Page 8 of Stranded With the Biker

“Sweetie’s Active Retirement Home? It said it’s by the lake.” Sweeties was close to my cabin.

“I know it.” Again, saving that information for later. Thunder and lightning cracked through the air again, and we both glanced toward the windows.

“When I saw we might get rain, I didn’t believe it,” she confessed, and I grinned.

“I understand. When they say it’s going to rain in LA, it’s usually a slight two-minute drizzle before it’s over.”

“And call it storm watch on the news,” she joked, and I chuckled. We looked out the windows. Rain poured outside, and as if it was timed, lightning and thunder joined in. “I love rain,” she shared, settling her head back on my shoulder.

I breathed in the soft scent of her hair. Cherries and vanilla filled my lungs and made my mouth water. My thoughts went down a dirty, windy path it shouldn’t, but I couldn’t stop. I kept wondering if she would smell like that all over. If I ever got the privilege of tasting her, I wouldn’t miss an inch of her skin.

“I do, too.” Thunder struck a little louder than it had all night. Piper jumped in my arms and almost into my lap.

“Thunder and lightning, not so much.” She winced, and I opened my mouth to tell her that it was okay when I heard it. Her stomach growled loudly. I frowned. Fuck, my girl was hungry. By the blush in her cheeks and the horrified look on her face, I could tell she was embarrassed. I simply patted my stomach and pulled back to get a better look at her.

“You hungry? I’m starving,” I groaned, hoping that would help her relax.

“Oh, umm…” She licked her lips. “I could eat.” I tore my eyes off those pretty lips that beckoned me. I couldn’t go there.Not yet.

“Good. Come on.” I stood and took her hand in mine, loving the way our hands fit perfectly. “I have an idea.”

We walked over to the food area of the warehouse, and I quickly made do with what we could. Making sure to note how much I would need to Zelle the vendors once I had my phone to cover what we took from the stuff they had left behind. There wasn’t much, but it was enough for us to get by.

“This is delicious,” she complimented. My eyes dropped to her mouth and my hands fisted at my side from the soft little sound of pleasure she made as she took a bite of the sandwiches I’d whipped up. “A sandwich always tastes better when someone else makes it for you. Thank you, Hugo.”

“Thank you for this.” I lifted my cup and winked before taking a sip of the drink she’d made me.

“It was pretty easy to pour a Coke.”

“Don’t sell yourself short, cutie.” I winked. “You did it perfectly. No spills or foaming,” I complimented.

“Well, thanks.” She smiled, then her eyes drifted toward the window. “Do you think the rain will keep going?”

“I’m not sure,” I answered honestly. “But even though we’re stuck in here, the good thing is, we don’t have to drive in that.” My chin tipped toward the window.

“Very true. LA drivers and rain don’t mix.”

“That’s because all they ever get is drizzle.” She laughed, but her expression changed. “Hey, what’s up?”

“Oh, umm…” She pressed her lips together, and I squeezed her hand, silently encouraging her to talk to me. “My best friend is in Colorado right now. She flew out today.” I watched her, waiting for her to keep sharing. “They’re supposed to get snow in her area. I was just wondering, well, hoping she’s okay.”

“She went alone?”

“No. Her ex followed her up there.”

“Her ex?” My eyes widened. “And that’s okay?”

“Oh yeah! Winston is harmless. Actually, he’s perfect for her. It was just some stupid misunderstanding between them. Like a total guy, he couldn’t get himself to talk to her about something, and she thought there was someone else or something.” She shrugged. Her eyes rose and met mine. “Communication is important in relationships.”

“Is it?”

“Well, that’s what I’ve heard. I’m not the best at them,” she admitted, and fuck me if that didn’t make it the two of us. My hand reached for hers, taking it in my hold. I watched my thumb stroke the top of her hand before I looked up at her.

“Maybe that’s because you were in a relationship with the wrong person?” I asked, hoping that it wasn’t too much too fast. She was stuck in here alone with me. I didn’t want her to get creeped out.

“Hmm…” she sighed wistfully. “Does that mean you’re one of those people who believe in meeting the one?”

“The one?” I repeated as I turned.

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