Page 24 of Panther's Magpie
Panther smiles as he looks down at the bar. “Yes, I work, but I’m taking some time off.”
“And you can afford that?” I ask without thinking about it. “Shit, don’t answer that. It’s none of my business.”
He chuckles. “Yes, I can afford it. The club owns several businesses, so we do quite well for ourselves.”
“I didn’t mean to insinuate that you didn’t.”
He raises a hand. “I know.”
“That’s awesome, though. That they do well. It’s kind of amazing what you’ve built here. I don’t necessarily understand it, but I can respect it.”
He looks over at me with a look that I can’t quite name. He stares at me for so long I can’t help but shift under his gaze.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” I tell him softly.
“How would you feel about getting out of here for the day?” he asks, catching me off guard.
“Wait, what? I thought I was supposed to stay here. That yesterday was a fluke,” I ask, surprised.
“It was, but I have something else in mind.”
“Are you sure?” I move my thumb up to my mouth to chew it.
He raises a brow. “I mean, you don’t have to, but I figured it would be better than being stuck here all day.”
Pulling my thumb away at the last minute, I say, “No, you’re right. I’d love to go with you…to wherever.”
“Then go get your shoes on.”
I grab a napkin and wipe off my hands and mouth. “Thank you for breakfast.”
“I’ll clean up,” he says as he pulls the container closer to him, ignoring my thanks.
I jump off the stool and go to get ready. As I walk down the hall, my heart races. I don’t know what he has planned for me, but I can’t wait to find out.
PANTHER
For two hours we just ride. The air is crisp, but it reminds us that we are alive. Her arms tighten around my waist, and I can’t help but reach down and squeeze her hand.
Maggie.
I don’t know what made me offer to take her somewhere, but I’m not mad that I did. Hell, I didn’t even realize how desperate I was for a ride and to have someone else with me. Well, it just feels right.
Outside of Aspen, a woman’s never been on the back of my bike until now. With her it felt like an obligation. I was worried about making sure she leaned with me and didn’t let go. Aspen’s a loose cannon, so putting her on the back of a bike isn’t something I do willingly. With Maggie, though, it’s different. I might not know her well, but not once during our ride have I even thought that she would do something that puts her and us in danger.
Is she like this with Aspen too? Does she hang out with her to try to keep Aspen in line? To make sure she doesn’t get into too much trouble?
Her hand flexes again, so I reach down and touch it, only to realize it’s cold.
Shit.
I forgot to get her a pair of gloves before we left. I made sure she was dressed in an old pair of Rain’s leathers and had a helmet, but I never thought about gloves.
An overlook comes into view, and I slow down as I approach. I pull over and shut off the bike.
“Don’t move,” I tell her as I take off my helmet.
