“Here, let me help you with that.” Chalk grinned, but before he helped with the helmet he leaned forward for a quick kiss. His long lashes drifted softly over my face. He undid the strappy mess I got myself into and set me straight. Today we were riding, and Sarah was at her friend's house having a playdate.
“That’s much better, thank you,” I praised.
Chalk set himself on his bike.
I found myself turned on looking at his strong, powerful thighs straddled over the bike. I slipped on behind him, putting my feet on the bars. He patted his abs to show me where to put my hands and I slid them right into place. I knew exhilaration was written on my face in the form of a wide grin. We were going on a ride on his bike! This was the first time I’d felt this level of freedom in my life and it probably showed.
A rumbling roar burst from his bike as he cranked her engine and we took off. We ducked and weaved through the streets of Holbeck. Seeing people from the back of a bike versus in the car was a new experience and I loved it.
My teeth were a little rattled because the wind was passing through them, but I didn’t care one little bit. Lost in time with the man of my dreams, it couldn’t get better than this. We stopped off at a little diner right outside of town. Not many people were inside, but it was air conditioned and a welcome pit stop.
Sliding into the booth, Chalk ordered thick shakes and burgers for us both as he took my hands. “How was that? You like being on the back of the bike?”
“It was a thrill. I don’t know why I never rode with you, when we were together,” I admitted.
Chalk scoffed as he took a bite of his burger. “I can’t believe you got on today. You’ve always had this danger clause with bikes. You never wanted to ride, but I don’t know. You’re a different person now. I feel like I’m getting to see someone new.”
Sucking on the cold thickness of my shake, I contemplated. “I guess I am. Even eating this burger is a change. I’ve come to love and accept myself so I can eat this now without the guilt. Turns out, I actually really love junk food! I’m way happier now,” I admitted cheerfully with a chuckle.
“You’ve really done it for yourself. I think you’re an incredible human being, and we’re on the right track…” Chalk confessed.
I studied his bright blue eyes. “I think so too. We are navigating this co-parenting thing not too badly. Our daughter is quite the character. She picks up a lot of information, by the way. She talked about leaving a toothbrush at my place for next time.”
Chalk burst out laughing, “She what? Teresa and her do watch a lot of movies together. I have to ask her about that.” He tried to frown in concern, but ended up in fits of laughter again.
“How are things at the club?” I ventured.
“We have a plan, it’s a good one. It’s going to be just fine. That Road Warrior won’t know what hit him.”
“Does this involve any form of violent acts? Please tell me it doesn’t…”
Chalk’s facial expression did not change. “No, I hope not. I won’t lie to you and tell you that the incident might not incite it. He’s going to be exposed in the newspaper and I do want you to get that security system ASAP.”
The sense of urgency in Chalk’s tone made me feel as if something was dreadfully wrong. He was starting to freak me out with it and this man sounded a lot like a serious threat. “Chalk, you’re holding back. Why don’t you tell me? You’re not good at lying to me. You never have been,” I accused.
“I would have thought that’s a good trait to have, but I can see that it’s not today,” Chalk muttered under his breath. “Rocky is the guy’s name, and he’s been suspected of murder. Mia said he was questioned previously about a murder, but no evidence was found, so he was let go.”
“That’s scary! Is that the reason you’re asking me to get the alarm? I do feel better now that I’ve met the Rebels for myself. I know you’re in the club and there’s an element of danger. I’m not naive…I trust you, but you’re starting to freak me out a little bit. Is there anything else?” I was panicking slightly.
Chalk perceived my anxiety and rounded the table to sit beside me. “I’m taking precautions for all of us. Comes with the territory. I’m not taking no for an answer. I can install the alarms very easily.” His eyes were laser focused. His jaw ticking.
He meant business, and now the funny, tight feeling in my stomach wouldn’t leave. “I’m leasing and I need to check with the real estate office first. I’m sure they won’t be upset that you’re adding security, but I still have to check,” I added, biting my bottom lip.
Chalk saw the worry sitting on my face and reached over to take my hand. “Hey. Wanna come to my place for a while? I didn’t mean to scare you with it all. Just something I have to do right now.” He slid his arm around the back of the diner seat bobbing his eyebrows up and down.
I looked at him as if he’d gone crazy.
“Sorry, not working,” he stated. “I’m trying to lighten the mood from murder talk. Trust me.”
Chalk’s hypnotic voice and perfect blue eyes took my anxiety away as our body heat intermingled and his lips found mine. He eased my lips apart, sliding in his tongue as the beat of my heart thumped inside my chest. His hot breath on my face and the slight pant rising from his lips made me feel very aroused.
“Should we go?” I asked, but it was more an inquiry for something else to happen between us.
“We can go now,” Chalk replied with a sensual undercurrent to his words.
We stayed at the diner only long enough to finish our burgers and rode home. The thrill of the ride was making my head a little light, but I loved it. When the engine came to a standstill, I found myself wanting to get back on the bike. I rubbed my hands over the leather of the seat.
“You’ve got the motorcycle bug. Does that to you.” Chalk grinned as he checked the length of the street.