Page 98 of Burnout
It felt like we went so much farther than we did and we’re back at the truck before I’m ready to go.
He puts my bike up first and straps it down.
“Today was really fun,” I tell him as I take off the jacket. It’s much warmer away from the water and out of the shade.
“Then why do you look so bummed?” he asks as he turns to get his bike.
“Because it’s over.”
His head tips back with a laugh.
“Will you bring me back sometime?”
“Any time you want.” Instead of putting his bike in the back of his truck, he gets on it and starts it up.
“Jump on the back,” he says while pulling on his helmet and then handing me mine.
My hesitation is short-lived, and I get on without questioning him. He looks me over in my jeans, tank top, and helmet and smiles. “Hold on tight, princess.”
Knox takes off, accelerating quickly while I hug him around the middle. He sticks to the flatter, wider trail but it’s exhilarating holding on to him while he maneuvers the bike expertly.
My face hurts from smiling so hard. Then he stops and places his feet on the ground. With one muscular arm, he circles my waist and pulls me around in front of him so I’m facing him but still straddling the bike (and now him).
If our helmets weren’t on, I’d kiss the crap out of him. The way his eyes bore into mine I think he’s on the same page. He revs the engine and I instinctively wrap myself around him so I don’t fall off. Knox drives that way, with me staring behind us, chest pressed to his. My heart soars and I feel so light and free, but somehow safe too.
He picks up speed and then goes up into a wheelie that makes me squeal. I’m certain I can feel the rumble of his chest against mine as he laughs at me.
When Knox and I get back to his house the various vehicles that are usually parked outside are gone. Everything is quiet, at least from the driveway. The silence is a stark contrast to how loud and boisterous it was the last time I was here.
“Where is everyone?” I ask, holding my new riding jacket against my stomach.
“Flynn had practice, Hendrick’s probably at the bar, and I’m not sure where Arch and Brogan are.” He runs a hand through his hair. “A rare moment of peace and quiet around here.”
He comes around the truck and wipes his thumb across my cheek. I follow the movement and blush.
“I’m a mess.” I’m covered in dirt. My jeans got the worst of it, but I got a look at myself in the mirror in his truck and know my face and hair didn’t go unscathed. “I should go back to my dorm and shower.”
“You can shower here.”
“I didn’t bring any other clothes with me.”
“Take whatever you want of mine. T-shirts are in the top drawer. Shorts and sweats are in the bottom right. Though you probably remember that from your snooping.”
“Hmm…” I bring a hand up to my chin and peer up like I’m deep in thought. “What will I pick? The black T-shirt or the other black T-shirt.”
He smiles, amused but not the least bit riled by my teasing. He kisses me and then steps back. “You can have the shower first. I’m going to unload the bikes.”
I start for the door. “I don’t think your undies are going to fit.”
He doesn’t miss a beat. “Guess you’ll have to go without.”
The house is almost eerily quiet. The evidence of the five brothers that live here is everywhere though. Empty protein shakers on the kitchen counter and miscellaneous sporting goods. And shoes—so many different pairs of sneakers.
In Knox’s room, I find a clean T-shirt and a pair of sweats, then take them to the attached bathroom.
When I glance in the mirror over the vanity, my reflection makes me laugh. The ends of my ponytail are no longer blonde, but brown. And there are streaks on my face around my eyes and on my neck.
Peeling my jeans off is a challenge. The dirt has made them stiff and they stick like glue against my skin.
