Page 51 of Dash

Eventually, when the performer took a break, Ane took Pupper home, and left Liz and PRK to themselves with empty coffees and only crumbs left on the plate that once held a brownie. Once they broke the ice, or Pupper broke the ice, and steered the conversation away from the patches on the biker’s vest, conversation between the four flowed freely, casually, and most of all, naturally. The ease in which he’d fit in with her friends meant the smile hadn’t left her face since their initial shared laugh.

As the workers wiped down tables, wrapped up the baked goods left behind the counter, and the guitarist finished his last song, Slide by the Goo Goo Dolls, the end to their evening was evident. Perhaps to prolong the night, or because she had just had three cups of caramel coffee something or other, Liz went to the bathroom while the entertainment packed up his music.

When she came out, she watched as PRK handed the guy something. By the bright ass smile on the young guitarists face, she could only assume it was money. With a nod, PRK turned and spotted her. His own grin lit up his features.

At first glance, with the well-worn biker vest adorned with the dirty patches, PRK didn’t give off a friendly vibe. Black motorcycle boots, a wallet chain, jeans, a black band t-shirt, his bald head—the look didn’t scream ‘approachable guy.’ The normal expression on his face was almost a scowl. He always seemed to be scanning his surroundings, looking for something. But now, with the smile on his face, it brightened everything about him.

When she got closer, she couldn’t help it, and stuck out her hand, hoping he’d take it. This wasn’t a date, at least it hadn’t started as one. Though, it sure felt like one now that it ended. Not counting the workers, they were the last two left in the coffee shop.

Holding her breath for half a second, she thought he’d reject her hand. Time slowed as one worker swept floors, putting chairs up onto the table while the other wiped down the counter. Even if they weren’t watching, she felt like they stared at her, waiting, anticipating the same thing as she. Would PRK accept it?

When he intertwined his fingers with hers, she breathed again. Internally, she scolded herself for making such a big deal out of hand holding. What was she, twelve? Jesus. Get your shit together, Liz.

“It’s late,” he said as they approached the door. “I’ll walk you to your car.”

The coffee shop didn’t have a lot. Street parking had been a bitch when she got there. It wasn’t that this area was sketchy or anything, but she was thankful that he offered to walk her. Again, she just wanted that much more time with him, even if it was in silence. She enjoyed just being in his presence.

“Thank you.” She glanced around, getting her bearings. She needed to remember where she’d parked. “This way.” With a point of the finger, the two of them started down the sidewalk. “It’s just two blocks over. They’re short blocks.”

He chuckled at her quick addition about block length.

Blushing, she took a deep breath. “Did you park far?”

His grip on her hand tightened, and the zing of it shot up her arm and spread throughout her body. Her stomach fluttered, and she again scolded herself internally for reacting like a schoolgirl with a crush.

“Nah.”

“I can drive you to your car,” she offered.

He cocked his head. “You don’t think I can handle myself on these mean streets?” he teased with a wide grin.

Bumping his shoulder, she couldn’t help but laugh. She doubted it was the case, but the gesture seemed to offer her a deeper whiff of his smell. It wasn’t quite cologne. Though, she wasn’t too sure if he wore any. He smelled like leather and cigarettes, and that made her temperature rise.

“I’ll be fine,” he said, breaking his hold on her hand only to wrap his arm around her shoulders and pull her against his side. “Don’t you worry about me.”

For the first time in her life, she wished she had parked far away. She didn’t want their walk to end. She’d nuzzled against his side to enjoy the feeling of his embrace. Their feet were in lockstep, despite his longer legs. She did her best not to overthink their in-sync stride and turn it into some sort of relationship sign.

Like a beacon, her white sedan sat alone on what was once a packed street. With it in view, her mood dropped.

When she slowed, he did as well. Stopping at her car, she looked up at him. “This is me.”

Once he released her, she immediately missed the feel of him. It wasn’t a frosty night by any stretch, it was a warm early summer evening. Yet, she longed for the heat his body gave off to warm her. She attempted to hide signs of it by letting her hair curtain her face. Another measure she employed involved digging in her bag for her keys. She found them immediately, but continued to shuffle around for just a few more precious seconds.

“Safe. Reliable.”

Her head shot up at his comments. “Huh?” Peering at him with furrowed brows, it took her a moment to realize he commented on her car. “Oh.” She pulled her keys out. “Yeah.” With a shrug, she looked over at the car. Those were the reasons she’d bought it. “I guess it’s not as sexy as a Purple Road King.” She smirked at him.

She didn’t want to admit that she’d googled the bike, just to get an idea of what exactly it meant. The look in his eyes was enough to hint that he had suspected as much, even if neither of them said it.

His snort did things to her that no man should be able to do so effortlessly.

“Can I see it one day?”

Biting his lips together, she watched him intently for an answer. His gaze locked on her, and the fire behind his eyes seemed to jump from his body and engulf her. The flush crept up her chest and spread into her cheeks.

He took a half step toward her, his boots scuffed on the pavement. She took a full step back, her butt pressed against her car. A grin laced with sinister intentions spread across his lips, and in the light of the street lamp, gave his face that much more of an intimidating glow. The sound of her thundering heartbeat pulsed in her ears as it picked up speed.

Another half step on his part. She couldn’t go anywhere. He brought his arms up and rested his palms on the roof of the sedan, boxing her in. She’d never been trapped in such an erotically intoxicating way. She swallowed at the feel of his body against hers. Would he kiss her? She wanted him to kiss her. Tilting her head up, she closed her eyes invitingly.

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