Page 26 of Follow Me Down

He twists the cap off of a bottle of water and takes a long pull.

“Is there anything you need while we’re there? I’d be happy to pick you up whatever.”

“I think I’m good. But thanks.”

Both of our gazes turn toward the door when Titus pushes his way inside.

“You know, that bike isn’t going to work on itself,” he grumbles at Link as he enters the kitchen, stopping at the sink to wash his hands.

“I still have time. It’s not like the dude is coming to get it tomorrow.”

“But we have another bike coming in, so turning out the ones we already have is kind of necessary.”

“What kind this time?”

“A ’75 Ducati. The guy is supposed to be here this afternoon to drop it off.”

“Damn, that’s the second Ducati we’ve gotten in the last couple of months.”

“Yep.” Titus dries his hands and turns, leaning his back against the counter. “I’ve got a couple more hours to put in on the Kawasaki before it’s ready. Cliff is coming to pick it up tomorrow.”

“So I guess that means I should go get my ass to work then, huh?” Link huffs, playfully knocking his elbow against mine as he passes me. “If the guy gets here to drop the Ducati off before you get back, is there any information you need me to get from him?”

“I’ve already got his work order ready to go. Just have him sign the paperwork and that should be all we need for now.”

“You got it, boss.” He pushes open the screen door. “You two kids have fun,” he calls over his shoulder as he disappears outside.

“Have you ever considered getting air conditioning?” I ask, turning back toward Titus.

I didn’t realize when I arrived here that there’s no A.C. That is until I woke up in a pile of sweat and ended up having to take a shower, despite the fact that I just took one the night I arrived.

It’s not bad in the evening. They have all the windows open and the cool night air keeps the cabin comfortable. But once the sun pops up it feels like a sauna inside.

“Nope.” He shakes his head. “I like having everything open to the outside. If I had air conditioning then I’d have to keep all the doors and windows closed.”

“And what about in the winter? Certainly you have heat.”

“We have a fireplace.” He gestures to the large wood burning fireplace that sits at the far end of the living room.

“But there’s no way that keeps the entire house warm.”

“Well, it’s not like we live in the north. It doesn’t getthatcold. And on the off chance the fireplace isn’t enough, we have space heaters we can use.” He pushes away from the counter. “I take it you’ve never experienced life without central heat and air.”

“That would be a no.” I shake my head.

“Princess,” he murmurs, kicking off his boots next to the front door before making his way back into the kitchen.

“I am not a princess,” I balk at him.

“You sure?” His eyes do a quick sweep of the light pink sun dress and white strappy sandals I have on. “Because you kind of look like one.”

“Shut up.” I laugh, realizing he’s just teasing me. “I never had the luxury of picking out my own clothes. In my household there’s a dress code.”

“A dress code?” He cocks a brow. “What the hell kind of house did you grow up in?”

“Let’s just say a strict and controlling one.”

“Sounds like it.”

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