Page 42 of In The Dark
I’d be honored, but it can’t be that. I remember you saying I was very big. HUGE.
Me
Wow. You know what? I think I’m busy tonight.
Hunter
I’m just kidding, angel!
Forgive me?
Me
I don’t know. You might need to get on your knees and beg.
Hunter
On my knees? There’s something I’m very good at.
Text me your address?
Me
We’ll see
I can’t helpbut smile at the knock that comes later that evening. I skip down the hall and wrap my hand around the door handle, bursting out laughing when I see Hunter kneeling on our welcome mat with his hands clasped in front of him.
“What are you doing?” I ask, leaning against the door frame.
“Repenting for my sins.” He looks up at me, and I realize he’s in a white motorcycle helmet, bulky jacket, and dark jeans. His voice is muffled and I can’t see his eyes until he flips open his visor and winks at me. “Do you forgive me, angel?”
“Of course I forgive you.” I reach for his hand and tug him to his feet. He wraps his arms around me and gives me a tight hug,and I can’t help but grin when he rests his chin on top of my head. “I’m guessing you rode your bike here?”
“Whoa, okay. Easy, Max. My Ralphie isn’t abike. She’s a goddess.”
“Do I have competition?” I squeal when he presses his fingers into my ribs and tickles me. “Show me the other woman so I know what I’m working with.”
Hunter leads me down the porch stairs and stops in the middle of my driveway. He points to the blue bike with silver rims and unbuckles his helmet. “Here she is. I’ve had her for two years, and I thought I could take you for a spin.”
“Me?” I shake my head and step back. “No way. I’m a four-wheels-on-the-ground kind of girl. A motorcycle is too dangerous. I have too much to live for.”
“I got here safely.”
“You’re wearing proper gear. And you’re experienced.”
“You don’t think I brought a helmet and jacket for you?” He walks to the bike and holds up a black helmet sitting on the leather seat. “Gotta make sure my girl is protected.”
My stomach swoops low at themy girldeclaration, but I still hesitate. “Can I think about it?”
“Of course.” Hunter smiles. “Ralphie would love to have you anytime.”
“Are you going to tell me what Ralphie means? Is it short for Rapunzel?”
“No. The bike is a Kawasaki Ninja.” He pulls his helmet off and shakes out his hair. “There’s a hockey player in Washington DC who rides the same one. He named his Donatella, after the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and I thought it was a great idea. So, I went with Ralphie. Short for Raphael, but I call her Raphaella.”
“Boys and their toys.” I shake my head. “Do you want to come inside? I can give you the tour.”
“Sure.” Hunter follows behind me, slipping into the foyer and unlacing his boots. “Your place is nice. How long have you lived here?”
