“Definitely not. I just needed to get away from those busybodies.”
Duke chuckled and shook his head. “I saw. Well, my bike is right over there.” he nodded towards his bike parked near a few others.
He strolled ahead, and I couldn’t help but watch—the broad shoulders, the way he moved. I silently thanked God for the creation of that man. He was in a league of his own.
I’d been thinking about riding on the back of his bike since the first time I saw it—and him.
The moment we reached it, he popped open a compartment in the back and handed me a helmet. I glanced around, expecting another, but he didn’t bother. He just swung his leg over the bike, settling in as he released the brake.
I stood silently on the side, unsure of what to do. Duke focused on starting his bike before he finally glanced back in my direction to see I hadn’t moved an inch.
“You changed your mind?” he asked, lifting a brow.
“No, but…uh, where is your helmet?” I asked.
He nodded toward the one in my hand.
“You’re holding it. I didn’t expect a passenger, so I didn’t bring an extra one.”
I hesitantly held his helmet. “You sure? I can go back with Jessa. She said she would leave at a moment’s notice if I wanted to go. I don’t want you to ride without a helmet.”
He smirked, his eyes dipping for a second before dragging back up to mine. “Come here.”
My feet moved at the sound of his husky tone—no permission needed—until I was right at his side. He took the helmet from my hands and motioned for me to tilt my head forward. I didn’t hesitate. I followed. He slid the helmet on, then tightened the strap beneath my chin, making sure it was secure.
“Throw your leg over and slide as close to me as you can. When I take turns, follow my lead. If it helps, hold on to me. I won’t go too fast—I just want to get you back safely. You gonna let me do that?” he asked.
I nodded and did exactly what he said, leaning into him. My feet settled onto the pegs as I rested my cheek against his back, my arms wrapping around him without hesitation.
I closed my eyes briefly as he turned down the long dirt road. My heart sped up, bracing for something I couldn’t quite place. I didn’t know what to expect or how to feel. I was sure he couldfeel my heart pounding through his leather jacket, but he didn’t say anything—he just picked up speed.
The night’s cool air whipped against my trying to fight the warmth that had took over my body because of my closeness to Duke.
“Open your eyes, Sweets.” He called out over the wind.
I don’t know how this man knew I wasn’t looking. I kept my eyes closed for a few more minutes before I finally peeled them open. My arms automatically tightened around his waist. Duke was now on the main highway, flowing through traffic. I wasn’t sure if I heard him or I imagined it, but he laughed. At least, I think he did.
We had just gotten off the highway, and I hadn’t closed my eyes again, taking in the beautiful sights. It was amazing. This was the way he could experience the world. I always wanted to learn, but I never had anyone to show me. Not to mention, my manager was heavy on not putting myself in any kind of unnecessary danger.
I never understood it. I put myself in danger every time I left my house—hell, even before I made it out the door, sometimes while I was still inside. I should’ve done it for myself.
As we rode, the thought of letting all of this go twisted into an ache in the center of my chest. I couldn’t. I’d fought too hard for this life to let one small setback take it from me.
It seemed as if the time went by slow and fast at the same time. We’d made it to the shop in no time, at least that’s how it seemed. Duke slowed down and kicked out the stand. I still held him in a tight grip like we were still in motion.
“You alright?” Duke asked.
I nodded against his back, sure he could feel the motion without me saying a word. He chuckled, then placed his hands on top of mine. His thick, calloused hands rubbed mine soothingly until I was finally up to releasing him.
“Sorry. I wasn’t ready for it to end yet.” I mused aloud.
“Shit, you ate?” he asked.
“I did actually. But I wouldn’t mind going with you to grab something.”
No other words needed to be said. Duke kicked up the break, then waited for me to wrap my arms back around him before slowly pulling away from the curb. This time around, I kept my eyes open as I took in the local sights that made up parts of Rose Haven I had yet to see before.
Jessa and Aubree had brought me to many places here, but never this side of town. I could clearly see why as we passed houses with windows boarded up, lone rusted bikes laid against the curbs, until loud music and laughter met us the further we rode into this part of town.
