Page 32 of Baby for the Bikers

“Fine.” I pocket my phone. “Just needed a break from the noise.”

My brother’s gaze is too perceptive, but thankfully, he doesn’t push. “Maddox wants to head out soon. His last race is done.”

“I’ll meet you at the bikes.”

He nods and melts back into the crowd, leaving me to my thoughts. I give myself another minute to get my head straight before following. By the time I reach the parking area, Maddox is already there with Rowan, both still riding the high of the races.

“Great night,” Maddox is saying, his arm slung casually around Rowan’s shoulders. “Told you you’d enjoy it.”

“It was decent,” she admits, but her bright eyes and flushed cheeks tell a different story. She thrives on this environment—the energy, the competition, the edge of danger. It’s written all over her.

“Ready to head out?” I ask, approaching the bikes.

“Almost.” Maddox grins at me over Rowan’s head. “Princess here was just telling me she’s curious about our backup bikes.”

Rowan rolls her eyes at the nickname. “I was asking how your bikes are coming along, actually.”

“Should be ready by Monday,” I answer, unlocking my helmet. “Final paint details and we’re good to go.”

“That’s good.” She nods, but her eyes drift to our current rides with undisguised interest. “I’m glad.”

“You want to try it out, don’t you?” Maddox teases, catching her look.

I expect denial, but instead, she meets his gaze steadily. “Actually, yeah. I do.”

“Ever thought about getting your own?” I find myself asking. “Since you’ll be here long-term with the bakery.”

“I’ve thought about it.” Her fingers trail along the handlebars of Maddox’s bike with practiced familiarity. “But I’d need to save up more first.”

“You could borrow one of these once we get our main rides back,” Maddox offers. “For work commutes.”

I shoot him a look. These bikes aren’t toys to be loaned out casually, even to someone who’s becoming increasingly important to the diner’s success. But Rowan’s face lights up at the suggestion.

“Seriously?” She looks between us, excitement breaking through her usually guarded expression. “You’d let me use one?”

“If you can handle it,” I say, not wanting to commit to my brother’s impulsive offer. “These aren’t beginner bikes.”

A look crosses her face—something like amusement mixed with irritation. “I can handle it,” she says quietly. “Mind if I show you?”

Before I can respond, she’s swinging her leg over Maddox’s bike with the ease of someone who’s done it countless times. Her hands find the grips naturally, knees settling against thetank like she’s fitting into a second skin. Nothing about her positioning reads “amateur.”

“Keys?” she asks, holding out her hand to Maddox.

He hesitates, looking to me. I shrug. We’re in an empty corner of the parking lot, and she’s clearly not a complete novice.

“Don’t wreck it,” he warns, dropping the keys into her palm.

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” The smile she gives him makes something hot uncoil in my stomach.

She starts the bike with practiced precision, letting it warm up before shifting her weight. The engine purrs beneath her, and she rolls forward slowly, taking a wide circle around us to get the feel of the machine.

“Not bad,” Ryder comments from beside me, his voice neutral. But I can see the appreciation in his eyes—not just for her body straddling the bike, but for the skill in her movements.

She makes another circuit, faster this time, her body leaning into the turns with natural grace. Then, with a quick glance to ensure the area is clear, she shifts, throttles forward, and pulls up.

The front wheel lifts off the ground effortlessly, hovering at the perfect height as she rides a controlled wheelie for several yards before smoothly bringing it back down. Not a flashy stunt, but one that requires genuine skill and confidence.

“Holy shit,” Maddox mutters beside me.

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