Page 15 of Bringing Home the Biker

Star leaned in slightly and lowered her voice. “I don’t know how many tattoos you have,” she whispered, her tone laced with panic. “Ishouldknow that.”

“I don’t even know how many tattoos I have, Star,” I replied and kept my tone light.

She groaned quietly and shook her head. “Your girlfriend should know. We’re toast.”

I leaned closer, my lips brushed against her ear, and the scent of her shampoo was faint but intoxicating. “Then you can count them tonight.”

Her head whipped toward me, and her eyes widened. “Axel,” she gasped, her voice barely audible.

I reached up and cradled her cheek in my hand. Her skin was soft and warm beneath my touch. “You need to relax,” I murmured, as my thumb brushed gently along her jaw. “Or I’m going to kiss you.”

Her family was all around us, chattering and laughing, but it was like the world narrowed down to just Star and me. Her lips parted in surprise, and her gaze locked on mine. If her family didn’t believe we were dating, it was only because Star looked ready to bolt.

“Relax,” I repeated softly.

She didn’t relax. If anything, she seemed to wind up tighter, and her breathing shallowed. Her eyes darted to my lips, and I couldn’t stop myself anymore. I leaned in slowly, giving her a moment to pull away. When she didn’t, I closed the gap.

My lips met hers in a kiss that was soft at first, hesitant. Her breath caught, and I felt her freeze for a second. But then, just as I started to pull back, she leaned into me. Her lips moved against mine, tentative but sweet like she was testing the waters. This didn’t feel like it was for show. It felt real, and it sent a bolt of something electric through me.

When I pulled back, I lingered close enough to see the faint pink in her cheeks and the way her lips were slightly swollen from the kiss. “Better?” I asked softly.

Her wide eyes blinked at me before she nodded quickly and looked more dazed than relaxed.

That would do.

I grinned and brushed my thumb along her cheek one last time before pulling my hand away.

“Now,” I said, my voice light and teasing, “can I pour you a glass of Rudolph’s Tipsy Punch while you grab a mini taco and some chocolate-covered potato chips?”

Star finally smiled and reached her eyes. “There’s a whole bottle of rum in that punch, Axel,” she said with a laugh. “Stick to the eggnog unless you want to wake up with a headache tomorrow morning.”

“Good advice,” I replied and chuckled as I stood.

As I worked on filling two cups, Jim re-entered the room carrying a stack of plates and a tall glass filled with a bright green liquid. He set the plates down on the table and turned to Woods with a flourish. “And for you,” he said as he presented the drink like it was a treasure, “I have the very special Grinch drink.”

Woods’ eyes lit up as he accepted the glass and held it like it was some kind of magical potion. He stared at the green concoction with awe.

“Uh, what exactly is in a Grinch drink?” Rain asked and raised an eyebrow, her curiosity tinged with suspicion.

“Hawaiian Punch, pineapple juice, and lime sherbet,” Jim explained with a grin.

“Ah,” Rain laughed and nodded knowingly. “That would explain the bright green.” She gestured to Woods. “Go ahead, bud. Give it a try.”

Woods hesitated for a second and then took a sip. His expression shifted from cautious to delighted as a huge grin spread across his face. “It’s great!” he declared and held the glass up like a trophy.

Star leaned forward to grab a plate.

Rain nudged Star with her elbow, her voice quiet but not quiet enough for me to miss. “I like him,” she said, her tone approving.

Star glanced at her with a smirk. “Woods? He’s your son.”

Rain rolled her eyes dramatically. “Your guy,” she clarified. “Way better than I imagined.”

Star’s small smile had just the right mix of sweetness and something that felt deeper and warmer. “I like him, too,” she said softly, her voice barely loud enough for me to catch it over the laughter and chatter around us.

Carmen’s phone rang, and the energy in the room shifted as she answered. “Rickie,” she said loudly and stepped to the side.Her voice rose in alarm. “What? But you’re going to miss the charcuterie board!”

Rain leaned toward Star and whispered, “Uh-oh.”

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