That doesn’t sound so hard.
He offers me his hand, and I take it, doing as he instructed. The bike shifts slightly under my weight, but Dread holds it steady.
He pats the side of my leg. “Scoot closer.”
I inch forward a tiny bit.
“More.”
I scootch up another smidgen.
“That’s not—never mind.” His big hands grip behind my knees and yank me flush against his back.
“Ack!”
“There. That’s better.” I can hear the smile in his voice. “Now wrap your arms around me and hold on tight, baby. Don’t let go.”
With my arms secured around his solid waist, he starts the bike, and it roars to life beneath us. The vibration travels up through my body, settling between my legs in a way that makes my breath catch.
Sweet baby, Jesus. This thing is like a giant vibrator.
Dread’s body shakes with laughter. He clearly knows exactly what the bike is doing to me. I swat his hard abs in retaliation, which only makes him laugh harder.
“Jerk.”
He pats my hands and starts walking the bike backward into the street.
“Hold on, babygirl,” he shouts over the rumble of the motor.
I squeeze him tighter, and we’re off.
The wind whips around us as the world passes by us in streaks of color. Each twist of the road sends a thrill through me, like I’m flying. It’s exciting and freeing.
Before I’m ready, Dread slows the bike, and I peek over his shoulder.
Ahead is The Heritage House. The new fancy steakhouse that opened two weeks ago. I’ve heard from everyone who’s been that the food is out of this world. I’ve also heard that it’s a little pricey, which is why the boys and I haven’t tried it yet. On a teacher’s salary, I have to budget my money.
Dread rolls into the packed lot. He’s out of his mind if he thinks we’ll be able to get a table.
He parks next to a shiny black Escalade, cuts the motor, and climbs off. “Hungry?”
I unfasten the helmet and shake out my hair. “Starving, but this place is packed. There’s no telling how long the wait is.”
He winks at me. “Trust me, mama.”
Mama?My insides turn to mush.
Feeling like they’re on fire, I look away.
Dread chuckles before declaring, “You’re too fucking cute.”
Cute?The warm fuzzies I was feeling vanish, and my lips turn down. Puppies are cute. Kittens are cute. I want him to think?—
“Hey?” Dread’s rough hand cups my chin and turns my face toward his. “Where’d you go?”
I force a smile, shoving my emotions into a box. “Nowhere.” God. I’m being an idiot.
“Babe. You can’t lie for shit.”
