“Here. Put this helmet on.” I made sure I had one for her and stashed it in the saddlebags. She wouldn’t be riding without it. I wasn’t taking any chances with her safety.
Stefanie slipped the strap of her bag over her shoulder and across her body before taking the helmet. I couldn’t help grinning at how adorable she looked once it was secure.
“Hold on and lean into the turns with me,” I advised, dropping a hand to squeeze her thigh before placing it back on the handlebars. “We’re going for a wild ride.”
“Yes!” Her screech of excitement was infectious.
Laughing, I eased away from the curb as her fingers gripped my t-shirt and slid around the leather of my cut to hold tight. Her touch ignited a fire within, and I had to force myself to focus on the road before I pulled over and claimed the kiss my body had hungered for since the moment she climbed on the bike.
I’d ridden dozens of times before, but nothing was as exhilarating or downright intoxicating as having my girl with me. The wind whipped at our clothes as we sped down Hwy 95. The blur of the cactus, tumbleweed, and desert was barely noticeable in comparison to the delicate fingers clasped around my waist.
After about thirty minutes I decided to take her to the new diner in the center of town. Tonopah wasn’t a big city, so everyone noticed when a new business opened. There was a large crowd of teens, both from my high school and Stefanie’s. I should have thought this through better because I immediately noticed the two assholes who made my life hell nearly two months ago.
Matt and Sam were seated at a table with quite a few others from their group. It wasn’t far-fetched to think they were the same bunch that tormented me the day I walked home from school. That was one of the worst days I’d had in a long time. I wasn’t ready to rehash a bunch of bullshit in front of Stefanie, but I also wasn’t backing down. Not this time.
Stefanie removed her helmet and shook out her hair as she flashed a bright smile. “That was amazing, Shadow.”
“Nothing beats the open road,” I agreed.
“I’m starving. It was a great idea to stop here.” She hopped off and stared at the dozens of people milling around, shielding her eyes from the glare of the sun. “It’s crowded. Hope that means the food is good.”
I took her helmet and placed it back in the saddlebags before rising off the bike. “Kind of hard to mess up a cheeseburger, fries, and shakes.”
The diner was a fifties-era style with a jukebox inside that blared popular tunes from a record player and reached the crowd outdoors with speakers anchored above the doors. Neon signs, checkered floors, and red leather seats were just some of the nifty details. Old movie posters from the era sported James Dean as well as Grease. It was a fun vibe, and I knew Stefanie loved it when her eyes brightened.
“You want to eat inside?” I asked, noting all of the tables were filled outdoors.
“Sure. I can’t wait to try the chocolate shake and dip my fries in.”
Smirking, I reached for her hand, and she slid her fingers together with mine as I led her toward the doors. We had to weave our way through, and I kept a sharp eye on the surroundings as well as the ground so I wouldn’t trip. My limp had improved a lot with Patriot’s help. He showed me exercises and stretches that would help with the stiff muscles, and I took a vitamin supplement, so I wasn’t low on what I needed. I’d always noticeably have an issue with my leg, but that wouldn’t stop me from living life.
“Well, if it isn’t gimpy,” someone shouted, yelling out the words in our direction before laughter followed.
I wasn’t playing this game and ignored them, leading Stefanie toward the doors. Maybe just once, they would get the idea or grow bored, and I wouldn’t have to resort to violence. No matter what, I wasn’t putting up with any shit in front of my girl.
“Hey! We’re talking to you, gimp!”
I recognized Matt’s voice and decided to give them one more chance before I spun around and kicked ass. That ended up a mistake because Stefanie stiffened next to me and stopped, turning around to glare at the bunch of rude assholes who enjoyed tormenting others. I pulled her closer against my side as Matt stood, followed by two more guys from their group. Sam remained seated, but there was no mistaking his death stare. He turned his body toward the table but not before I saw the cast on his leg from hip to ankle. Fucker got off easy, in my opinion.
“You made a mistake coming here, gimp.” Matt’s voice was filled with venom, and I didn’t doubt he intended to make me suffer for their humiliation when Rael intervened.
“What the hell is the matter with you?” Stefanie asked, placing her hands on her slender waist. “What kind of jerks make fun of someone with a disability or physical impairment?”
The crowd quieted, watching the interaction with interest.
“Sit down, little girl. This is between us and the gimp.”
Her cheeks reddened, and I knew it was because she was angry. “Leave him alone. I mean it.”
“Or what?” Matt asked, taking a few strides in her direction. “You going to stop us?”
“Yeah,” she challenged, “I am.”
“Hey,” one of Matt’s friends called out, “It’s not worth it, man.”
“He doesn’t get away with what he did to Sam.”
“I didn’t hurt Sam,” I interjected. “You and your buddies jumped me, remember?”