Page 3 of Riding Mr. Right

I stare toward Brick as we step into the cool afternoon breeze. How is he more handsome in the sunlight, and why does feeding my kitty sound so erotic when he says it?

I’m not sure what’s about to happen, but I know one thing for sure.

I need to get a grip!

Chapter Two

Brick

She’s on the back of the bike, tucked against me in a short skirt, her panties the only thing separating us as she pushes against my rough jeans.

I didn’t think this through.

Her arms wrap around my waist and her head leans on my back. I doubt she’s doing it intentionally, rather because her size and mine are so different that it’s where she ended up… but my body doesn’t know the difference. To every hormone currently discussing its options, this woman is a drug.The right drug. The drug I want coursing through my veins.

“Hang on tight,” I holler back as I start up the bike and roll backward. The mountain is busier than normal this time of night, but nothing that’ll slow us down. Even on the busiest of nights, there’s still plenty of space for everyone. That’s why I love it up here. I swear it’s the last place on Earth where nature and people survive together as one. We don’t push the animals out, and we don’t overbuild. I’d say that’s the best part of Rugged Mountain. That and this moment right here. The one where my body can fantasize that I’ve met a woman who could be interested in me. Clearly, that’s the most insane thing I’ve ever let my cock believe.

For one, this woman is young. Incredibly young. Like, in her twenties, young. As a man in my forties, I have no reason to be messing around with her.

Add to that the complications that she’s the daughter of a close friend. Clearly, that’s going to make this fantasy of mine nearly impossible.

And to complete the impossible scenario, she’s only here temporarily. Temporary means heartache, and heartache isn’t something I’m doing again.

I shake my head and lean into the turns as we wind our way up the mountainside past tall pines, towering cedar, and the backdrop of jagged white-tipped mountains. In the distance, the lodge the MC has been working on for months stands like a beacon for weary travelers. I’ve looked at the place dozens of times, but seeing it through Jewel’s eyes is a new experience.

She draws in a breath behind me. “Oh wow! This place is insane! Did you build it from the ground up?”

I nod, still staring at the waterfall to the left and the grand lodge straight in front of us. We’ve completed the build with all naturally sourced wood and most every fixture has been custom made through local forgers. The landscaping has been mostly finished except for a few bushes we’re still waiting on. “Sure did. Took us about a year.” Tires pop over gravel and I slow the engine as we near the front of the lodge. The guys are all outside fucking around with the sprinkler system, but their eyes go straight to mine, as though they’re not expecting a guest, especially from me. They know I’m a loner, and I’ve done nothing but confirm it. Hell, truth be told, this would be the first time in years I’ve had a genuine connection with anyone. That should be the first red flag that I’m making a mistake.

“Well, it’s a gorgeous building, and the lot is incredible.” She holds my hand as I help her off the bike. “I can’t wait to look around. Is it normal to still be vibrating, though?”

My hand lands on her shoulder. “Is that better?” It’s meant to be a joke, but I linger for far too long.

She looks up, her eyes wide, and her lips parting as she nods. “Yeah, it is.”

“Hey.” Diesel’s boots scuff into the gravel behind us. He’s the head of the MC and if we’re talking pains in the ass, he’s the biggest. The dude has been overly anal about everything. The wattage of lightbulbs chosen, the UV rating on the windows, the color of white we chose for the entry. On one hand, his attention to detail has created an immaculate space. On the other, he’s driven everyone mad. “What’s going on? Who’s your guest?”

“Oh, this is Jewel. She, ugh, she’s working out at Rugged Mountain Ink temporarily.” I glance toward her. “Jewel, this is Diesel.”

I half expect him to give me shit for bringing someone up tonight, given our preparations for the bachelor auction are in place. Instead, he grins with what seems to be genuine kindness. This is a new one, especially with strangers. “Nice to see a new face. I assume you’ve come to check out Arnie’s meal tonight? He’s been cooking all afternoon. Tonight’s going to be some kind of vegetable lasagna with an alfredo sauce and homemade garlic bread. There’s enough to feed an army.”

She clears her throat. “Sounds wonderful. I’m starving. Thank you for having me. From what I see, the place is gorgeous!” She stares up at the lodge and studies the front porch as though she’s taking in the details of the space. Truth be told, this is one of the highlights of the lodge. Custom wood framed doors with antler pulls and a stained-glass window above the arch. Before the entrance, a grand porch with rocking chairs and ferns lined up side by side.

“Sure is!” Diesel smiles.Actually smiles… with his teeth. He might be sick. “We’ll be doing a soft opening in four days for the bachelor auction.”

“Bachelor auction?” Jewel glances toward me, then back toward Diesel.

He nods. “Yeah. Brick didn’t tell you? All the bachelors in the MC sit for the auction once a year, and all proceeds go to charity. The lodge won’t be open to the public yet, but we’ll have folks up to attend the show and we’ll raffle off rooms for charity.” His gaze narrows. “But let’s be honest, people aren’t coming for the free rooms.”

Jewel glances back at me with a shy grin, as though she wants to say something, but decides to hold back.

“Well,” I relax my shoulders and hold out my arm for her to link into, “on that note, I think we’re going to head into the dining room. I skipped lunch knowing how big dinner would be.” I pat my stomach. “I’m starving.”

Everything I’ve just said is a lie. I had a big lunch at the diner just four hours ago. Meatloaf with mashed potatoes and gravy with a slice of apple pie that I couldn’t resist. They offer it free with a meal on weekdays. That said, a white lie about starvation seemed like the best option to get me out of another conversation about this bachelor auction.

Jewel catches onto me right away. “What’s up with that? He was in the middle of telling me all about this auction you’re a part of.” A slow smile builds on her face. “I’m dying to know every single detail.”

“I’m not a part of that auction. This whole thing is driving me nuts.”

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