Page 24 of Waiting for Sunshine

SHANE

I wassurprised by how much I actually trusted Max. Getting on the back of a motorcycle with someone is definitely at the top of the list of ways you’ll know I trust you. But I always feel safe with Max. Our very first run-in outside the coffee shop was a small speed bump in comparison to the ways he’s managed to show up for me since then.

I don’t think he even realizes how big the gestures are, either. It just seems like second nature to him, to protect people. Showing up during my panic attack seems a little more intimate, but I guess I still don’t know him well enough to strike that from his instincts.

The whole ride to Topgolf was exhilarating. I have never experienced anything quite like it. The speed, the purr of the bike beneath us, the close proximity to Max. I could think of worse places to be than wrapped around his body while he takes us to hang out with our friends. The bike isn’t the only thing purring anymore. When we pull up and he cuts the engine, my heart is racing against my chest.

I hop off, allowing him to do the same, he turns and looks down at me with a smile spread across his face.

“Now, that wasn’t so bad was it?” Max says, helping to remove my helmet.

“That was absolutely amazing. How long have you been riding?” I ask.

“Mmm, since I was about 18 so almost 20 years.” He answers. I forget sometimes about the difference in our age, but it honestly just makes him that much hotter to me. He sets our helmets on the bike seat, and I can’t take my eyes off him. He has on dark wash jeans and a heather gray t-shirt, paired with his leather jacket and biker boots. His hair is messy from having his helmet on, then running his fingers through it, but it’s freakingworkingfor him.

“Maybe I’ll give you lessons sometime and you can join Lenny’s biker gang.” Max jokes. Lenny is one of the regulars at the bar I had the pleasure of meeting my first night working there. He told me if I had a bike I could join their gang and he’d have a special jacket made just for me. He’s a total riot and I love when their crew comes in.

“I think I’ll stick to riding with you. However, the custom leather jacket is almost worth it.” I tease back. A smile flashes across Max’s face as we head toward the entrance.

When we start walking up the stairs I hear a vaguely familiar voice call out.

“Hey, Shane!” I turn around and see Luther running up behind us.

“Hey, Luther. What are you doing here?” I ask. Max’s body stiffens beside me as his gaze zeroes in on Luther.

“I’m not late am I?” He asks, ignoring my previous question. I suppose Lauren invited him tonight from his latest inquiry.

“No, not at all,” I answer, a little confused by his being here.

“And you are?” Max asks, making Luther cut his eyes over to him.

“Oh, gosh sorry. Luther, this is Max, Max this is Luther. He works with Lauren.” I introduce them and Luther extends a hand to Max.

“Nice to meet you, Max.” Luther smiles.

“Yeah, you too. We better get inside so we don’t end up being late, huh?” He nods toward the door. Luther grins and nods in agreement before taking the stairs two at a time.

Max puts a hand on the small of my back to guide me in front of him. The gesture sending shivers down my spine, as well as a wave of comfort.

When we make it inside I look around for the group that came ahead of us. I spot Taylor, Leah, Lauren, and Tucker all sitting at the bar. Tucker looks like such a player surrounded by my beautiful best friends, though all of his attention seems to be turned to one fierce redhead.

“There you guys are!” Leah calls out, waving us over. Luther walks over first, greeting Lauren and then saying hello to everyone else.

“Tucker, this is Luther, we work together,” Lauren says, and I notice the look on Luther’s face. Making me wonder if maybe they do more than just work together.

“Nice to meet you, man.” Tucker shakes his hand and then turns to face me and Max.

“Tank called and said Ruby cut him loose early since the bar was slow tonight, he asked what we were up to, so the party just keeps on growing.” He holds his hands out and smiles.

“Fantastic,” Max says flatly.

“It’ll be fun, and if you end up having an awful time, we can go.” I say quietly, smiling up at him. He narrows his gaze at me, before agreeing.

“Deal.” He winks at me.

“Oh, we’re going to have fun. Let’s go,” Taylor says, linking her arm with mine. Without even thinking about it, I reach my hand back for Max’s. Before I can realize what I’m doing and retract it, he takes my hand in his, and the electricity races straight to my core.

Oh boy, I’m in trouble.

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