“You’ll see. Let’s go.” I held out my hand.
She went inside to set her security system, locked the door, and then slid her slender fingers into my grip.
After breakfast, I’d fixed Piper’s garage door like I’d promised. In the few hours since, I’d been working on getting our date set up.
Calling Milo had been the first step. I’d promised him hours of free tattoo work if he did me this favor, and also offered up my single credit card as insurance, in case he was worried about me being irresponsible. But he’d been great about it.
We’re friends, man. Of course I’ll hook you up.
From the bike’s saddle bags, I pulled out a couple of helmets and a nylon jacket with protective padding for Piper. “Here. One of Milo’s ex-girlfriends used to wear this riding with him, so it should work for you.”
She slid her arms into the sleeves. “So that’s where you got the bike? Milo?”
“Yep. Don’t have to return it until tomorrow.”
Her brows shot up. “Is this an overnight trip? I barely packed anything. Just my wallet and phone.” She pointed at the small crossbody purse she wore over her sweater.
“Nope, I’ll return you to Silver Ridge safe and sound by tonight. Ever rode a motorcycle before?”
“No. But I like trying new things.”
“I bet you do.”
For half a second, I hesitated to get closer, remembering we were outside. In easy view of her neighbors. But I’d promised to stop thinking about public opinion.
I pressed a soft kiss to her glossy mouth, then lifted her helmet to put it on. It would provide full coverage for safety, including a face shield to block the wind and sun. I’d brought gloves for her too.
Piper was precious cargo, and I wasn’t going to take any unnecessary risks with Ollie’s mom.
Anticipation zinged through my insides. For the rest of today, she was mine. And if I didn’t screw this up, hopefully for a lot longer.
After strapping on my own helmet and tugging on gloves, I swung my leg over the seat and started up the engine. Piper climbed on behind me. No hesitation, despite it being her first time, and I loved that.
“Hold on tight!” I said over the engine rumble. She wrapped her arms around my waist, leaning into me.
We roared out of the driveway, and Piper shouted happily. My grin was so big it could split my face.
Instead of following the back roads, I took her right down Main Street. Heads turned to look as we went past. With our helmets on, nobody could see us, and I wasn’t going all that fast. I wasn’t a dick.
But this still felt like a couple middle fingers to the naysayers of this town. Piper holding tight to me, her delighted laughter in my ear.
“Just wait till we’re on the highway,” I said when we reached a stop sign.
“God, I better not fall off.”
“You won’t. You’ll get the hang of it in no time. Just lean when the bike leans, okay? Do what I do.”
Her arms squeezed tighter.
As we turned onto the highway and accelerated, she had me in a death grip for a little while. But pretty soon, Piper relaxed. Herarms stayed around me, but looser, and I could feel her shifting a little as she looked around.
With the wind and engine noise, it was too loud to talk easily now. But man, I’d always loved this. The feeling of flying down the road right in the middle of everything.
Trees flashed past us. Mountains rose up ahead.
I hoped Piper felt it too. Freedom. Out here, our pasts and who we were didn’t matter.
After about half an hour, I pulled into a turn-out, following a narrow path. When we reached the picnic area, I parked the bike.
