Page 67 of Totally Off Limits

“I’m gonna cry.”

“Whatever, Keef. We’re leavin’ this burg soon. As soon as we’re on tour, you can have me all you want.”

“Have a good time, kids,” Johnny said, his words a strange reminder that he and Katie were a few years older. But it didn’t seem to bother Mickey. His smile was wide, his dark eyes almost dreamy. As she followed him, his hand in hers leading the way through the hallway behind the bar, she noted that she liked the haircut. As much as she’d loved running her fingers through his mane, she knew his current style would possibly meet the approval of her parents.

What was she thinking? There was no way a relationship with Mickey would ever fly with them, even if he looked the part, and she needed to stop setting herself up for disappointment.

Besides, tonight was a way of saying goodbye, one last fun night together, and then she could be the good daughter forever. When he left, it would be like rehab for her addiction to him.

Once outside, Sierra took a deep breath of fresh, cool air. Mickey said, “I think it’s supposed to rain tonight.”

“It feels like it might.” She’d prepared to follow him through the parking lot, but he instead led her behind the building to the alley. “Where are we going?”

“Just a little farther.” As they approached a dumpster, Mickey walked around, Sierra still holding his hand. In a tiny alcove sat a red compact car and several Harleys. “We’re taking two wheels.” In the dim light, Sierra watched him pull a helmet off the bike before handing it to her. “Do you know how to put this on?”

“I get the concept. Where’s yours?”

“In your hands. I’ll just have to not get in an accident.”

Putting the helmet on, she tried not to scowl at the thought. “How did you bring your bass on a bike?”

Mickey laughed. “The U-Haul’s around the corner with all our shit. Katie and Heather drove that thing so the band could take Johnny’s hogs for a spin. He said they’ve been neglected. Isn’t she a beaut?”

No way was Sierra going to confess that this one didn’t really look any different from any others she’d seen in the parking lot—but, more than that, she hated motorcycles with a passion. There was no good reason, really, except that she’d beentaughtto dislike them—oh, and they were ridiculously noisy.

But she would go with Mickey anywhere right now. Although she couldn’t tell anything about the Harley in the semi-dark, she said, “Yeah.”

Mickey straddled the bike. “Just hop on behind me and hang on.”

Why did that sound so frightening?

As she lifted her leg to swing it over the seat, she felt grateful that she wasn’t wearing a skirt. As it was, her mother would probably find what she was doing quite unladylike.

But already it was exciting.

After she wrapped her arms around Mickey’s torso, he asked, “Ready?”

“Yep.” She still had no idea where they were going, but she didn’t care. Tonight, she’d go with Mickey anywhere.

After he turned the ignition on, he revved the bike a few times. Bright light shined from its headlight, exposing the other three bikes in the alcove—and Sierra had to admit to herself that they were, indeed, beautiful.

Mickey’s body felt solid against hers and she clung to that strength as he zipped the bike down the alley. Something about all this felt reckless and dangerous, but Mickey helped her feel assured and almost calm. As he gave the bike gas, the motorcycle would buzz loudly, and she reminded herself that no one was watching or even cared.

Not even her mother saw this right now.

As Mickey turned on one of the main roads through town, he drove a few blocks. Sierra looked past the streetlights, trying to figure out if rain really was on its way, but it was difficult to see if there were any clouds in the sky. So she rested her head against his back, trying to relax completely.

Had she ever been on a motorcycle? Not that she could remember. Feeling the roar of the engine against her legs, all but wrapped around Mickey as he expertly wound them through town was exciting, more than she would have ever expected.

Soon, he was pulling into the parking lot of the Sedgwick, the most expensive, lavish hotel in Winchester. It was a place where they’d been just two short months ago at Johnny and Katie’s wedding reception. She’d also attended functions and even eaten an occasional meal at their restaurant, but she’d never been inside one of the guest rooms.

It was a hell of a reminder that Mickey wasn’t the poor kid living on the wrong side of town anymore.

After he parked the bike near the entrance, Sierra delicately lifted herself from the seat. Mickey asked, “You need help?”

“No. I think I’ve got it.”

As she let her legs adjust to solid ground, Mickey stood beside her, unfastening the strap on the helmet. “Did you like that?”

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