Page 11 of Big Bossy Biker

“Fiona! Jeannie!” Joy says, grinning when she sees us. “Come join us! We’re celebrating.”

Erica gives me a polite smile, but it’s clear she’s more reserved than her new sister-in-law. “Yeah, come have a drink with us. We’re celebrating my first week as a married woman,” she says, lifting her glass.

Well, I wasn’t planning on getting involved in someone else’s celebration, but hey, it’s a small town, and there’s no escaping anyone here. Might as well make the best of it.

Jeannie and I squeeze into their booth, and pretty soon, we’re all clinking glasses and toasting to Erica’s new life as a married woman. The drinks keep coming, and before long, I’m feeling more relaxed than I have in days.

“So,” Joy says, leaning in closer after we’ve all had a few rounds. “Have you guys heard about the sexy new biker in town? Apparently, everyone’s talking about him.”

My stomach flips at the mention of Noah. I don’t know if I want to join in this conversation or run from it.

Jeannie smirks at me. “Oh, Fiona knows all about him.”

I shoot her a warning look, but it’s too late. Erica and Joy both perk up, their eyes widening.

“Wait, you hooked up with him?” Joy asks, her voice full of disbelief and maybe a little admiration. “Seriously?”

I shrug, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks. “It wasn’t like that. We just, uh, hung out.”

“And by hung out, you mean…?” Erica raises an eyebrow.

I groan, covering my face with my hands. “Fine. We hooked up. Sort of. But it’s not going anywhere, alright? He’s older, and he’s only in town for a few more days. It’s nothing.”

“Nothing?” Jeannie scoffs. “You’ve been moping about him all day.”

“I have not!”

“Yes, you have,” she insists, laughing. “You’re falling for him, admit it.”

“I’m not falling for him,” I protest, but it sounds weak even to my own ears.

Erica and Joy exchange a look, and then Joy leans in, her voice soft but serious. “Listen, Fiona, I get it. The age gap thing can freak you out. But trust me, it doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker. Steven and I have an age gap and I love it.”

“Same here,” Erica adds. “Theo and I have an age gap, and it’s honestly been one of the best parts of our relationship. We’re on the same page about so much more than guys my age ever were.”

I stare at them, trying to process what they’re saying. Could it really work? Or am I just setting myself up for heartbreak?

“I don’t know,” I mumble. “I mean, he’s got this whole life on the road. I’m just some girl he met in a motel.”

“Then talk to him,” Jeannie says, like it’s the simplest thing in the world. “Find out what he actually wants. You’re overthinking it.”

Maybe she’s right. Maybe I am overthinking it. Or maybe I’m just too scared to let myself hope for something more.

Before I can spiral any further, I realize how late it’s getting. And I’m definitely too drunk to drive home. I can’t possibly call out two days in a row or my boss will have my ass. Plus, I don’t want to waste another day of my time with Noah.

“Oh my gosh, I need to go home but there’s no way I can drive.”

Joy pulls out her phone, her fingers flying across the screen. “No worries,” she says, grinning. “I just texted my dad and Steven to come pick us up. They’ll give you a ride.”

When they arrive, Theo greets his daughter with a warm hug before pulling his new bride into a kiss so deep I blush and turn my head.

Steven gives me a small nod before offering me a ride home. “I’ll grab your car for you tomorrow,” he says to Jeannie, his voice low and steady.

I mumble a thank you for the ride, sliding into the passenger seat of his truck, my mind a blur of thoughts about Noah and everything that’s happened. By the time I stumble into my bed later that night, I can’t help but wonder if I’m making the right choice letting myself get so wrapped up in him.

Am I just setting myself up for heartbreak, or could there actually be something real between us?

As I drift off to sleep, I can’t help but hope it’s the latter.

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