after you set off a smoke alarm!”

His grin widened, and a sense of triumph shined in his eyes.

“Well, let’s not waste any time.”

With a glance to ensure no one was watching, he grabbed my arm and led me to his bike. It gleamed under the midday sun, and the engine purred once he straddled it. He looked at me with a devilish grin. I eyed the machine.

“Come on, Snow. It will be fun.”

My fingers twisted in the hem of my sweater as I bit my lip.

“I don’t know.”

He chuckled and reached behind him for a helmet.

“You can wrap your arms around me.”

His grin widened as he offered me the helmet. With a hesitant sigh, I accepted it. My fingers trembled as I attempted to fasten it, but I couldn’t. He reached over and fastened it for me. I swung my leg over the bike and wrapped my arms around his waist. His body heat seeped through my clothes. Adrenaline coursed through my veins as I felt the rumble of the engine.

With a final look back, he checked I was at ease before accelerating. The burst of speed sent a thrill through my veins.

?

12

HUDSON

THE RUMBLE OF MY BIKE ECHOED through the quiet streets as we navigated the winding roads. She clutched my waist before chuckling in delight at each twist and turn. As we pulled up outside her house, I cut the engine. She swung her leg onto the pavement and lifted the helmet to reveal a face-splitting grin.

“Thanks for the ride.” She said, handing me the helmet.

I leaned forward, a smirk playing on my lips as I admired her lively features.

“It was my pleasure, Snow.” I said. “Anytime you need a distraction, I’m your guy.”

She shifted on her feet; her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

“It was fun.”

“I’m a fun guy.” I said, lifting myself from the bike.

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