Page 54 of Panther's Magpie
MAGGIE
With my arms around his waist, I tip my head back. The sunshine gives me a little warmth, while the wind leaves me with a slight chill. It’s the perfect balance. I love being on the back of a bike.
It’s kind of crazy to think that I never would have experienced this if it weren’t for him.
When Panther came into the clubhouse earlier, he asked if I wanted to go for a ride and go look for Aspen. I got dressed in the borrowed leathers and put the helmet on without saying a word. It was only when he turned the opposite direction of the Dirty Hangar that I realized the truth. He just wanted to ride. Panther needed to clear his head, and he didn’t want to do it alone. He wanted me to go with him.
Me.
He was seeking comfort with me.
All too soon, he starts to slow down. I look around and realize that we are back in town. I don’t know how long we’ve beenriding, but I’m not ready for it to be over. When he stops at the little diner, though, I realize just how hungry I am.
He shuts off his bike and helps me off.
“How was it?” he asks gruffly.
“Perfect as always,” I say, making him smile.
We take off our helmets and head inside.
“Hey guys, feel free to find a seat,” a girl I’ve never seen before says.
“Thanks, Michelle.”
With his hand on my lower back, we walk to a booth in the back. He sits facing the door and looks out the window.
“Not going to look at the menu?” I tease.
He shakes his head but smiles. “I like what I like. Are you going to order the salad and fries again?”
It pleases me to no end that he remembers my order.
I tuck my head down and smile. “Maybe. Who knows, I might order something different.”
When Michelle comes by, he orders his burger and fries, and I order my salad with fries. Only this time, I add a chocolate milkshake to go with it.
“Damn girl, look at you doing something different,” he teases, making me laugh.
“Hey, a girl can never be too predictable. Sometimes we have to keep you on your toes,” I quip.
“Do you need anything while we are in town?” he asks, changing the subject.
I shake my head. “No, I’m good. Thank you for letting me have stuff delivered to the clubhouse, though.”
If it weren’t for next-day delivery, I would have been in trouble a long time ago. No way in hell did I bring enough stuff to last this long.
“No problem. Just let the guy at the gate know when you are expecting something.”
“Easy enough.”
“Panther,” a woman says.
He groans under his breath. “Incoming. I’m sorry for whatever’s about to happen.”
I look over my shoulder and freeze. It’s the same beautiful woman who glared at me at the charity ride.
His ex.
