“You’re going to see shit you’re not going to like, and the men cuss like me.” He’s giving me an out, but I still want to go.
“You and your friends can cuss in front of me. I’m not a saint.”
He flashes me a sexy smile. “I know that. Take tomorrow’s lunch shift off, and I’ll bring you to the clubhouse then.”
I bite my lip. As much as I’d like to, I can’t lose this job. “I can’t. I’m working.”
His brows furrow. “The night shift too?” he asks.
I nod. “I’m new. I need to make a good impression.”
“Oh, you’ve made an impression alright,” he says, sarcasm lacing his voice.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I ask defensively.
“I. Told. You. Your boss wants to bang you. The guy’s a creep and a pussy. Don’t trust him.”
I still. Axle’s tone is mainly playful, but there’s an edge to it I haven’t heard before. I have Cameron warning me about Axle, and Axle warning me about Cameron, which is a little confusing. But I want to be independent... That means I get to choose who I’m friends with based on my own opinions and nobody else’s.
“The atmosphere is different later in the night at the clubhouse. Don’t yell at me when you hate it, because you and your judgy eyes will.”
I scoff. “I won’t yell at you.” I can’t guarantee I won’t judge, but I’ll try to do my best. I don’t know what I’ll be walking into.
I get on the motorcycle, and we ride back to mine. Every minute, disappointment festers. I yearn to get to know him. The short dates haven’t been enough, and I still have so many questions. It’s been eye-opening getting to know someone so different from me. We might be opposites, but we get along like I’ve known him for years.
After I get off his bike, I remove the helmet and pass it to him.
“I’ll see you tomorrow night,” he says softly.
I lean in to kiss him, but he pulls back. One of his hands is twitching by his side. “I only have so much self-control. I want to stay with you, but I really need to get back to the clubhouse, and the wayyoukiss...” He shakes his head. “Let’s just say, your halo doesn’t fool me.”
I’m smiling a big, cheesy smile right back at him.
Nine
Absolutely Mortified
Elena
I stare downat the dress I’m wearing that I bought during my lunch break. It’s a far cry from what I usually wear, with spaghetti straps and a hem that falls above my knees. It’s no minidress but look out—I’m living life on the edge. I chuckle to myself.
I’m not sure if a dress is appropriate to wear. In my determination to look good for Axle, I didn’t consider that a dress may not be practical on the back of a bike. But I can’t ask anyone now, and anyway, I want to look and feel sexy. I’m sure he’s used to glamorous women. I can’t remember a time when I ever felt sexy. Henry made me feel pretty, but never sexy. I slip my sandals on, then stand up straight.
“Oh crap! Oh crap!” I grasp my racing heart. What if Axle wants me to stay the night? I didn’t ask about my ride home. I pace. I didn’t think this through. The rumble of a motorcycle makes me shriek in panic. I grab a bag and throw in some pajamas. I rush out to the bathroom and grab my toothbrush.
My breathing is out of control as I walk downstairs. Everyone’s out, so the house is quiet. I open the front door to go outside. I can do this. I can do this...No, I can’t do this. I retreat and start closing the front door.
“Hold up,” Axle calls out, pulling the door open wide. “First”—his eyes ravish my body, making me blush—“you look fucking hot, babe. Second, you’re not going anywhere. You committed to meeting my friends, so get your sexy self on my bike.” He reaches over and takes my hand in his. “I’d never let anyone hurt you.” He pulls me in for a brief hug.
I embrace his warmth and feel a sliver of relief. I believe him. He places a gentle kiss on my forehead, making me swoon and smile up at him. My stomach churns with mixed emotions.
When he sees the bag on my shoulder, he asks, with a wicked glint in his eyes, “Staying the night, are you?”
“I didn’t know,” I stutter out. “We didn’t talk about when or how I was getting home.”
He chuckles. “It’s okay—I get it. You’re keen to see me naked.”
I scoff and choke at the same time. “That thought never came to my mind. I told you I’m not having sex with you.”
