“We need to start heading back.”Bishop leaned close.“You want to grab a soda or something?I think Wrench has water in the back of the truck, if you’d prefer that.”
“Water is fine, but I need to find somewhere to pee before we get back on the road.”
“All right, let’s find you somewhere.If we can’t find anywhere, I’m sure we’ll have a chance to pull off and you can wander off into the bushes.”
She wrinkled her nose in distaste at the idea.She could do it, but she really preferred somewhere with walls between her and the twenty-plus men riding with them, she also liked having somewhere to wash her hands afterward.
Winter was in luck.They found a bathroom on the way to where they’d parked, and while they weren’t the first ones back, they were far from the last ones either.Bishop reached over the side of the truck, opened the ice chest, and pulled out a water bottle.
“Anyone else want one?”he asked after handing over the first one.
A chorus of “no, thanks” and “not right nows” answered him, so he pulled a second bottle before closing the lid and hitting it with the side of his fist to make sure it was closed.Then he led her to the rear of the pickup and lifted her onto the tailgate beside where Wrench already sat as they waited for the others to join them.The men who’d arrived were talking about the ride home, she didn’t pay much attention and instead enjoyed the breeze on her face and watched the people come and go through town.
Before long, everyone had gathered and they were ready to mount up and ride out.Winter had heard a few people talking as they’d wandered around town.Mostly she’d heard enough that she was looking forward to the ride.
They mounted up and hit the road, easing through town single file to make sure they didn’t hit any of the burros that wandered from tourist to tourist waiting to be fed.Winter couldn’t resist reaching out and touching one as they rode past.The small horse-like creatures were so used to people that neither the loud roar of the bike, nor the random hand brushing across his nose even fazed him.
As they left town, they were able to speed up some.Enough that there was a nice breeze against her face, but not enough that it would have been blinding without her glasses.The old road could have used some repair, but she suspected that any crew brought in would want to reroute the road to make it straighter and faster.That would have ruined the charm.She loved the twists and turns and that they had to go slower because of them.It gave her plenty of time to look around and see the countryside.She watched for animals, pointing out a couple of hawks, a couple of cattle, and one lone horse to Bishop as they rode past.When they reached the Sitgreaves Summit, they all pulled off into a wide spot with an amazing view.
“Fifteen minutes!”Styx called as the last of the engines shut off.She dismounted then wandered around stretching her legs a bit while she had the chance.She took a couple of pictures then turned and looked around.There was a single layer of bricks laid out where there was once some kind of building.She wandered around for a few minutes, then they all got back on the bikes and headed out again.She figured they wouldn’t stop again until they got back to the clubhouse but was surprised when they pulled off at a gas station in Kingman.They pulled up in front of the pump and Bishop turned off the bike.
“Want anything inside?”
“I need to pee, but I don’t need anything.You want me to grab anything for you?”she asked as she climbed off.
“I’m good, thanks.”He caught her hand and tugged her close.He leaned over and kissed the top of her head then released her.“Let me know if you need anything.We’ll head back to the compound after this.”Winter nodded and headed inside.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Bishop pulled intothe yard at the clubhouse compound, shortly before dusk.He parked his bike and turned to look for Wrench.He needed to see Winter and make sure she was good.He needed to make sure she was occupied while he went out to the shop and paid a visit to the fuckwad.
He reached the truck a couple of moments after Wrench pulled it to a stop.He went to the passenger door and helped her down before going to the back where Wrench was climbing up to unload.The older man handed out Winter’s bag first.Bishop assumed he knew what had happened while they were gone and knew Bishop would want to get out there and make sure the fuckwad was handled appropriately.Either way, Bishop took the bag and slung it over his shoulder before turning and urging Winter inside.
“How was your ride back?”he asked as they climbed the stairs.
“Good.I know it’s a pain in the ass to stop and let me in or out of the truck, but I appreciate it.I love getting to come with you on the rides, and I might eventually be able to handle the Interstates, but it’s just too fresh.”
