Rushing to my door, I pulled it open, yelling, “Hayden! Emergency!”
My sister pulled her own door open, her face covered in an avocado mask. “What happened?”
“I have one hour to look like sex on wheels.”
She smiled slowly. “Let me wash my face real quick.”
* * *
Flash knocked on thedoor just before seven. My parents had taken their RV down to Oregon for the weekend, so Hayden, Theo, and I had the house to ourselves until Monday.
I squared my shoulders and pulled open the door, biting the inside of my cheek to keep from sighing out loud. He was delicious. A black, tight Henley, dark jeans and his signature motorcycle boots fit his body like they were made for him, and his black leather club vest gave him an edge, softening his prettiness. But, boy the man was beautiful anyway. He couldn’t help it.
“Hey,” he said, his eyes raking over me. “You look beautiful.”
I’d decided on dark skinny jeans, knee-high black boots, and an emerald green off the shoulder sweater. Hayden had pulled my hair into a high ponytail and let me borrow her coveted emerald earrings our grandmother had given her.
I bit my lip. “Thank you. You look nice too.”
“I figured we’d go down to the restaurant on the waterfront. You know, by the walk out?”
I grinned. “Oh my god, I love that place.”
“Awesome.”
I followed him out to his 1969 Ford F-250 and I grinned. I was so happy he still had it. It was the prettiest blue I’d ever seen on a vehicle. He’d spent hours upon hours restoring it with his dad, and their expertise showed. The truck was probably worth ten times what they paid for it, but Flash had always said he’d never sell it.
“I’m so glad you still have your truck.”
He chuckled, holding the passenger side door for me. “I told you I’d never sell it.”
“You sure did.” I climbed into the cab and Flash closed me in before walking to the driver’s side and sliding in beside me.
We didn’t really speak as we drove downtown. A little small talk, but nothing of significance. The air was charged between us but neither of us seemed able to do anything about it. And, honestly, I’m not sure either of us wanted to.
It was kind of exciting.
Flash parked the truck and made his way to my door to help me down. I caught my heel on the running board, forcing him to wrap an arm around my waist to catch me, and I couldn’t stop myself from throwing my arms around his neck and planting my mouth on his.
He slid his hand to my neck, stroking my pulse as his tongue pressed against the seam of my lips. I opened my mouth for him, and he took full advantage, kissing me as he held me against the truck. I slid my fingers into his hair, forcing myself to break the kiss and dropping my forehead to his.
“Sorry,” I panted out.
He smiled, giving me a gentle squeeze. “Why are you apologizing to me?”
“I’m not,” I said. “I’m apologizing to me. I promised myself I wasn’t going to jump your bones until I made you sweat a little.”
“Fuck me, baby,” he hissed with a laugh. “Youaremakin’ me sweat.”
“I still want to take things slow.”
“We will, Tate. It’s all good. Just talk to me.” He cupped my face. “I’m still your best friend. I’ve still got your back. None of that ever changed, at least, on my end.”
“It didn’t change on my end, either.”
“Okay, then, we’ll move at your pace on the physical stuff, but I need you to guide me, okay?”
I licked my lips and nodded. “Okay.”
