Page 6 of Mac
"That's sweet."She blinked again then glanced down at herself."But I'm not dressed to go out."
"You look great to me, but I was planning to take my bike, so long pants would be best."
"You mind waiting a few minutes while I change?"
"Not at all."He turned to go back to his place then stopped and turned back to face her."If you've got shoes with a slight heel, that would work best, nothing high but boots or something like this."He lifted one foot and showed her the bottom of his own boots.
"No problem.I'll be out as quickly as I can."She closed the door and disappeared.
Mac went back to his place, opened the garage and backed his bike out before closing the door and locking up.Might as well get a head start.It killed the time while he waited.He didn't have to wait long.Less than five minutes after he'd left her at her door, she appeared wearing jeans, boots, a t-shirt and short denim jacket.
"That looks perfect.You ever ridden before?"
"A couple of times, as a teenager, but it's been a long time.A really long time."
Something in her voice made Mac look at her.She was staring at his bike with one brow lifted.
"Not that long, I'm sure."He still sat astride the bike after backing it out of the garage."Here."He extended one hand toward her with a helmet."Need help getting it on?"
"I think I can handle it."She took the helmet and slipped it on, only fumbling a bit with the buckle.Once she had it on and ready, she grinned at him."See?"
"Looks as good as you do.Ready for a ride?"he challenged.The way light and attitude flashed in her eyes lit a fire deep in his belly.It wasn't a familiar feeling, but he liked it.Something about the way it made him feel, made him want to see it again.Mac didn't quite understand it, but he didn't want to examine it too closely, not now.
"Sure.You want me to climb on now, or after you start it?"
"Whichever you'd like works for me."Mac picked up his helmet from where he'd let it rest in his lap while he'd waited and slipped it on.She made a face, looked him up and down then stepped closer.
"I think I'd prefer now, if that's all right."
"Of course it is."He waited while she threw one leg over the back of the bike as if she'd done it a hundred times before.Mac couldn't help but smile.It was something he knew was like riding a bike.Once you knew the steps, it came naturally."Ready?"he asked once she'd settled in.He glanced down to check her feet.to make sure she wouldn't get burned by the pipes.
"Whenever you are," her voice came over his shoulder.
Mac smiled and started the bike.He backed it out into the street and after a moment or two, they were on their way.He maneuvered the traffic with ease, weaving in and out of the cars and taking them to the little cafe he liked for breakfast.
Fifteen minutes later, he pulled into the parking lot beside a hole in the wall looking diner and killed the engine.
"It doesn't look like much, but the food's amazing."
"I trust you."Elyse stepped off the back of the bike and tugged the helmet off."I don't think you'd take me somewhere you didn't know was good."She shot him a grin.
"Sounds like you may have me pegged."Mac dismounted and took off his own helmet.He set his on his seat, then turned and took Elyse's from her and put it with his."You ready?"
"Starving."Her smile warmed something in him, something that hadn't been warm in a long time.
He opened the door and motioned for Elyse to go ahead of him inside.Once in the door he led her to a table along one wall, near a window.Mac couldn't help the surge of satisfaction that his favorite seat was empty and available for them.They didn't have to wait long before a waitress appeared beside the table with a pair of menus and two water glasses.
"Hey Mac, I see you've brought us someone new.You want some coffee?"
"Sounds good, Donna."He glanced across the table."Coffee?It's good here."
"Please."Elyse smiled at him then at the waitress.
"I'll get that and give you a chance to decide what you want."
"Thanks, Donna."Mac watched her walk away before turning back to Elyse."I've not found anything that wasn't great here.So enjoy."He picked up his menu and glanced at the options, but he had a good idea what he wanted already.The biscuits and gravy had been calling his name since he stepped in the door and smelled the sausage.But he needed more than that or he'd be starving again in a couple hours, so he'd add a couple eggs to it, and maybe some bacon.
He was still trying to decide exactly what he wanted when Donna came back with a pair of mugs and the coffee carafe.
