I couldn’t remember the last time I’d looked forward to something this much.
Luckily, I was able to keep Jenny and Mike happy, even while my focus was divided. But it was a relief when their parents got home.
The whole drive to my apartment, that excited feeling stayed with me. My cheeks were warm, and my stomach kept doing little flips every time I thought about tomorrow night.
When I pulled into my complex and parked, I was still smiling. I sat in my car for a moment, replaying everything that had happened at the park as I scrolled through our text chain again. A small part of me wondered what I was getting myself into.
Going to dinner with Canyon as my first real date was like diving into the ocean to learn how to swim. He was an older, commanding man who went after what he wanted without hesitation. And for some reason, right now, he wanted me.
I shook my head with a soft laugh and grabbed my bag. Whatever this was, I was going to let myself enjoy it. At least for one dinner with the intense, tattooed biker who made my pulse race with nothing more than a text.
I just hoped I wasn’t getting in way over my head.
6
BLITZ
When I pulled my SUV into Aubrey’s parking lot, I felt the tension I'd been carrying in my chest finally ease slightly, only to be replaced by a quick pulse of anticipation. She stepped outside a moment later, and the sight of her momentarily stole every coherent thought from my mind.
Aubrey’s simple sundress gently skimmed her curves, the fabric catching softly in the evening breeze as she walked toward me. Her chestnut-brown hair spilled in loose waves around her shoulders, and I struggled to breathe.
Stepping from the vehicle, I quickly moved around to open the passenger door, offering her a hand to help her climb up. The warmth of her palm against mine sent an immediate spark through my veins, tightening every muscle in my body as her sweet scent enveloped me. She glanced up, her clear blue eyes meeting mine, and her shy smile set my pulse racing.
“You look incredible, sunshine.” I didn’t bother to hide the rough sincerity in my voice.
A pretty pink flush spread across her skin as her smile widened. “Thank you. You clean up pretty nicely yourself, Canyon.”
The sound of my real name coming from her lips felt right in a way I hadn’t anticipated. I closed her door and moved around to the driver’s side, climbing into the SUV and pulling out onto the quiet road, away from Crossbend. Away from the club.
The drive to the restaurant was quiet but comfortable, a simmering tension humming softly between us. When we finally arrived at the small, secluded place I’d chosen, I was glad to see it wasn’t overly crowded. It was well away from club territory, quiet, upscale but understated—perfect for what I wanted tonight.
The hostess seated us at a table near a softly lit corner, and as we moved through the dining room, I quickly noticed the subtle attention Aubrey drew from other patrons. Several men glanced in her direction, their gazes lingering appreciatively, and something dark bloomed deep inside me. But I forced myself not to make a scene, settling instead for guiding Aubrey firmly by the small of her back, keeping her close and offering each admirer a silent glare that had the color draining from their faces.
As we sat down, Aubrey smiled, completely oblivious to the silent confrontations I'd just won. We ordered our food, and once the server moved away, Aubrey began telling me about her life. She spoke openly about school, her experiences as a nanny, and finally, about her brother, Tripp.
I watched her carefully as she talked, seeing the genuine warmth and admiration she held for him. Each word about her brother was full of affection, deep enough that it cut into me, intensifying the guilt that had already taken root in my chest.
The more time I spent with her, the worse my situation became. I’d come into tonight expecting attraction. I wasn’t blind. I’d known from the moment I saw her at the park that she was beautiful. What I hadn't expected was how much I’d enjoy her company.
She was funny without trying to be. Smart. Warm. And she listened when people talked because she genuinely cared about what they had to say.
Every time she laughed, I found myself wanting to be the reason for it. And every time she smiled at me, my body reacted like a damn horny teenager.
As Aubrey talked, it became increasingly clear that Tripp wasn't just her older brother—he was her anchor. Someone who had stepped up to fill the place in her life that was left a ragged, gaping hole when their parents died.
She mentioned that he’d given up bigger FBI opportunities, choosing to remain close to her, never allowing his career to become more important than his family. Each detail Aubrey revealed softened something inside me, while simultaneously twisting the knife even deeper. The revelations reminded me that despite everything he had done, Tripp was still the kind of man I'd initially thought he was in many ways.
It made the betrayal that much worse.
By the time we finished our meal, the sun had sunk lower over the horizon, washing the sky in soft shades of pink and gold. I took Aubrey's hand and guided her outside, grateful to step away from the restaurant and the complicated emotions stirred within me.
As we neared the SUV, I couldn’t help but notice the way Aubrey’s breathing had become a little quicker and deeper, as though she too was struggling with the undeniable tension rising steadily between us. Her steps remained close to mine, her body subtly leaning into my touch.
We drove down to the beach because neither of us seemed particularly eager for the night to end. The conversation flowed easily again as we walked, her bare feet occasionally brushing the edge of the surf while the breeze played with the ends ofher hair. Our conversation quieted gradually, giving way to a comfortable silence.
Yet beneath that peaceful quiet, the attraction between us crackled, growing more intense with each passing moment. Every brush of our hands and soft glance between us deepened the connection that had started the moment our eyes first met. Eventually, when the sun had long since disappeared beneath the horizon, we made our way back to the car. The waves crashing on the shore carried across the darkness behind us.
By the time we reached the SUV, my pulse was hammering steadily in my veins, desire testing my carefully maintained composure. Aubrey started to say something when she glanced up and caught me staring at her. The air between us changed instantly and her words trailed off, her smile fading.
