Page 12 of Nanny for the Bikers

The winding road stretches before me, a ribbon of asphalt cutting through the lush forest. The forest…I can’t say I saw a lot of that in the big city I came from. It’s a welcome change.

My hands grip the steering wheel, but my mind drifts, replaying images of Kip’s striking face. That charming smile, those playful eyes that seemed to see right through me at the gas station. A shiver runs down my spine as I recall the energy crackling between us.

No.I shake my head, forcing the thoughts away. Men are nothing but trouble. A lesson I’ve learned the hard way, etched into my heart with jagged scars. I can’t afford to let my guard down, to be drawn in by a handsome face and easy charm.

But even as I chastise myself, I can’t deny the flutter in my chest.

A whine from the passenger seat jolts me back to the present. I glance over at Shadow, his dark eyes peering up at me, head cocked in confusion.

“I’m sorry, buddy,” I murmur, reaching over to scratch behind his ears. “Got a bit lost in my own head there.”

Shadow leans into my touch, his tail thumping against the seat. But the restless shifting of his paws tells me he’s growing antsy, eager to stretch his legs after being cooped up in the car for hours.

I scan the road ahead, searching for a place to stop. A green sign catches my eye, announcing a park just a mile ahead. Perfect.

“What do you say we take a little break, huh?” I ask Shadow, my voice brightening. “Get some fresh air, clear our minds?”

At the word “break,” Shadow perks up, his ears pricking forward. He lets out an excited bark, as if to say, “Finally!”

I can’t help but chuckle at his enthusiasm. It’s the little things, isn’t it? The simple joys of a car ride, a walk in the park. If only I could approach life with the same unbridled eagerness.

I signal and turn into the park entrance, gravel crunching beneath the tires. As I pull into a spot near the dog run, Shadow is practically vibrating with anticipation, his nose pressed against the window.

“Alright, alright,” I laugh, unbuckling my seatbelt. “Let’s go, you big goofball.”

The moment I open the passenger door, Shadow bounds out, his leash trailing behind him. I barely have time to grab it before he’s off, tugging me toward the grassy field.

We meander towards the dog area, Shadow’s tail wagging furiously as he takes in the sights and smells. The sound of barking and playful yips fills the air, a canine symphony that seems to energize him even more.

As we approach the fenced enclosure, I spot an empty bench beneath a sprawling oak tree, its branches offering a welcome respite from the sun. Shadow tugs impatiently at the leash, eager to join the fray.

“Go on then,” I chuckle, unclipping his leash. “Go make some friends.”

In a blur of black fur, Shadow takes off, bounding towards a group of dogs chasing a ball. I watch as he seamlessly integrates himself into their game, his exuberance matched only by his speed.

With a contented sigh, I settle onto the bench, the rough wood warm against my skin. I lean back, closing my eyes, letting the warmth of the sun wash over me. For a brief moment, I allow myself to just be, to exist in this pocket of tranquility, untethered from the weight of my past and the uncertainty of my future.

The vibration of my phone in my pocket shatters the illusion. With a grimace, I fish it out, steeling myself for the inevitable barrage of notifications.

Missed calls. Voicemails. Texts. All from Mom and Lila.

Mom: Where are you?

Lila: Ayla, please call me back.

Lila: We’re worried about you.

Each message feels like a tiny dart, pricking at the fragile bubble of peace I’ve constructed. The familiar pressure of their expectations, their concern, bears down on me, a suffocating weight I can never seem to escape. If I don’t leave now and stay gone I don’t think I’ll ever be able to.

I close my eyes, inhaling deeply, my fingers tightening around the phone. It would be so easy to call them back, to assuage their worries, to fall back into the role of the dutiful daughter.

But I can’t. Not now. Not ever.

With a resolute sigh, I silence my phone and tuck it back into my pocket. Today, I choose me.

I watch Shadow play, his unbridled joy a balm to my weary soul. And for now, that’s enough. It has to be.

A distant cry pierces the air, drawing my attention away from Shadow’s antics. It’s a sound I know all too well, one that tugs at my heartstrings and stirs a deep, primal instinct within me.

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