“We are taking the bike, Lucy May.”
My jaw drops. “Do what? I don’t have a—”
He cuts off my speech by holding up a pale pink leather jacket with a matching helmet. I don’t know if I want to smack or kiss the stupid grin off his face. Of all the guys I’ve dated, none of them has had a bike, and I’ve always wanted to ride one.
“Are you serious? When did you get these?” I snatch the jacket from his hand and hold it out in front of me. It’s genuine leather, the perfect pale pink color, has a golden zipper, and four pockets total.
I’m in love.
With the jacket. Not the man.
Stone chuckles, takes my new jacket from me, and then helps me put it on. “I bought it the evening after you agreed to come down here with me. I figured I’d take you riding at some point and wanted you to have appropriate gear. Though,” he moves to stand in front of me and looks down at my sandaled feet, “I would prefer it if you slipped off the open-toed shoes.”
“Say no more.” I bound up the stairs and into the house, switching my white sandals for white sneakers. It’s cool. I’ll look like my sister rocking dresses and sneakers.
Dress.
“Shoot.”
“Lucy,” Stone shouts from outside. “Don’t worry about the dress. It’s long enough.”
How in the world does that man read me when he can’t even see me?
I meet him back outside beside the black motorcycle. “What do you mean it’s long enough?”
“As you get onto the bike, tuck the insides of your dress into your thighs and sit on it. Your dress will ride up some, but it won’t be inappropriate.”
“You’ve driven many women in dresses on this bike, haven’t you?” The tease in my voice is overshadowed by a trace of bitter jealousy.
Nope. Nope. Nope.He is not mine. This is fake. I’m not allowed to be jealous.
He shrugs and tucks my hair behind my ears. “None quite like you, Little Lion.”
I stare into his eyes, which are brightly illuminated by the morning sun. He kisses my cheek, and I attempt to push him away but he pulls me into a hug. “Mom is walking out the door. Act like you love me, darlin’.”
I wrap my leathered arms around him and lean my head against his chest. For the singular moment, I give myself permission to close my eyes and breathe him in.
Love.
My heartbeat quickens. No, I don’tloveStone. That’s impossible. It’s just lust… Good old fashioned desire at play. Nothing more.
“Get to church, you two.” Marian laughs then climbs into Brother Johnny’s vehicle with his assistance.
“See y’all there,” he says with a wave, and then he hops in and they drive off.
“You ready?” Stone asks, handing me the helmet. I smooth down my bangs, thankful I straightened them instead of wearing them curly like the rest of my hair. I’ll have to pull my hair into a ponytail once we get to church, but I’m not giving up this opportunity. I place the helmet onto my head then Stone secures it into place for me. He knocks the top of it while grinning andcommenting on how cute I look. I bask under the praise even though I know I should retort with a pushback or something. He slips on his jacket and secures his helmet before hopping onto the bike. I pause for a moment to admire the image, but then he turns around and offers his hand to help me on.
I oblige and do as he instructs once I’m on. It’s not entirely comfortable, but I shouldn’t flash anyone as we ride.
“Hold on to me tight, Lucy May,” Stone says before cranking the motorcycle. It roars to life, and my entire body vibrates. I snake my arms around him and clutch my hands together, leaning into his body. I swear I hear him groan and say “there you go” before he revs and shifts, then off we go.
The air swishes around us as we drive down the gravel road and turn onto the highway. As he increases speed, the trees zip by us, and I’ve never felt more alive and free as I do at this moment. The wind feels as if it’s hugging me, telling me I’ll be okay. Like it’s asking me to release all my troubles to it to be blown far, far away.
But then again, I think I’m only okay because of the man I’m clinging to. He’s reignited a spark of joy within my life through his playfulness. He’s sparked my heart back to life through his lips. And currently, his bergamot and cacao scent fuddles my brain as it infiltrates my screened helmet. I could go on smelling this for the rest of my existence and not tire of it…
We take a curve, our bodies leaning in tandem. My hands splay across his stomach as I hold on, and I find myself counting the abs I feel underneath his dress shirt.One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven…
He slows down, pulling off to the side of the road, and stops the bike. He lifts the front of his face shield as he turns around, wearing a satisfied smirk. “Lucy May, are you feeling me up on our way to church?”
