He shook his head. “She’s still living in our same house. Ramon lives with her. She met him a couple of years ago, and I was happy for her. She gave up her life for us for so long, and it was time she started living again, you know? I like Ramon. When my mom told me about him, I found out where he worked and went to the auto shop. I told him that if he respects, cherishes, and treats my mom right, we’ll be friends for life, but if he disrespects her in any way, he’ll gain the worst enemy. He got the picture. It’s all good.” Leaning back in his chair, he put his hands behind his head. “I’ve never talked this much to a chick in my life.”
Warmth spread through her. “I’ve never shared that my dad was a pool shark with any man, even Brent. It must be the margaritas.”
He dropped his hands and pressed next to her. “I like it when you’re filled up with booze. You’re not so….”
“Bitchy?” she offered.
“No, not that. I actually like your bitchiness. You’re a nice change from the women who always want to please me. I was trying to say you’re not so argumentative.”
“I’ve always had to fight for myself. I guess it’s just in my nature.” She licked her lips, then smiled softly. “I like getting to know the man behind the arrogance and badass swagger.”
“I have a badass swagger?”
She poked him in the ribs. “You know you do, and youlovehaving it. I’m sure you worked hard on it all through your teens.” Brushing her fingers across his hand, she smiled. “You have it perfected, and when I’m not pissed at you—which isn’t very often—I think it’s a damn sexy walk.”
He smirked.
The overpowering smell of bleach and white vinegar filled her nostrils. Looking around, she noticed bussers and some of the waitstaff spritzing cleansers on the tables and wiping them down.
“I think they’re trying to tell us they’re closing. The place is practically empty.”
Glancing at his phone, he chuckled. “I didn’t realize we talked for so long. The time flew by. I enjoyed talking with you.”
“Don’t sound so surprised,” she joked. “I enjoyed it too.”
As they walked to the parking lot, she wished he’d take her hand.What am I saying? I can’t go there. He would most certainly break my heart. I can’t afford that to happen.
“Have you ever been on a motorcycle?” his voice interrupted her thoughts.
“No. I’d be too scared to get on one.”
“I’ll have to show you sometime that there’s nothing to fear. A rider gets into trouble when he doesn’t respect the power of the bike. If there’s respect, then all goes well. I’ll bet once you take a ride, you’ll be hooked. There’s something about the feel of the openness, the wind around you, the sun on your back. It’s pure freedom and adrenaline. It’s so fuckin’ addictive.”
“You make it sound like something I’d like to try.”
“You will. I’ll make sure of it.”
A metallic burgundy Harley with a skull hood ornament and gleaming chrome stood in a parking space. “Is this your bike?” He nodded. “It’s awesome. It’s so big. The motorcycles I see are way smaller than yours. This one screams power and speed.”
“It’s a fuckin’ awesome bike, and the ride is outta this world.” She swore she saw his chest puff out. “The ones you’ve seen have been rice burners. No bike is worth shit unless it’s a Harley. They’re a hundred percent American-made, and they can kick any rice burner’s ass. Imports suck big-time.”
She smiled, loving the way he became so animated when he spoke about his motorcycle. One day she’d have to see what the fuss was all about. Picturing herself behind him, her arms wrapped around his firm, tapered waist, his back muscles rippling under his skintight muscle shirt, definitely made her body tingle. “Here I am,” she said when she got to her Impala. “Thanks for walking me to my car.”
“I’ll follow you home to make sure you get there okay.”
“You don’t have to do that. I’ve managed to get myself home for a long time.”
“That’s true, but I didn’t know you before. I do now, and I wanna make sure you’re good. You’ve had a few drinks and you’re a small woman. How tall are you, anyway?”
“Five four.”
“You look taller. It must be your heels. By the way, what happened between you and the dude buying your drinks all night at Balls and Holes?”
“Dave? Nothing.”
“Good.” He took the keys from her and opened the car door. “I’m following you home. No argument.”
“Ridiculous,” she grumbled as she slid into the driver seat. She switched on the ignition and he closed the door. Before taking off, she waited for him to start his Harley.
