Page 41 of Riding the Edge

“Then I can wait for the sequel.”

Silence falls between us as my hand remains locked with his and I look out the window, watching the brownstones pass us by in a flash. Al turns on the radio and Van Morrison’s voice fills the car, singing about his brown-eyed girl. I close my eyes and get lost in the lyrics. Al starts to sing along with the chorus causing a smile to spread across my lips. Marveling over how a crazy biker named Wolf has given me one of the best nights of my life, I’m struck by the reminder tomorrow may bring a change to my life I’m not quite prepared to tackle. I guess Al provided me with the distraction I craved…however, I wasn’t quite willing to let it go. The relaxation fades from me and is replaced with anxiety.

Al pulls the Charger in front of my house and kills the engine. He releases my hand and at the loss of his touch my eyes spring open. I watch him round the front of the car and when he opens my door, he holds out his hand. Taking it, I swallow the lump in my throat and let him lead me up the walkway towards my front door.

Throughout the night the conversation flowed easily and when it didn’t, the silence was comfortable. Now, not so much. A million thoughts race through my head as I desperately try to push tomorrow’s appointment from my mind and focus on what comes next. The last thing I want is to end tonight on a bad note because I let myself get carried away by fear. Reminding myself, I’m not a fearful woman, I turn around and meet Al’s gaze. Biting the side of my cheek, I giggle the keys in my hand and force a smile.

“I had a great time, Al.”

“When can I see you again?” he asks gruffly.

I want to say tomorrow.

I want to ask him not to leave—for the night to continue and for me to remain in this perfect bubble, secluded from the uncontrollable horrors of the world. A safe place where a woman doesn’t worry about going to the doctor and relishes in the comfort of a man who has managed to make her feel more in a single date than she has her whole life.

“I’ll call you,” I reply hoarsely as he lifts his arm and splays his hand on the door over my head, boxing me in. Moving his other hand to my hip, his fingers curl into my skin as he bends his head.

“We get one life,” he murmurs.

Of all the words he could’ve chosen to say…

The keys fall from my hand as I reach up and wind my arms around his neck. Dragging his mouth to mine, I lean in, finding his lips. It’s a simple kiss, one he doesn’t immediately respond to. I pull away, searching his eyes and wait for him to say something. Instead, he takes a hold of my face and covers my mouth with his. The tip of his tongue traces my lips, prying them open. Discovering a well-kept beard is fairly soft, my lips part and his tongue sweeps into my mouth. My back presses against the door as my tongue touches his and takes that first taste.

Immediately intoxicated by him, a moan escapes me as our tongues caress and explore one another. Pressing his hips into me, a growl rumbles through him and before I can object he’s pulling away.

“Jesus Christ, Lady,” he pants, licking his lips.

My chest rises and falls with uneven breaths as I stare at his mouth.

“You’re full of surprises,” he adds. Taking a step back, he combs his fingers roughly through his hair as his gaze travels the length of me. “Here I was starting to think you’d fix me,” he continues. Seeming undecided, he steps forward, closing the distance he put between us. “You’re going to ruin me.”

Not sure what to make of that, I look away and instantly he touches a finger under my chin, forcing my eyes back to his.

“Tomorrow night.”

“I can’t tomorrow.”

“Trying to do the right thing here, Lady,” he hisses. “Be respectful—”

“Come inside,” I blurt, smacking my lips together the instant the words leave them. Reaching behind him, he cups the back of his neck as he silently contemplates my offer.

“Let me be clear,” he starts roughly. “I follow you in that house, I’m going to do things to you, Maria. Not just with my mouth but with my entire body and there ain’t no silk to be found here. We go in there together, we’re fucking. It’ll be hard and rough and the best you ever had.”

I feel the heat rise to my cheeks as I tear my eyes away from him. Bending down, I retrieve my keys from the floor and turn my back to him. My fingers fumble as I unlock the door. Pushing it open, I stare into the dark house and draw in a deep breath as I step inside.

I know what happens if I close the door. I’ll go into the kitchen, set the coffee for the morning and then take a shower. I’ll spend a half hour blow drying my hair and change into a pair of silk pajamas. I’ll crawl into bed alone and stare at the empty side of the bed before I eventually fall asleep. Tomorrow will come, and I’ll feel nothing but regret.

Turning my head, I meet Al’s smoldering eyes.

“We get one life,” I whisper over my shoulder.

Stepping further inside, I leave the door open and the invitation between us.

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