“Hey, you two?” someone sang out. Turning around, I saw Mia and Derek staring directly at us, mischief written all over their faces. “Are you joining us?”
Josie wiped her hands on the front of her towel, before turning to look at me. “I guess that’s our cue.”
“Sounds like it.”
Side by side we started back up the incline, and when Josie’s foot slipped out from under her, I caught her in my arms. She fitted perfectly. It was like she was made for that spot. Like it was hers and hers alone. I don’t know if I hated the idea or loved it. Once she was stable again, we kept walking, but unexpectedly she didn’t let go of my hand. Her fingers were soft and warm and tiny. And wrapped in mine.
When we reached the car park, I realised I didn’t want to let go. “Ride back with me.” The words were out of my mouth before I could stop them.
“W-what?”
Her sapphire eyes were wide with astonishment. I knew she hadn’t been expecting it, and it made me feel even better. Usually it was the other way. People—well, ladies—were lining up to get on the back of my bike…I mean, who wouldn’t? It wasn’t just a bike, but a work of art. My fully restored 1956 650cc Triumph T110 was to die for. I don’t know how many hours I spent working on it or how many dollars. Honestly, I was too scared to count, but it was all mine. And I loved it.
“Ride back with me,” I repeated, my eyes locked in a silent battle with hers.
“I-I can’t.”
I heard what she was saying, but I also knew she was lying. The torment darkened her eyes and she hitched the towel a little tighter at her chest, her knuckles turning white with the strain.
“Why?” I challenged. I don’t know why I was being such a bastard, I just couldn’t stop myself. I don’t know why it mattered so much. It just did.
“Yeah, why not, Josie? Go. Have some fun!” Mia added, nudging Josie with her elbow.
“I can’t ride on the back of a motorcycle in a towel.”
“Why would you wear a towel?”
“Because someone…” her eyes fixed on mine defiantly, “threw me in the water fully clothed, and now they’re wet and covered in crap.”
Mia giggled. I don’t know how I knew it, but I knew she was up to something. “Good thing I brought these for you then, hey?” I laughed. How could I not? Josie had thought she’d found a foolproof excuse, and here Mia was thrusting a ball of jeans and top into her arms.
“You-you planned this?” Josie spat incredulously.
“I didn’t. Really, I didn’t. I just love it when things work out!” Mia winked at Josie, and I saw her cringe. I really hoped that wasn’t aimed at me. It would suck donkey’s balls if the thought of spending time with me made her physically sick.
While indecision marred Josie’s stunning face, Derek started up his truck. I watched with intrigue as Mia approached her sister and wrapped her arms around her. I could see her whispering something into her ear, and I would have given my left nut to know what she said when Josie’s eyes went wide. But before she had a chance to reply, Mia slapped her ass, yanked the towel off her, and dived into the front seat of Derek’s truck. With a cloud of dust, they were gone. The echo of Derek, Zoe, and Mia’s amusement sounded through the deserted parking lot.
When the cackling faded, I spun around and spotted Josie standing there, looking like someone just kicked her puppy. She looked like she was about to burst into tears. I couldn’t let that happen. I could deal with a lot of shit, but tears were definitely not on that list.
“Come on, Josie. I’m not that bad. Am I?”
It took her a moment. I watched as she swallowed whatever it was that was stopping the words from coming out. “It’s…it’s not you.”
“Okay then.”
Her shaky words did absolutely nothing to reassure me or silence the thoughts in my head.
“Why don’t you get dressed and then we can get out of here. Looks like I’m your only option now.” I smiled at her, trying to lighten the situation.
“Can you turn around so I can put these on?” she asked softly as a blush crept up her neck.
Damn it! She was embarrassed. That was the last thing I wanted. Without a word, I turned my back to her. I strode over to the bike and began packing my crap into the saddle bag. I didn’t mean it. Really, I didn’t. I just couldn’t help myself. It was just too damn tempting. She was too damn tempting. So when I caught a glance of her reflection in the side mirror, I couldn’t help but watch as she bent over and pulled on her jeans. This woman confused the fuck out of me. She had a killer body but she seemed ashamed of it. That was just a travesty. Right then and there I made the decision that it would be my own personal mission to change that.
“You ready?”
She was right behind me, fully dressed and ready to go. She wore a pair of jeans that weren’t exactly skin tight, but they hugged every single one of her delicious curves, a long sleeve grey shirt, and a pair of well-worn Nikes.
Straightening up, I hoped my jeans covered the very inconvenient bulge forming in my pants. Why I had thought this ride was a good idea, I’ll never know. Now I had more than an hour’s ride with Josie wrapped around me, and all I could think about was the way she filled out her swimsuit.
