Page 17 of Oohs, Ahhhs, and Orbs

Ten

BRIDGETTE

Iheld my breath as I exited through the back door of the shop. My fingers had a slight tremble that I hoped wasn’t noticeable as I pulled the keys back out of my purse. Before I could turn to lock the door, Logan was in front of me, seeming even larger as I stood there without my usual heels on.

I watched him as he looked at me, his gaze running over my face, his expression difficult to read. His jaw was firm as if he were clenching his teeth.

“Is there something wrong?” I asked warily as I started feeling more self-conscious by the second. I lifted my hand to smooth back my hair, but Logan took it gently in his much larger one.

“There’s not a damn thing wrong, Bridgette. I’m just having an argument with myself.”

I tilted my head as I eyed him, trying to ignore the way my belly warmed at the feel of his thumb sliding over the top of my hand in a soft caress. “What kind of argument?” I whispered as I realized that what I was seeing in his eyes was heat.

“Part of me wants to get you on my bike so we can start our first date. The other part of me wants to toss you over my shoulder and take you right back upstairs to your apartment.”

I swallowed hard, unable to think of anything clever to say. “I think it may be a little too soon for that.”

Logan nodded slowly. “It is. I promised you a first date, and that’s what you’re going to get.” He slid the keys out of my other hand and quickly locked the door, then handed them back to me. He watched as I zipped them back into my purse, then took my hand to guide me over to his waiting motorcycle. It was beautiful, all gleaming black paint and shining chrome. I knew nothing about motorcycles, but his seemed big, almost scary looking for all its beauty.

Logan pulled a helmet off the seat and lifted it above my head before carefully sliding it on. I stood there, unable to tear my eyes away from the dark stubble that covered his firm jawline as he concentrated on adjusting the chin strap. Once he was finally satisfied that I was safe and secure, he gave me a devilish grin, and I just knew that whatever came out of his mouth next was going to be trouble.

“I may not be taking you upstairs, but I can be satisfied knowing you’ll be having your sexy little body pressed up against me.” He took my hand with a wink as I blushed crimson under the helmet. I let him guide me to sit on the back. I held myself perched stiffly as I watched him swing his long leg over the seat and straddle the motorcycle as if it were made for him.

He reached back and grasped my thigh firmly and tugged until I was flush against him with a gasp. After he patted my thigh, he reached for his own helmet that was hanging from one of the handlebars. He paused before turning toward me.

“Just hold on tight and lean with me,” he said loud enough to hear through the helmet. “I promise, I’ll never let anything hurt you. By the way, it was six.”

I shook my head in confusion and asked as he slid his helmet on and quickly snapped the buckle. “Six what?”

“Six minutes.” Then he turned the key and the bike started up with a menacing growl. Without thinking it through, I wrapped my arms tightly around his middle. I could barely hear him over the sound of the engine, but couldn’t stop the smile that curved my lips when he said, “It was worth the wait.”

After those words, he kicked the stand up, and we were moving quicker than I had anticipated. We were already leaving the small alley where the back door to Oohs, Ahhhs, and Orbs was located and turning onto the main street.

Businesses passed quickly in a blur of light as we headed out of Gainsburg. Once the lights became scarcer, I stopped paying attention to where we were going and began to enjoy the darkness as early evening descended. I knew that in the hills, it would get darker and colder much quicker than in town, and was thankful for the warmth of my leather jacket.

I’d never been on the back of a motorcycle before, but was understanding the appeal the longer we rode. Very few cars passed us, and it was almost like being in our own little world as we flew down the curvy highway. As a witch, I loved everything about nature. It rejuvenated something deep within my soul. Being on the back of Logan’s motorcycle felt like I was flying. I had never felt so free in my life.

I laid my head on the back of his shoulder and watched the world rush past with a smile on my face. It wasn’t until what could have been minutes or hours that he began to slow down, and I recognized where we were. I hadn’t been to the isolated bar before, had only driven past on my way to the larger town beyond, but it had seemed interesting in its rundown appearance. Almost as if it had the charm of an old man who would sit in his rocking chair by the fire, whittling wood as he told one of the many stories he was holding on to.

I straightened up as Logan rolled slowly through the gravel parking lot and came to a stop near the front door. I felt him pat my leg again and quickly surmised that he was asking me to hop off. After swinging my leg over the back seat and being careful to avoid the hot exhaust pipe when he’d yelled out a warning over the engine, I stood there on shaky legs, wondering if that was how a newborn deer felt when it stood for the first time.

My fingers were almost numb as I fiddled with the clasp of the helmet. Before I could figure it out, Logan had the bike turned off and was reaching out to help before he’d taken his own off. When I slid the helmet over my head, I used one hand to smooth down my hair and watched in fascination as Logan pulled off his own and flung his head back, instantly looking perfectly put together.

“Did you like it?” I could see the uncertainty he was trying to hide, but he didn’t have to worry. I let my smile break out over my face and flung my arms around him.

“It was wonderful!” I pulled back and grinned up at him. “I loved it. Thank you for taking me.”

The expression on his face softened as he took in my happiness. I could have moved. I clearly saw the intention as well as the chance he was offering me to pull away. Instead, I leaned forward, for once our heights were nearly equal, as he still sat on his Harley. The kiss was gentle, soft, and sweet, just a meeting of our lips, but it was a kiss I’d remember for the rest of my life.

When he pulled away slowly, I stepped back to allow him space to stand up and placed a trembling hand over my abdomen where the warmth and fluttering of butterflies had taken flight at my first kiss. As I ran my tongue over my bottom lip, I watched Logan’s eyes grow darker, hungrier. Somehow, I knew that if I let him have control over my body, it would be the best decision I’d ever made.

Logan reached out and took my hand in his and laced our fingers together. “I’m going to need you to behave, little witch.”

I gave him an indignant glare as he tugged my hand and began pulling me toward the dark brown door. I could hear music coming from inside that sounded like classic rock. “I beg your pardon?”

He chuckled as he gripped the handle and glanced down at me with a wink. “One of us has to keep our heads, or I’ll end up making creative use of my motorcycle seat. I don’t think my Captain would appreciate one of his Detectives arrested for lewd conduct.”

Something about his teasing put me at ease. It was nice to know that I affected the man as much as he affected me. When the door opened wide, the music grew louder, and the sounds of laughter floated forward to greet us. Several heads turned in our direction, and shouts of greetings could be heard coming from all directions.

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