Page 65 of Stuck with my Brother's Firefighter Besties

I turned to head back toward the barn, but before I got too far, I glanced over my shoulder and gave her a wink. “By the way, you were definitely blushing.”

She groaned, burying her face in her hands as I walked away, my grin stretching wider with every step.

* * *

The rumble of my motorcycle echoed through Medford’s quiet streets as I pulled up outside Lila’s place.

I wasn’t exactly dressed for a cozy restaurant, but I’d never been the kind of guy to follow all the rules.

A leather jacket, dark jeans, and my favorite boots—that was my style.

And Lila? She was the perfect contrast. When she stepped out of her brother’s house, her denim jacket and casual outfit screamed “girl next door,” but the way she carried herself said something else entirely.

Confident. Sharp. Beautiful.

“Nice ride,” she said as I swung my leg off the bike. Her eyes sparkled with mischief, and I knew right then she wasn’t going to be easy to impress.

Good. I liked a challenge.

“You like it?” I asked, running a hand over the handlebars. “Thought I’d mix things up tonight. No boring dinner tables or stuffy small talk. Just us and the open road. What do you say?”

Her brows shot up. “You want me to get on that thing?”

“Scared?” I teased, flashing her a grin.

She crossed her arms, tilting her head in mock defiance. “Not a chance. But if I fall off, I’m suing.”

I laughed, handing her a spare helmet. “Noted. Now, come on. Trust me.”

She hesitated for only a moment before slipping the helmet on and climbing onto the bike behind me. The warmth of her hands as they rested tentatively on my waist sent a spark down my spine.

“Hold on tight,” I said, my voice low as I revved the engine.

The bike roared to life, and we took off, tearing down Medford’s back roads under a blanket of stars. The wind whipped around us, cool and exhilarating, and I felt her grip on me tighten as I leaned into the curves.

We stopped at a clearing just outside of town, where the view of the night sky was unhindered by city lights. I killed the engine, and the sudden silence was almost jarring.

“What’s this?” she asked, slipping off the helmet and shaking out her hair.

I hopped off the bike, pulling a blanket and a bottle of wine from the saddlebag. “Just a little detour.”

Her lips parted in surprise, but then she laughed, shaking her head. “You’re impossible.”

“Impossible is the best kind of possible,” I said, spreading out the blanket on the grass. “Now, come on. Let’s enjoy this.”

We sat under the stars, the wine flowing and the conversation even more so. I leaned back, watching her as she talked, her laughter lighting up the night like fireworks.

“So, is this your usual date strategy?” she asked, twirling the wine glass in her hand.

I smirked, leaning closer. “Only for the ones worth impressing.”

Her cheeks flushed, but she didn’t look away. “And what makes me worth it?”

“You showed up,” I said simply. “Not many people are brave enough to take a risk on me.”

She gave me a look that was equal parts intrigued and wary. “Risky, huh?”

I leaned even closer, our faces just inches apart. “The best things in life usually are.”

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