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“I will.” I just wasn’t sure in what way yet. “Ready?” She nodded, pulling her hand out from the depths of her tote.

We waved and said goodbye to the other Hookers before heading back down the front step. I swear half a dozen stares branded into my back. At the bottom, Ro stowed her bag in Daisy Three’s basket and pulled her away from the wall, wheeling her down the path to the street. “I suppose I should offer you the wheels with your leg and all.”

Even with all my bravado and joker tendencies, there was no way I’d expect Ro to walk. “No, I’m fine. It’s just stiff. It’ll loosen up.”

She glanced down at my leg and the subtle limp an hour in a beanbag had left me with. “I have a better idea.” She stopped, and I followed suit, the soft breeze ruffling through my hair. “I can ride us both home.”

“No, you can’t.”

Ro’s eyes narrowed. “Why not?”

“The two of us won’t fit if you’re in the saddle. And I don’t think my leg will hold up if I stand on the axle at the back. I’m not exactly lightweight.”

She looked at the rear wheel, then raked her eyes slowly over me, and damn if my traitorous body didn’t respond with a stirring at my fly. “I can see that, Brody.” Her words were hushed and throaty. The stirring in my jeans increased.

“I’ll drive,” I said.

She looked as if I asked her the square root of pi. “How’s that going to work? Where will I go if you’re too big for me to pedal?”

“Sit on the crossbar.”

“Sorry?”

“You have a man’s bike with a high crossbar. Unless you’ve developed some BMX skills recently, I’d say it’s our best bet.”

Ro’s brow creased. “Won’t that be uncomfortable?”

It certainly wouldn’t be for me. Ro nestled between my arms sounded just perfect.

“Let’s try it.” I moved toward Daisy Three and took the handlebars. Ro stepped back, and I threw my good leg over the crossbar to sit on the saddle. I shoved as far back as possible and patted the metal between my legs.

With a wavering smile, Ro shifted from foot to foot at my side as if she were deciding on the best way to climb on. After a long beat, she committed and hopped on, wobbling a little as she rode sidesaddle. The scent of violets overtook my senses, sending my head into a spin. “Lean back into me. I promise I won’t let you fall.” I was already well on my way.

She did, gently at first, but soon, when she realized I was trying to help, she relaxed into my chest. Having Ro so close, the heat of her body against mine was so right, so natural. “Put one hand around my waist.” My words tumbled out. Hurried and mumbled. I held my breath as I waited for her to comply. When she did, a shiver of something electric jolted through me, and my heart raced at the touch of her fingers against my ribs.

I gripped the handlebars and looked down at Ro, tucked between my arms. Damn, if I didn’t want to freeze time and stay here forever. I had the only woman I wanted held close in my grasp, and Lord only knew how I’d survive the journey back to Maggie’s.

15

RO

Brody pulled into Gran’s driveway, and my heart sank. I’d never been so reluctant to see the porch lights shining in the dark before. The only way I could describe the last few minutes would be exquisite torture. Every single lump and bump in the road jostled Brody and me closer in the dark. And just maybe, I’d hung on to him a little tighter than necessary.

With a squeak of the breaks, Brody brought us to a stop, placing his feet on the ground to steady the sway of the bike. “Hop off.”

His breathy whisper, right beside my ear, sent a tiny shiver down my neck. He released one arm, giving me a clear exit, and I slipped off the crossbar, hoping he missed my sigh. I could’ve stayed balanced between his arms all night.

Once I was clear, Brody climbed off the bike with a low groan. He must be in pain. I knew this man well enough to know he hated to show weakness. “You okay?”

He grinned at me, his teeth glowing white in the porch light. “I’m fine. I guess I’m not built for beanbags anymore.”

He handed me Daisy Three, and I gently laid her on the dewy grass.

Brody huffed a breath. “I miss being able to do that. Knowing nobody’s going to come along and steal your stuff.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure. Have you seen the size of some of the local possums? They make pro-wrestlers look small.” I cocked a smile at him. “Don’t worry, big city boy. You’ll be back there soon, away from us weird country folk with our crazy ways.”

His brows drew together for a second, then relaxed again. I headed up the stairs to the front entrance, the lemony scent of his cologne following behind as he matched my steps. At the door, I paused and took a breath. I wasn’t sure what I was waiting for. For Brody to lean in and find my neck with his mouth? For him to slide an arm around my waist, turn me around, and claim my lips? Neither was likely to happen, but my body ached for his touch.