Page 23 of Triplets for the Rival MC

“It’s just as well you enjoyed it, else I’d have to rethink our transport,” Flint says, pointing to his bike. “Unless you’re feeling too saddle sore? I know it’s a lot of riding for a first time. I promise we’re not going far.”

“Are you kidding? I’d love to have a ride on your bike too!” I exclaim gleefully. If this is all I end up doing today, taking turns riding on each guys’ bike, I’d be happy.

“You guys stopped for breakfast, right? Do you need anything from inside, or are you good to go?”

“Yep. We stopped at a fantastic diner with the best pancakes I’ve ever tasted. And I’m all good, we can go now.”

“Ruby’s,” he guesses correctly. “We eat there a lot. So, you had fun?”

“Yes, I loved it. I finally get what all the fuss is about.”

“Let’s hope you feel the same about our date activity,” Flint says as I climb onto his bike.

I’m almost disappointed when, all too soon, we arrive at our date. I’d been enjoying the ride, holding onto Flint’s muscled body, feeling the contours of his chest beneath his jacket, breathing in his masculine cedar wood and citrus smell. He rides differently to Hunter, more steadily and a little less recklessly. Hunter is definitely the daredevil of the trio, so it’s hardly surprising.

I look up at the building we’ve pulled up to. “We’re going to a gun range?”

Flint looks a bit embarrassed. It’s sweet as he’s usually so confident and sure. “Yes, I thought it would be a good idea for you to learn how to shoot, plus, it’s pretty fun. But maybe I should have checked with you first? I don’t even know your thoughts on guns… I promise I won’t be offended if you don’t want to do it.”

“It isn’t your typical first date, but I’m definitely up for trying it,” I assure him.

“Yeah, I’m not really a candlelit dinner kinda guy,” Flint admits. “It was this or axe-throwing.”

“Axe-throwing? That’s a thing?” I ask, eyebrows raised.

He chuckles. “It is indeed, and it’s pretty fun, we can go sometime. But I figured learning how to shoot a gun might be more useful… You know, in case your father ever sends his men after you.”

I’d already confided to Flint that I have no idea how to fire a gun, yet another skill my father didn’t feel the need to share with me. I suppose there was probably a small part of him that worried I’d use the skill against him. I have to admit, if I knew how to handle weapons, I’d have been sorely tempted to escape him and Spike sooner. I appreciate that Flint is trying to look out for me and teach me how to protect myself, instead of just promising to protect me. I like that he wants me to be independent instead of a damsel in distress.

The firing range turns out to be more fun than I anticipated. Flint is a patient teacher, showing me how to aim and helping me to improve my stance. I have to admit, I picked it up quicker than I let on. I enjoyed the warmth of his strong hands over mine, the feeling of his solid presence behind me, and the tickle of his breath on my ear as he guided me. By the time our session is over, I’m able to hit the target every time.

“You’re a natural,” Flint declares proudly.

“Only because I had a fantastic teacher.”

Flint checks his watch. “If you’re hungry, we’ve probably got time for a bite to eat?” he says hopefully. In all honesty, I’m not too hungry, but I also don’t want our date to end just yet.

“That sounds great.”

Flint takes me to a cute little Mexican restaurant on the lakefront, and we share a plate of nachos. It’s fun hanging out with him like this. He seems relaxed, less like the president of the Ghost Riders and more like himself. We talk and lose track of time. It’s the most fun I’ve ever had with Flint, and I don’t want the date to end. However, I know I still have Cyrus’ date, and I wouldn’t want to let him down.

Flint seems to realize this at the same time. “We should probably get going if we’re gonna make it back in time for you to freshen up and get ready for your last date of the day,” he says with a sigh as he reluctantly signals for the check.

“You’re right. Thank you, this has been amazing.” I reach over the table and take his hand.

Flint smiles, stroking the back of my palm. “It really has. The best date I’ve had in a long time, maybe ever. I almost don’t wanna let you go. If it were up to me, the date wouldn’t be ending like this.” The insinuation of how he would like the date to end is clear, and I curl my toes imagining just how that might go.

“Next time,” I murmur, a promise.

Flint moves closer, leaning over, and kisses me gently. My eyes flutter closed, and I hold my breath, hopeful for more, but all too soon, he breaks the kiss. “Next time,” he promises, his voice thick with wanting.

I want him to kiss me again, to kiss me properly, but we both hold back, knowing that we wouldn’t be able to stop ourselves, and we’ve vowed to take things slowly.

***

My third and final date of the day is with Cyrus. He told me to dress for dinner, so I assume we’re going to a restaurant. Luckily, I had enough time to shower, wash my hair, and get dressed for our date without leaving Cyrus waiting for too long. I opt for a simple black dress that makes my cleavage look impressive and skims over my hips and thighs in a simple yet flattering a-line. I curl my long hair and wear it loose, putting on a little bit of makeup and a slick of lip gloss. Overall, the effect is what I was aiming for—casual yet sexy. Cyrus told me to meet him in the living room when I’m ready, so I head there.

The first thing I notice as I walk into the room is the rich smell of food cooking, the smell of freshly baked bread and garlic welcoming me. The second thing is that Cyrus has lit dozens of candles, bathing the room in soft, romantic light. He’s busy, hovering over the stove with his back to me, so he doesn’t hear me come in. He’s wearing a smart shirt and slacks, tailored perfectly to the planes of his muscles.