“Just away. Anywhere but here.”
“Gotcha. Been there. Done that. Have about a dozen T-shirts. Think I know the perfect place.”
He pulled out his phone and called his cousin.
“Ryan! How are you?”
“Good, man. You?”
“Can’t complain. Had a profitable winter, and this spring has been fantastic.”
“Excellent. Listen, I know this is last minute, but something came up, and my girl and I need a break. Got a room available?”
“Yeah, you lucky bastard, as long as you’re gone by Saturday. Got a cancellation a couple hours ago.”
“Perfect, we’ll take it! Thanks, I owe you one. We’re on our way.”
“Anytime. See you soon.”
Ryan turned to Elissa. “My cousin runs a bed-and-breakfast in Bisbee. Is that far enough for you?”
“Yes?” She sounded like she was trying to convince herself.
“It’s less than two hours away and we gotta leave on Friday. What could happen in two days?”
“Let me call work.”
He rolled his eyes. “Fine, but call work, text your family so they know you’re okay, then turn the fucking thing off.”
“Deal.”
He could have sworn her fingers trembled as she called. A look of relief crossed her face.
Voicemail, she mouthed.
“Hi, Karina, I’m gonna take the next couple of days off. I’ll be in on Monday.” Her words were soft and even.
She tapped for a few minutes while he texted Iz.
“Is it off?” he asked.
She showed him the blank screen. He took the phone from her and tucked it, along with his, in the saddlebags.
“Are you going to be okay holding on for two hours, or should we get your car?”
Elissa sniffed. “Bertha’s not going to make it two hours. We’re in no rush. How do I let you know when I need a break?”
“Tap my shoulder three times, and I’ll find a safe place to pull over.”
“Okay.”
She slipped on the too-big jacket and walked out the door. Ryan followed and locked the door. Elissa settled onto the motorcycle behind him and wrapped her arms around him once again. A shiver traveled up his spine. She would be this close for two hours, and he’d be unable to do anything about it.
It was two hours of torture and bliss, the only relief coming about halfway through, when Elissa tapped his shoulder three times. They took a short break, but his nerves were on fire. The only thing he could think of was getting her out of those clothes as soon as humanly possible. While she stretched her legs, he counted to ten over and over so he could focus. In order for him to see her naked again, they first had to arrive at the B and B safely.
They pulled into the parking lot. Elissa smiled as she pulled off the helmet, her cheeks flushed. Her body seemed looser, less tense, and her eyes were no longer puffy.
“You good?”
