Page 19 of Coming Up Aces

Rayna smiled as she leaned back in. “I do too. Anytime he wants one, all you have to do is ask.” They remained in each other’s arms for several minutes just being, and it was the most peaceful Ace had felt in years. “Can we go for a ride soon?” Rayna asked against his neck.

He pulled away, keeping his hands on her arms. “Sure can. Let’s see which helmet fits.” He walked around to the trunk where he’d left them. After finding one that worked, he handedher the other bags. “Here are your boots and some shirts. You’ll want to wear jeans if you have them.”

“I do. Let me get changed. I’ll be right back.” Rayna smacked a kiss against his cheek before rushing inside. Ace placed his fingers where her lips had been like a lovestruck fool. He didn’t understand what was happening, and he would not allow himself to get his hopes up. Too many times he’d been optimistic and had his heart broken.

She’s different.

You can’t know that.

I can. Her Cheetah likes me.

Ace chuckled. Leave it to his Gryphon to puff up like a peacock.

We’ll see.

While waiting on Rayna to change, Ace closed the trunk lid, then opened the garage door. He backed his bike out and turned it around.

Rayna jogged out of the house and held her arms out. “Tada,” she sang. “The boots fit perfectly. How’d you manage that?”

Ace admitted, “I snuck a peek at your shoes before I left. You look great.” She’d braided her long hair and changed into one of her new T-shirts and a pair of jeans.

“Thank you. Not only for the compliment but also for the new duds. I love the shirts, and the boots are comfortable while being badass.”

Ace couldn’t help but smile at her. “You’re most welcome. Let me lock up the house, then we’ll hit the road.” When he finished inside, Ace handed Rayna her helmet and helped with the chin strap. “I’ll get on first, then you climb on behind me. The trick to riding with someone is to sit still. Don’t try to lean with the bike.”

“Don’t lean. Got it.”

Ace slung a leg over the bike and stood it up. Rayna placed her hand on his shoulder, her foot on the peg, and slid on behind him. He didn’t have to tell her to wrap her arms around him. Leaning her chest against his back, she said, “I’m so excited.”

“Then hang on.” Ace cranked the motor, dropped the gear shifter into first, and eased off the clutch. There were no obstructions at the road like trees or hedges, so he pulled out when he saw no oncoming traffic. He kept to the backroads and took a route that was long and winding. Rayna sat perfectly still except for her hands that dug into his stomach when he took a sharp turn. It had been too long since he had someone to ride with. Only one of his previous partners was interested, but it didn’t last long. Ace shook off the memory and focused on the present.

They’d been riding a couple of hours when Ace asked, “Are you hungry?”

“I could eat.”

“The next town has a few restaurants, and there’s also a state park that offers a buffet.” Ace held his breath. The last female he’d been interested in had laughed at Ace for even mentioning a buffet, but the Hounds often stopped at state parks during their group rides since there was something for everyone.

“Oh, the state park please. I love buffets. I know some people frown on them, but I like being able to eat a little of everything. And they offer so many good desserts too.”

Ace smiled to himself. How could he not? “Buffet it is.” When they arrived, he pulled into a spot and placed his feet flat on the ground, turning the bike off. Rayna gave his stomach a squeeze before climbing off. Ace flipped the kickstand down, then dismounted. Rayna’s smile was bright as he helped remove her helmet.

“Man, that was exhilarating. If I knew how to ride, I’d never drive a car.”

Ace placed their helmets on the handlebars and smoothed out his hair. Rayna didn’t have to worry about “helmet hair” since hers was braided. “I can teach you.”

Rayna clasped her hands together. “Really? Isn’t your bike too big for me?”

“Nope. Several of our females ride their own bikes, and some aren’t as tall as you. Plus, you have your shifter strength to keep it upright. We can start you off on something smaller, though. I’ll give Havyck a call and have him on the lookout for a starter bike.”

Rayna wound her arm through his as they headed to the door. “Let me know how much it is, and I’ll transfer the money from my savings account.”

Ace didn’t argue, but he also wouldn’t take her money. She would find he was a generous… friend. That’s all they were at that point, but a male could dream.

Chapter Eight

Rayna

Rayna had neverfelt so alive. Riding behind Asher with the wind in her face had been amazing, and she couldn’t wait to do it again. Yes, she wanted to learn to ride her own bike, just in case—

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