Page 23 of Rebel Heart
As much as I wished I would’ve been able to just play it cool, I couldn’t. It took some time to get used to driving through the streets without a seatbelt on and nothing around my body but the wind and open air.
But after about ten or fifteen minutes, I got a bit more comfortable with it. Of course, loving the closeness to Beau, I didn’t loosen my hold on him. Only a fool would have done something like that, especially when I’d been craving being in such proximity to him again.
Sadly, it seemed that no sooner had I become relaxed,we arrived at our destination. Beau had brought me to a drive-in, where they served fast food eats and ice cream for folks who could then sit outside at the picnic tables to enjoy a meal or desserts together.
I was excited and couldn’t wait to talk with him, but I was bummed that I had no choice about needing to peel my body away from Beau as a result.
Once our helmets were gone, he smiled at me and asked, “How was it?”
“If only my family could see me now,” I said, returning a grin.
“I’m going to have to hear more about that, but why don’t we order some dinner first?”
I licked my lips. “Yes, please. I’m starving.”
Beau shot me a surprised look. “Even after the celebrating you did today with that cupcake?”
I sighed and pretended to be annoyed. “It’s irritating, I know, but I’m one of those girls who requires food every couple of hours.”
Laughing, Beau hooked his arm around my neck and gently tugged me toward him and, ultimately, the window at the counter, so we could order our meals. “See? You are just a little bit crazy.”
We found an open picnic table, grabbed a seat, and sipped on our drinks while we waited for our food. Beau had gone with a cheeseburger and pierogies; I decided to go with the chicken sandwich and fries.
“So, tell me about this family that you think should see you on the motorcycle,” Beau urged me. “Would they be upset, or…?”
“I think they’d be shocked more than anything,” I shared. “I’m the youngest of six kids, and everyone just assumes I’m the good kid who doesn’t do anything outrageous.”
Beau’s eyes rounded. “Six kids?”
I nodded. “I’ve got four older brothers and one older sister. It was a very busy house growing up, and everyone is very protective of me.”
“I’ll bet. Have you given them any reason to be concerned?”
“I guess that probably depends on how you look at it.” I took another sip of my drink. “Like I said, I’m considered the goodie two shoes of the family, so I don’t think they would have ever imagined me on the back of a motorcycle, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t wildly protective over me. Especially my brothers.”
“I think that’s pretty standard for older brothers, though.”
I inclined my head in agreement. “You’re probably right. So, what about you? How many siblings do you have?”
“None.”
“What? You’re an only child?”
He jerked his chin down to confirm. “Yep. But I got the sense of what it’s like to have siblings with my three closest friends. We’ve been skating together for years, and I suspect we have what most would consider a brotherly bond. I’d do anything for them, and I know the feeling is mutual.”
Warmth spread through me. “I’m glad you have that with them.”
“Me, too.”
“One twelve!”
“That’s us,” Beau said as he stood. “Stay here, and I’ll grab it.”
“Thanks.”
I kept my eyes on Beau as he walked up to the window, and I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. Whatever this was that was starting between the two of us just felt fun. And it was easy. Much easier than I would have thought, especially considering the age difference.
But it was like we were on the same wavelength all the time. We never had a lack of conversation or awkward moments. Nothing ever felt forced or tense or scary. And the spark, chemistry, and tension between us were off the charts.
