Page 56 of Ride with Zane

“I told her to call you,” Harrison’s voice makes me look at him. “Sunday is for family and since you’re part of it you couldn’t miss it.”

“Thank you, Sir.”

“Kevin,” he states. “I think we can leave the formalities out of the equation.”

Man, I’m so out of this dating loop.

Harrison laughs. “I know the feeling. It’s new to me too.”

“What’s new?”

“Meeting my little one’s boyfriend.” He pats my shoulder. “Let’s move inside.” Is he kidding me? Hasn’t he met the douchebag? Now that’s even more interesting. I can’t help but feel my heart race in my chest.

While we're sitting on the porch, sipping our drinks, Ashley starts sharing some anecdotes from her childhood. She tells me about the time when she was little and saw a Harley Davidson parked in front of a diner. Her eyes lit up as she got closer, caressing the sleek metal and admiring the powerful machine.

“I was what, twelve?” She looks toward Harrison for confirmation, and he nods. “I knew right then and there,” she proudly declares, “that one day, I would own a bike of my own.” I can’t help but chuckle at her determination and stubbornness. She has always been a force to be reckoned with, and her zest for life is infectious. The more time I spend with Ashley and her dad, I can’t help but wonder what it would be like to have a child of my own. The thought enters my mind fleetingly, but I quickly push it away feeling a pang of guilt. How could I even think about having a child with her? I can't risk derailing her future, the brilliant one that lies ahead of her. She deserves a life full of opportunities, not one burdened by the responsibilities of parenthood. Not now.

I take a moment to observe Ashley and her father laughing together, their bond evident in the way they share stories and exchange playful banter. They have something special, a connection that goes beyond blood. It's a reminder of the kind of family I never had, but always longed for. I will do everything in my power to ensure that Ashley's dreams come true. I'll supporther ambitions, encourage her to chase after her passions, and be her rock when life gets tough. She deserves the world.

I can sense Harrison’s nervousness but in front of Ash, he’s wearing his poker face. Isn’t that what I do too?

Chapter Fourteen

Ashley

The faint glow of dawn peeks through the curtains as I stir awake, the warmth of Rock’s embrace cradling me from behind. His steady breaths echo a sense of serenity that envelops me, even in the hushed morning hours. I shift slightly, feeling his arms tighten around me, unwilling to disrupt the tranquil start to our day. The world feels right in moments like this, wrapped up in his arms.

A gentle kiss is planted on the nape of my neck, stirring me from my thoughts. “Morning, Princess,” Rock’s voice, rough with sleep, whispers against my skin.

“Mornin’,” I turn around to face him, greeted by his endearing morning scruff and those eyes that hold the universe within them.

“I’m off for a shower.” I’m not sure I’m ready for the madness to begin.

The shower’s warmth soothes my senses as the steaming water cascades over my skin, washing away the remnants of sleep. Rock’s proximity is a soothing balm, his silhouette afamiliar and comforting sight through the frosted glass. I know he’ll walk in. It’s almost a ritual and even if it doesn’t have to have something sexual involved, I love when he wraps his arms around me while the spay caresses our skin.

Drying off and getting ready for the day, I glance at the clock, noticing the time is ticking by too quickly. I dress in layers, prepared for the cold arena. “There’s no need to have someone with me, I’ll be there till five p.m. and then I’ll come right back home.”

“Princess, I’d feel better if they’re by your side,” Rock murmurs, his gaze filled with concern as he adjusts his black t-shirt.

I can feel something else is bothering him and I can’t pretend for him to tell me what it is. The meetings and texts even late at night are frequent and I wonder if it’s because of me. “Okay,” I reassure him, giving his hand a squeeze. “Blue and Vin be.”

He perks at my lips before kissing me for good. “Enjoy your day and let me know when you come home.”

“Will do, Rock.”

The ice rink, gleaming under the bright lights, beckons like a blank canvas awaiting my artistic strokes. Raven stands by the edge, her watchful eyes now lost in thought. I lace up my skates, the cold seeping in through the thin layers, but the excitement of the ice quickly replaces any discomfort.

With every stroke and pirouette, I feel the familiar thrill course through my veins. Raven’s precise instructions echo in my ears as I attempt intricate figures, my muscles remembering the choreography ingrained from hours of practice. Blue and Vinhover nearby, a comforting presence amidst the flurry of spins and leaps.

“Awesome, Ashley! Just like that,” Raven’s encouraging voice echoes across the ice as I execute a graceful turn, my movements fluid and precise. The ice beneath my skates feels like an extension of myself.

The adrenaline-fueled hours pass by swiftly, the routine becoming second nature. With each perfected step, the anticipation for the upcoming performance swells within me, a mixture of exhilaration and nerves. The looming performance feels like a crescendo in a symphony, and amidst the controlled chaos, I find solace in the familiar touch of the ice beneath my skates.

The sound of blades slicing through the ice fills the air as I twirl and glide across the rink, my body moving in perfect harmony with the music playing in the background.

Sweat beads on my forehead as I land the final jump, my breath coming in ragged gasps.

Raven’s applause echoes. “We’re done for today.” She gives me a thumbs up while I calm down and skate around the rink.

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