Page 19 of Stealing the Biker

Afraid of doing or saying something to further embarrass myself after the way I’ve behaved around him, I lean my head against the window, completely disconnected from reality. I’m in a nightmare, living a life that isn’t meant to be mine. My father’s out there somewhere and he may or may not want to hurt me. Everything is spiraling out of control and there’s nothing I can do about any of it.

Jimmy pulls into the same spot as yesterday, a little way from the school in the parking lot of a roofing business that closed up shop a few months ago. Idling the truck, he grabs my hand and I notice his busted knuckles. I want to ask what happened. Only it’s none of my business. I doubt he’d give me a real answer.

“I know you don’t want to talk about it. I just…if you ever change your mind, I want you to know I’m here.” The sincerity behind his tone and in his softened expression has my heart fluttering like the wings of a butterfly. My belly goes all warm and gooey as he stares at me.

“Thanks,” I murmur, glancing back down at his grip on my hand, soaking in his warmth, wishing that I could have a do over of yesterday. Wishing he didn’t have a girlfriend. That we’d met under different circumstances.

Most of the day passes me by in a blur. Even lunch with Jimmy isn’t enough to distract me from overthinking about my father and the news that I have a little sister. Jonesy Ripley is nothing but a distant memory. I push the greasy meat of my taco salad around with my fork, wishing I’d skipped. Mom would have understood with all that is going on.

“You okay?” Jimmy nudges me with his knee.

“No, I’m not okay,” I admit, my voice barely above a whisper.

He doesn’t push for me to talk about all the shit swirling in my head. Instead, he reaches out and takes my hand in his again, his thumb absentmindedly stroking the back side in soothingcircles. What may appear to be a small and friendly gesture means more to me than he realizes.

My face heats as he stares at my lips, and I wonder if he’s feeling it, too. This magnetic pulse pulling us closer together with every passing second I spend with him. It’s crazy and intense. The way I’ve come to depend on him in the past twenty-four hours.

And maybe that’s all it is. Finding comfort in the one person who happens to be by my side. Would the connection be as strong if he were anyone else? Like say, Jonesy. Would he be holding my hand and giving me a shoulder to cry on?

“You should eat something.”

I nod, forcing myself to take a bite of my now cold lunch.

“You sure you don’t want to get out of here? I won’t tell on you for skipping.”

As badly as I want to take him up on the offer, I don’t trust myself right now. Because every piece of me wants to be impulsive. Giving in right now would only lead to more heartbreak and I can take anything else going wrong. Not today.

Chapter Seven

I don’t know how Kiesha is making it through the day with all the family drama she’s dealing with. She’s stronger and more mature than I gave her credit. Not many people would take the news they have a little sister they never knew about as easily as she has.

I’d be losing my mind.

I stare down at my phone, playing a mindless hunting game, trying to pass the time.

Sabrina hasn’t tried to call or message me all day. To be honest, I’m glad for the break from her constantly jumping my ass for every little thing. Being here for Kiesha today has been a nice distraction.

Deep down, I know I can’t afford to get too involved. She’s vulnerable now, and I can’t take advantage of her situation. I can’t grow too attached to her. This situation is short term. Shewon’t need my protection forever. When this is over, we’ll go back to being strangers. Back to our real lives. One where she’s lusting after douche head jocks and my focus is solely on my own problems.

My thoughts drift to Sabrina, and the guilt gnaws at me. I shouldn’t be here, comforting another girl while I’m still in a relationship, no matter how rocky it is. How would Sabrina feel if she knew? How would she react if she saw me holding Kiesha’s hand, even if it was innocent?

At least that’s the lie I’m telling myself. I’d be a liar if I said I don’t find her attractive. Link and Prodigy’s warnings sound in my head, reminding me that she’s off limits.

My phone chimes with a text from Kiesha.

Not to freak you out, but I think my dad is standing outside of the school.

Fuck.

I’m coming.

My top priority is getting Kiesha to safety. Then We’ll call Prodigy.

I meet her outside of her classroom and pull her into a nearby supply closet.

“Are you okay?” She nods as I dial Prodigy and hand her my phone.

“Prodigy?” She calls out his name, her voice shaky and unsure. “I think I saw my dad.”

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