Paris bent down as Louie hopped toward her. “Hello, handsome. How are you?” He leaned against her legs, enjoying every minute of their late-night cuddle. “Someone’s happy to see me.”
“He isn’t the only one.”
Richard’s soft words made her smile. “For someone who’s a little rusty on the dating front, you’re doing a great job.”
“Talking about being rusty, where would you like to go on our first official date?”
“I don’t mind.” Paris looked through the French doors. “We could have another picnic beside the lake?”
“What about something more adventurous?”
She didn’t like the gleam in Richard’s eyes. “I’m not much of a daredevil.”
“Is there anything that’s off limits?”
“Rock climbing and hand gliding. Other than that, I’m open to any suggestions.”
“Leave it with me. Shelley said she can look after Jack tomorrow afternoon. Does that suit you?”
“That’s perfect. Did you tell Shelley we’re going on a date?”
Richard nodded. “Is that a problem?”
“She would see it as an opportunity.” Paris smiled at Richard’s confused frown. “Shelley and Andrea keep telling me how perfect you are.”
“And you haven’t listened to them?”
Paris wrapped her arms around his shoulders and smiled. “I am now.”
Louie whimpered from beside them.
“It looks as though someone else is happy you listened.” Richard rested his forehead against hers. “I don’t know what the future holds, but I’d like to share it with you.”
Paris closed her eyes and sighed. “I’d like that, too.”
Richard stopped in front of Paris’ garage. He’d wanted their first official date to be special but, after discarding at least a dozen ideas, he still hadn’t known what they could do.
That changed when he saw his friend, Levi. As well as being a genius with anything mechanical, he owned a top-of-the-line Ultra Limited Harley Davidson. With its sleek lines, custom paint, and passenger seat, it was perfect for what he had in mind. He just hoped Paris liked riding motorcycles.
Her front door opened before he could take off his helmet. With her eyes wide open, she walked toward him. “A motorcycle?”
He didn’t know whether her surprise was a good sign. “You don’t like them?”
“I love Harley’s, but I’ve never seen you drive one.”
He held onto Levi’s helmet. “I used to own a motorcycle before I went to Afghanistan. When I returned, I sold it to pay for some medical bills.”
“Was it like this one?”
Richard laughed. “Not even close. This model would have cost me more than a year’s wages. It belongs to Levi Montgomery.”
“Brooke’s husband?”
He nodded as Paris walked around the motorcycle. “Levi hasn’t taken it far, but he’s planning a road trip at the end of summer.”
“It’s twice the size of anything I’ve seen.”
“It’s a touring bike, so it needs to be bigger than something you’d ride around town. The passenger seat has a backrest, so it’s more comfortable than most.” He opened one of the saddlebags and handed her a helmet. “This is Brooke’s. It should fit.”
