Page 2 of Riding Home

He shrugged nonchalantly.“Figured she deserved it.”

An awkward silence settled between us before he broke it.“So, what’s this imaginary boyfriend’s name?”

“Clark,” I blurted out without thinking, then blushed as he grinned widely.

“Clark, huh?Excellent choice.Strong name, I’ve heard.”

“Don’t let it go to your head,” I teased, shaking my head at my own slip-up.

He leaned in slightly, his gaze intense.“Tell me about this, Clark.What’s he like?”

“Oh, you know, tall, dark, handsome.A real Superman,” I said, playing along.

He smirked.“Sounds like stiff competition.”

A flush crept up my neck.His confidence was disarming.“Well, he is perfect.”

“Perfect’s boring,” he remarked, his tone lowering.“I could show you a better time.”

My pulse quickened.“Is that so?”

“Absolutely.”He looked at me earnestly.“Let me take your mind off this fake boyfriend.”

I swallowed hard, caught off guard by his bluntness.“You don’t waste time, do you?”

“Life’s too short for games,” he said simply.

Part of me was intrigued.No man had ever been so direct with me before.Nonetheless, the reasonable side reminded me I barely knew this man.

“Depends on what you’re competing for,” I replied, surprised by my own flirtatious tone.

His gaze intensified, and I was feeling warm.“I can help you forget about your imaginary boyfriend tonight.All night.”

My heart raced.“Bold of you to assume I want to forget him.”

“Boldness is kind of my thing,” he remarked with a wink.“May I?”he asked softly, his voice barely above a whisper.Then he reached out, his fingers whisking a stray strand of hair off my face.

I swallowed hard, every nerve ending alive.Part of me screamed to say no, but another part—a louder, more insistent part—urged me forward.I found myself nodding ever so slightly.

He leaned in, his face inches from mine.I could feel his breath warm against my skin.My eyes fluttered closed as anticipation swelled within me.

But just as our lips were about to meet, reality crashed back in.I pulled away abruptly.“I—I should go.”

He looked momentarily taken aback but quickly masked it with a gentle smile.“Of course.Long day ahead.”

“Yeah,” I whispered, slipping off the stool.“It was...nice meeting you, Clark.”

“Likewise, Aurora.”His gaze held mine, his eyes full of fire that made me want to stay.

I took a hesitant step back.“Goodnight.”

“Sweet dreams,” he replied.

I turned and made my way to the elevator, my heart pounding in my chest.As the doors closed, I caught one last glimpse of him watching me, his expression pure lust.

In the elevator’s solitude, I exhaled shakily.What was that?No man had ever affected me like this stranger had.The rational part of me knew it was foolish, but another part couldn’t help but wonder what might have happened if I hadn’t pulled away.

Chapter 2

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