“You got some big plans for tonight?” Diablo said.
“Not really.” It was hard to concentrate with him being so close to her. She could feel his body heat emanating from him. It touched her and made her feel funny.
“Do you have a blue Harley?” Sylvia asked as she fished out an ice cube from her empty glass.
“Yeah.”
“I’ve seen it parked behind the warehouse. It’s an awesome bike. I bet it’s got a lot of power.” She licked her lips. Diablo laughed.
She’s flirting with him. And she’s doing it so easily. I wish I could do that. I should say something clever or funny.But she just sat tongue-tied beside him while Sylvia continued flirting with him. Then he touched her and her insides fell like she was free-falling. His hand was on her shoulder, scorching her.
“Do you wanna go for a quick spin on my Harley?” Once again his warm breath fell on her shoulder; it smelled of cinnamon.
“I’ve never been on a motorcycle. Maybe another time.”
“Why not go for just a quick ride? I’d love to do it, but I think Diablo wants you behind him, don’t you, sweetie?” She winked at him as he nodded. “Go on. Try something new. He knows what he’s doing. There’s nothing to be afraid of.”
I really want to go. He’s so nice.“I don’t think I could get on very well.”
“I’ll help you on,” Diablo said. “I know you’ll love it. The first ride is the one that’ll hook you.”
She laughed. “I don’t know about that. Okay… I’ll do it.” A rush of adrenaline surged through her.
“Fuckin’ fantastic.” His arm around her, he squeezed her close to him. “You’re gonna love it,” he whispered in her ear, his lips brushing her earlobe.
Tingling, she nodded in agreement.
“Here’s your check. Pay at the cashier.” The waitress placed their bill down on the table.
Before either woman could pick it up, Diablo grabbed it.
“What’re you doing?” Fallon asked as she opened her purse.
“It’s my treat, ladies.” Diablo slid out of the booth.
“You don’t have to pay for us,” Fallon protested.
“Thank you very much,” Sylvia said, and threw a keep-your-mouth-shut look.
As they walked over to the cashier, several diners looked at Fallon’s pronounced limp. She turned to Diablo and asked, “Are you sure you still want to take me for a ride?”
A puzzled look crossed his face. “Yeah. Why the fuck wouldn’t I?”
A smile spread over hers. “I don’t know. Just checking.”
He moved her hair out of her eyes. “For the record, if I ask you to do something, I don’t change my mind.” She pressed her lips together and nodded.
After Diablo paid the bill, he escorted the ladies out back where Fallon saw a huge metallic blue motorcycle gleaming in the sun. “That’s yours? It’s so big.”
“Everything about me is big.” He threw his head back when Fallon’s cheeks reddened. “Come on over here and let me help you on.” She went over and in one fluid movement he lifted her up. She cried out. “You’re as light as bird. Did I hurt you?”
“No. I just didn’t expect that,” she replied as she settled on the black leather seat. He laughed and swung his leg over the seat. Instinctively, she curled her arms around his waist, surprised at how firm he was.
Looking behind her, he said, “Hold on, baby.” He winked and started the engine.
The bike rumbled beneath her and she could feel the power of its engine. Holding him tighter, she said to Sylvia, “I’ll meet you in front of the diner soon.” Sylvia waved and the bike roared down the alley.
At first she was a nervous wreck, thinking for sure she was going to fall off the bike, but as she gave in to its rhythms, she began to enjoy the ride. The wind blew through her hair and felt like it was carrying her on its currents. Without thinking, she rested her head against his broad back, loving the smell of leather and oil that permeated his vest. As houses rushed by, a sense of freedom took hold of her, and a smattering of disappointment sprinkled inside her when the diner came in sight. She’d wanted to keep riding, pressed against him, the wind carrying her away from the life she was living.
