“That counts for a hell of a lot,alouette.”
CHAPTER 25
LARK
Remy pulls off his helmet and shakes out his inky hair. “I had an amazing evening with you, love.”
I pull off my own helmet and dismount, turning to face him. He was sweet enough to ride back to my apartment with me after the meet, wanting to make sure I got home okay. So here we are, in the parking lot of my kind of run-down apartment building.
I’m trying not to feel too embarrassed about where I live. I worked my ass off for this place, and I’m proud of how well I’ve rebuilt my life in a matter of months.
But, still, Remy and the guys come from wealth and are obviously doing very well for themselves. I’m sure he notices how my complex has seen better days. If he does, he doesn’t comment on it.
I try in vain to tame all the flyaway hairs that have escaped my braids, wanting to look presentable for him. “I had an awesome night with you too. Thanks for taking me to the stunt meet and letting me use your bike to learn to wheelie. Sorry about the scratches, though.”
After I agreed to learn how to wheelie, Remy walked me around the meet for a while longer so we could check outthe various stunters. There were so many crazy talented people there doing super impressive tricks with their bikes.
I loved watching all of it.
When the meet started clearing out a little, Remy taught me the basics of clutch ups on sport bikes before letting me try it on his bike. He convinced me to use his bike because he already has spare fairings. Which is a good thing because I fell twice. But I managed to get the wheel up on my third attempt.
With how loud Remy cheered at my baby wheelie, you’d think I just won a MotoGP race. I couldn’t keep the smile off my face at how genuinely excited he was at my very small win.
He rolls his eyes at me. “They’re just plastics. I have a million more sets at home. Even if you’d totaled my bike, it would’ve been worth it to see you overcome your fear and accomplish something.”
I snort and shake my head. He really is a good guy. His excitement and energy are infectious. The softer side of him that seems to know just what to say when I’m hurting melts my heart.
I’m glad I got to spend this time getting to know him a little better, despite not being ready for anything more. Although, the more time I spend with the guys, the more I think I could trust one or all of them with my heart.
“Well, when you put it that way, a few scratched fairings isn’t the worst, I guess.”
He chuckles as I glance up at him, our gazes locking. The humor fades from his expression as something passes between us. Tension crackles between us, and it feels like I’m being pulled by an invisible force toward him. My breath hitches in my throat as I try to resist whatever is going on between us.
I know I’m not going to be able to fight it when Remy steps into my space. He cups my face and gives me plenty of time to pull away. I couldn’t even if I wanted to.
When Remy’s lips softly brush mine, my eyes flutter shut as everything in me lights up at the gentle contact and screams for more.
I guess I’m not the only one wanting this kiss to go a hell of a lot further than it should. I can feel how hard he is against my stomach, and I have to fight the urge to rub against him. Even in the haze of lust, I still know I’m not ready for anything more than this right now.
A moan slips past my lips as heat pools in my core, and Remy deepens the kiss. He wraps my braids around his fist and angles my head the way he wants, taking complete control of it. His lips slide against mine as he tangles his tongue with mine.
When he pulls back a long moment later, I’m left a panting, shaking mess. My chest heaves as I desperately try to draw in air. My thoughts are all scrambled from hands down the best kiss of my life.
He smirks at me, clearly enjoying the effect he has on me. But I’m not the only one affected. His hand shakes slightly where he shoves it through his messy hair, and his pupils are dilated as he stares at me like he desperately wants more.
And I desperately want to give him more, but I can’t.
As reality crashes in, it feels like I’m doused in ice water. “Remy… I’m sorry… I didn’t…”
I just told the man that I wasn’t ready for anything more a few hours ago. And here I am getting lost in his touch, very much sending the wrong message.
“Shh, love,” he soothes as he cups my face in one hand and rubs a thumb over my cheekbone. “It doesn’t have to mean anything you don’t want it to. It doesn’t have to lead to anything you don’t want it to. Although it would pain me to forget something that fucking good, we can forget we even kissed, if that’s what you want.”
While I know his offer is sincere, I can see the vulnerability in his gaze at the thought of me wanting to forget we kissed.
“I don’t wanna forget it,” I reassure him. In fact, I don’t think I could forget it if I tried. “I’m just not ready for anything more, and I’m not trying to lead you on.”
“I know. And I don’t expect anything more. You aren’t leading me on. I’m the one who kissed you as a thank you for such an incredible evening, okay? That’s all it has to mean right now.”
