Page 105 of Regards, Mia

Mia jumps up and hurries to the window. Flicking the blinds open, she squints into the dark parking lot. “Did you ride your motorcycle?”

I rise from the sofa. “Yeah. Why?”

Her expression is excitement and terror rolled into one. “I want to go for a ride.”

I hold back a laugh, but I know better than to question Mia. She knows her mind like no one I’ve ever met. After months of lecturing me on the safety of motorcycles, she’s suddenly had a change of heart.

“You want to feel alive.” It’s not a question. I’ve known that feeling before. I’ve played with death and come out the winner.

Mia nods. Relief shines in her eyes.

Outside, the parking lot is lit by a full moon, and there is still a bit of winter in the air, even though it smells like spring.

“Where’s your jacket?” I ask as we approach my bike.

“I don’t need one,” Mia says. “I like the cold. I need it.”

I drape my jacket over her shoulders. “You’ll want this. Trust me.”

She looks like she’s going to argue. A crease forms between her straight brows, but she nods quickly. “Okay. I do.”

She threads her arms through the sleeves of my jacket and allows me to cover her head with my helmet.

“What about you?” she asks as I fasten the buckle under her chin.

I kiss her upturned lips. “Don’t worry about me.”

We climb on, and I show her where to put her feet, how to lean into the curves, and a signal if she wants to stop.

“Tap my thigh if you’re scared and I will find a place to stop.”

“I’m not scared.” She hugs my hips with her thighs.

I wrap her arms securely around my waist. “You ready?”

“Ready. Where are we going? Your place?”

I shake my head. “I’ve got guests.”

Her brow creases. “Who?”

“A couple of kids who needed a place to crash.”

Her heart shines in her expression. “Jay.”

“I know. I’m a softie. Don’t tell anyone, okay?”

She leans forward and kisses my shoulder, the helmet cumbersome between us. I smile and start the bike. “Hold on.”

She wants the wind on her face, the taste of freedom, the unknown curves ahead, and I know exactly where to take her.

It’s a short drive out of town into the mountains. Night has settled, and there’s no traffic climbing along the curving roads. It’s too dark to see the majestic mountain view, but it doesn’t matter. It’s the thrill Mia seeks, not the scenery.

We climb high into the mountains where we are surrounded by pine trees, and the starry sky seems close enough to touch. I push the speed, taking the curves with skill and expertise. I don’t want to scare her, but I do want her to feel the exhilaration.

She doesn’t tap my thigh once.

She whoops with joy as we shoot up a hill, then zoom down the other side. She laughs and squeezes my waist, her hands sliding up my chest to embrace me from behind. I feel the thunder of her heart against my back and the quickening of her breath.

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