I spot Jett, and his eyes widen as he drinks me in. The way his eyes travel over my skin it feels as though he touched me. The hunger in them makes my stomach do a flip. He strides over to me.
Axle’s eyes bounce between Jett and I until they fall on me. “I’d give you a hug and wish you luck”—he leans in and drops his voice to a whisper—“because you’ll need it.” Then his voice goes back to normal. “But I don’t feel like getting stabbed today.” He smirks and looks at Jett. “You’re punching above your weight, buddy.”
Jett’s fake wicked smile slides over his face. “I know.”
“Axle,” Elena calls out, “leave them alone.”
“I’m coming,” he replies, sounding disappointed. He turns and leaves.
“You didn’t forget about today, did you?” I ask Jett.
He shakes his head.
“Good. I heard we shouldn’t leave the clubhouse... but Ireallywanted to go out for lunch and go for a ride on your motorcycle.” I cringe a little at my forwardness, but I follow it up with a pleading look and a smile.
He nods slowly. “Okay. We can go for a ride.”
I can hardly contain my excitement as I squeal, “I’ll just go check in with Sammy!”
With a spring in my step, I head out back to find Sammy throwing a tennis ball for Conan. I pause for a moment, watching as her laughter fills the air and the dog races after the ball. He picks it up and trots back, placing the ball at her feet.
I walk over to Ava, who’s bouncing Hope on her knee. “I’m heading out for a lunch date with Jett. Could you keep an eye on Sammy? I’ll be back in about two hours.”
She smiles warmly. “Of course. Have fun.”
“Sammy!” I call out, raising my voice slightly. “I’m going out with Jett. I’ll be back soon.”
She glances at me briefly. “Okay, Mom,” she says, then goes right back to what she’s doing, barely acknowledging me.
Watching her toss the ball for Ava’s dog, I can’t help but smile. “She really likes your dog,” I say to Ava.
“He likes her too. She keeps him entertained, and he could definitely use the exercise.”
The dog has a round belly, so I chuckle. “I can see that. Thanks again. Bye!” Giving them both a wave, I turn toward the house. Jett is waiting for me by the back door.
When I reach him, I place my hand in his and we walk through the house together. I notice the curious stares of the others. Once outside, we head to the shed, where there’s a row of expensive-looking motorcycles.
Jett steps up to a black-and-silver Harley Davidson with chrome handlebars, pulls off the helmet, and hands it to me.
“How many women have ridden on the back of your bike?” I ask. The question slips out before I can stop myself. Curiosity has gotten the best of me.
His voice is low and sincere as he replies. “No one... until now.” His eyes lock on mine, the intensity making my stomach flutter.
A shiver of excitement rushes through me as I take the helmet from him. While he swings his leg over the bike with effortless confidence, I awkwardly climb on behind him, fumbling into place. My chest presses against his back, and I already enjoy the closeness.
He glances over his shoulder. “Are you ready?”
“Yes,” I reply, my voice steady but eager.
The engine roars to life, loud and powerful. I wrap my arms around his torso, feeling the taut muscles beneath his shirt as he accelerates. My cheek rests against his leather vest when the bike surges forward, kicking up a cloud of dust as we race down the dirt road. The thrill makes me squeal with delight. I could get used to this.
We slow down as we reach town and cruise along the main street. Jett expertly reverses into a parking spot outside a charming country-style bar. I pull off the helmet and smooth down my hair, hoping it’s not a complete disaster.
“That was so much fun!” I say as he turns to me.
He scans the area before replying. “I thought you’d like it.”
I huff. “No,” I say with a grin, “Ilovedit.”