Page 7 of Patch Perfect

“She said you're an adult, so I'd better ask you.”

I laugh. “That sounds like her.”

Outside, the Iron Saints get on their motorcycles. Beck nods at me, and Mateo gives a two-finger wave. No one teases us. Roan puts on his jacket and hands me a helmet. The afternoon turns to evening, and I feel a new kind of journey beginning.

six

Roan

Kate looks at the helmet as we stand next to my bike under the parking lot lights. Her family is inside, closing up the concession stand, while the other riders have already left.

“The strap goes here.” I show her the buckle and let her fasten it. “If you need me to stop, tap my shoulder twice. Keep your feet on the pegs. Lean with me when we turn, and don’t try to touch the ground when we stop.”

“Do I get to ask a foolish question?” Her eyes gleam behind the visor.

“Ask a hundred.”

“Where do I put my hands?”

“Wherever you're comfortable.” I clear my throat. “My waist is easiest.”

She rests her hands on my waist while I’m still next to the bike. I feel her touch through my jacket. “Like this?”

“That’s good.” I wonder whether my voice sounds as tense to her as it does to me. “Let’s get on first.”

I get on the seat and hold the bike steady as she climbs on behind me. Her boots find the pegs. She wraps her arms around my waist, a little unsure at first. I rest my hands over hers for a moment.

“Ready?” I ask over my shoulder.

“Yes.”

I ride slowly down the county road. When we take the first easy turn, she leans with me just as I showed her, and I feel myself relax. She trusts me to get us around the bend, and I have to trust myself to keep her happy.

We stop at a lookout above a narrow river. The view isn’t famous. There’s just a turnout with a wooden railing and a blue-painted bench, but the water catches the last light and the hills look soft in the distance. Kate gets off and takes off her helmet. Her hair lifts in the wind.

“That was amazing.”

“We can go farther next time.” I put both helmets on the seat.

“Will there be a next time?”

“I've already planned one.” I wince. “If you'd like.”

“I'd like.” She steps toward the rail. “Where would we go?”

“There's a covered bridge north of town. Tomorrow afternoon if you're free.”

“I am.” She looks at the river, then at me. “Thursday, on the wagon, it felt like the start of something—today it feels real.”

“It does.” I slide my fingers through hers. “I've never brought anyone here before.”

“What if I insist this is my favorite place now and make you bring me back here?”

“I’d like that.” I look down at her, close enough to kiss. “I want a lot of simple things with you. Breakfast. Another ride. Hearing about your day as you take off your boots.”

“Are you asking me to take off my boots at your house?”

I laugh. “I'm asking you to keep seeing me.”