Page 66 of Lavender and Honey

I cut him off shaking my head, “No! It's fine. I just wasn’t expecting it, that’s all.”

Soren's eyes lit up with relief, that mischievous glint returning instantly. "Perfect. I promise to drive carefully." He winked, sending a flutter through my chest. "Well, reasonably carefully."

I laughed despite my nerves. "That's not as reassuring as you might think."

"Trust me?" he asked, his voice dropping slightly as he held out his hand to me.

I looked at his outstretched palm for a moment, then placed my hand in his. "Yes," I said softly, surprising myself with how true it felt. "I do."

His fingers closed around mine, warm and secure. "Then let's go have some fun."

"Lead the way." I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt.

Soren's motorcycle was parked just outside my shop - sleek, black, and intimidating in its power. He handed me a helmet, helping me adjust the strap with gentle fingers that lingered perhaps a moment longer than necessary against my skin.

"Ever been on one before?" he asked, as he looked at me then back at the motorcycle.

I shook my head, “Never.” I admitted, a mixture of excitement and nervousness fluttering in my chest.

Soren's eyes sparkled with delight at my confession. "Never? Well then, this will be a night of firsts." His voice carried a promise that sent a shiver down my spine - one that had nothing to do with fear.

"I brought you a helmet," he added, his tone softening slightly. "Safety first and all that. Lucian would have my head if I didn't take proper care of you."

The casual mention of Lucian's protectiveness made something warm bloom in my chest. These men, with their different personalities and approaches, all seemed united in their desire to keep me safe.

Soren made sure the helmet was secured before he showed me how to mount and get off the motorcycle, making sure I was comfortable around the bike.

"You'll want to hold onto me," Soren instructed as he settled onto the bike, patting the seat behind him. "Arms around my waist, tight as you need to. Don't be shy about it."

I swallowed hard, nodding as I climbed onto the motorcycle behind him, my movements awkward and uncertain. The machine was powerful, vibrating beneath us even at rest. Tentatively, I wrapped my arms around Soren's waist, keeping a polite distance between our bodies.

He glanced over his shoulder, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. "That's not going to cut it, Lavender girl. I need you closer."

Before I could respond, he reached back and pulled me flush against him, my chest pressing against his back, my thighs cradling his. The sudden closeness sent heat rushing to my cheeks.

"There," I could hear the smirk in his voice, causing me to tighten my arms around him, even as the heat from a blush started to come to my cheeks. I was grateful at this time for the helmet hiding it.

"Ready?" Soren called over his shoulder, his eyes meeting mine in the side mirror.

I nodded, tightening my grip around his waist. "Ready."

The motorcycle surged forward, and I gasped, instinctively pressing closer to Soren's back. His laughter reached me even over the rush of wind and the growl of the engine. The world blurred around us as we wound through the streets of Haven's Rest going to a destination I had no clue of. I had a feeling Soren was going to surprise me…and I didn’t really mind. I was excited to see what his mind came up with for tonight.

Chapter Forty-One

The vibration of the motorcycle beneath me became oddly comforting as we wound through the streets of Haven's Rest and onto the highway. My initial nervousness gave way to exhilaration as I clung to Soren, the wind whipping around us. There was something undeniably freeing about racing along the open road, the boundaries between myself and the world blurring with each mile.

When Soren finally slowed the bike, turning onto a gravel path that led away from the main road, curiosity replaced my excitement. We were heading toward what appeared to be a fairground, its colorful lights twinkling against the darkening sky, the distant sound of music and laughter carrying on the breeze.

Soren pulled into a makeshift parking area filled with other vehicles and cut the engine. "We're here," he announced, his voice bright with anticipation as he removed his helmet.

I stare at the fairground lights twinkling against the darkening sky, my helmet-flattened hair tickling my neck as I tug it free. The distant thrum of country music pulses in the air, each beat a question mark that makes my stomach flip. Soren's watching me, purple eyes alive with mischief and something softer—anticipation, maybe, or pride at having successfully surprised me. His motorcycle still hums beneath us, vibrating against my legs as I process exactly where he's brought me.

"A... dance hall?" I ask, unable to keep the bewilderment from my voice. Through the open doors of the large barn-like structure, I can see couples twirling and stepping in coordinated movements, their boots stomping in unison against the wooden floor.

Soren swings his leg over the motorcycle with effortless grace, pocketing the keys before turning to me with that trademark grin of his. "Not just any dance hall, Lavender girl. This is The Stampede—best place for line dancing in three counties."

"Line dancing," I echo faintly, accepting his offered hand as I dismount from the bike with considerably less grace than he had. My legs feel wobbly, though whether from the ride or from the prospect of dancing, I'm not entirely sure.

---