Page 40 of Follow Me Down

“Okay.” I nod, following him inside.

He leads me to the back where a thick cloth tarp covers what I assume is another bike. Grabbing the corner, he throws back the cover, revealing an old and rusted motorcycle. It looks like it’s been sitting outside in the elements for the better part of fifty years.

“Is this the bike you were telling Link about earlier?” I ask.

“Yep.” He nods. “The guy dropped it off while we were out.”

“Seems like it’s in pretty rough shape. You sure you can fix it?” I turn my head, meeting his gaze.

“You should’ve seen the Kawasaki before I started on it. Made this one look like a gem.”

“Seriously?”

He nods, turning his attention back to the rusted pile of metal in front of him. “Compared to that one, this one will be a breeze. Well, hoping I can find all the parts I need.”

We stand there for a full minute, neither of us saying a word. This weird static pings in the air around us. It’s the oddest sensation. How I can be so at ease yet so uncomfortable with a person at the same time.

“Well, I guess I should get out of your way.” I shuffle my feet against the oil stained concrete floor.

“Wait.” Titus reaches out and grabs my arm before I have a chance to move.

When his intense gray eyes meet mine I swear my entire stomach bottoms out.

There’s something in his gaze. Something in the way he’s looking at me that makes every tiny hair on my body stand straight up.

And then it happens.

One minute, he’s staring at me, indecision written all over his face. And the next, his face is close to mine, his breath warm on my cheeks.

I suck in a sharp inhale; certain my heart is going to explode out of my chest at any moment.

And when his lips crash down on mine, I’m pretty sure that’s exactly what happens.

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