Page 47 of Through The Woods

Chapter Fourteen

I blinked slowly, letting my swollen eyes adjust to the light in the room. When I rolled over, I realized the other side of the bed was empty and let out a small sigh. I didn’t know what I expected—that the stone-cold biker would’ve had a change of heart? That the man who wrote about Rae with such admiration and passion would see me in a similar light?

Nice one, Neve.

I looked at the clock and was surprised to see that it was already eight-thirty. Reluctantly, I slid out from under the warm sheets and padded into the bathroom to get ready for the day.

I took my time washing and drying my long hair before pulling on another outfit that didn’t belong to me. Today’s shirt featured the word ‘Juicy’ in large letters across the chest area.

Classy.

Maybe the men would allow me to shop for myself and I could buy clothes that didn’t have adjectives on them.

I walked downstairs, lost in thought. I had a couple of loads of laundry that needed to be done—I was also going to have to make a grocery list. I opened the door to the refrigerator while tapping a finger to my lips. If I got moving, I might have a little time left over to read the journal.

“Mornin’.”

I clutched my chest and spun around. “Jesus, Charm. I thought everyone had left.”

He was leaning up against the kitchen cabinets, with a cup of coffee in his hands. “The men are gone—I have business around here today.”

I nodded. “Okay. Just tell me where you need to be and I’ll stay out of your way.”

Disappointment filled me. If he was hanging around, it meant that I wasn’t going to be getting any reading done.

“You’re my business today, Neve.” His eyes narrowed as if he expected me to challenge him.

I closed the refrigerator and turned to face him fully. “Me? What kind of business could you have with me? I told you I’d stay out of your way. And if this is about last night, I’m sorry. I’m peachy now though. See?” I twirled in a small circle and pasted a smile on my face.

He downed the rest of his coffee and placed the cup in the sink next to him. “Ain’t about last night. You need to get used to being on a bike. I figure now’s a good time to learn.”

I moved around him and poured myself a cup. The first sip scalded my tongue, but I kept drinking. I hoped the caffeine would reach through the fog and help me understand this shift in him.

He watched me impatiently. “Is that a yes or are you ignoring me now?”

I set the cup down on the counter. “I don’t really have a choice, do I?”

Charm scratched at the back of his neck. “You’ve always got a choice. I just thought since I had time…”

His voice trailed off and we stared each other down. “What about the stuff I’m supposed to do around here?”

“It can wait.” His tone implied that it was his final answer on the matter.

I nodded. “Am I okay in what I’m wearing? Should I change?”

His shoulders dropped as he relaxed. “You’re good. Let’s go.” He walked outside, leaving the door open behind him. I jogged after him as he strode across the gravel and out to a large metal building.

“Wait here.” He disappeared inside and I kicked rocks with the toe of my shoe. What did he have hidden in there that he didn’t want me seeing?

Charm came back out a few minutes later, pushing a baby blue Harley. He tossed me a spare jacket. “Put this on. I’m gonna grab you a helmet.” He grabbed one and tossed it over to me, before going over and messing with something on the back of the bike.

“Okay, let’s go over the rules.”

I snorted with sudden laughter before slapping my hand against my mouth. “I didn’t think bikers had rules,” He glared down at me. “Sorry. Continue.”

He pointed back to the bike. “See these? These are footpegs. Keep your feet on them at all times. Always get on from the left side—just throw your right leg over and then slide up into the seat. Your hands should be on my hips,” I sucked in a breath and his eyes narrowed. “Somethin’ wrong with that?”

I shook my head. “No, I just thought there were handlebars or something.”

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