Page 58 of Pieces of Heaven

“Why?”

“Because you’re you.”

I want to believe she’s sweet on me out of desperation. But that’s just not true. Other men have eyes on her, but she only sees me.

“You’re making this too complicated,” she says and looks at my hog. “Let’s go have our picnic and let nature take its course.”

Glued to my spot, I rub my jaw. “I should take you out to dinner at a restaurant.”

My brain latches on to all the stuff my club brothers did with their women. Eagle took Irina out for a movie and dinner. Armor did the same with Yazmin. Nomad abducted his woman and her kids. Ruin trapped Selene in his truck all day for weeks until she gave in to his charms. Well, that last one was how Armor described it once. But I suspect Selene was always going to be charmed by the pretty boy.

Considering how abducting Xenia seems to be unnecessary, shouldn’t I do the dinner thing? Maybe a movie, too. I haven’t seen one in the theater in more than ten years. They’re usually loud and crowded. So are nice restaurants. What the fuck would I need to wear?

“I don’t know how to get on your bike without your help,” Xenia says and shuffles around as if trying to figure out the best way to throw her leg over.

Grinning at her squirrely moves, I figure she’ll just end up knocking over my hog and hurting herself.

“What kind of food did you bring for the picnic?” I ask, moving her aside so I can climb on the motorcycle.

Xenia’s eyes light up. “I made so much. You can take the leftovers.”

I consider her stray cat. Are Xenia’s affections nothing more than a need to save me? I don’t want to be anyone’s project.

“Hobo,” she says when I just stare at her after starting the engine.

I exhale hard and admit, “I get in my own way a lot.”

“That’s okay. I don’t know what I’m doing most of the time, so you’re still ahead. Now please help me.”

Chuckling at her frustration, I slide my hand under her arm and tug her up and behind me. She settles into her spot and wraps her arms tightly around my waist.

“The cove is on the other side of town. You’ll need to hold on.”

Xenia rests her cheek against my back, maybe even hiding her face. I just know she feels damn good back there.

McMurdo Valley seems empty as we ride down the rural roads toward Turtle Cove which borders the Rogers family property. I take the scenic route to avoid downtown and any kids returning home from school. The sun beats down on us as the late August heat refuses to let up.

The cove mostly dried up years ago, but some turtles remain. Not as many as when I was a kid. I feel like there are fewer every year, but maybe that’s just my brain playing tricks on me.

I pull my hog up to the top of the embankment overlooking what’s left of the cove. Xenia stumbles her way off, seeming flustered in a way she wasn’t the other day. I cup her face and check on her.

“You need to drink more.”

“Okay,” she sighs, resting her cheek against my palm.

I still can’t believe this chick’s gotten herself all goofy over me. I also can’t believe my dick’s still rock hard despite the drive. I’m not a guy controlled by his erections. Why can’t I get this damn thing to settle down?

My gaze flashes to my tent tied down below. Recalling how comfy the inflatable mattress is, I instantly picture Xenia stripped down under me. She doesn’t want to get fucked, though.

No, Xenia’s got her heart set on romance. What do I know about giving her what she needs? My dick only wants to get wet. It doesn’t care about commitment. Hell, my heart isn’t sure it wants that, either.

As we reach the sandy edge of the cove, I snap out of my horny pondering and watch Xenia tiptoe toward the water.

“Why are you walking like that?”

“I don’t want to step on any turtles.”

Chuckling, I rub my jaw and try to get my head on straight. Xenia doesn’t help my concentration by bending over and giving me a great view of her heart-shaped ass.

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