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Pulling out my phone, I open the app to see, but Carson’s hand is quickly covering the screen.
“You’re not Ubering at this time of night. I’ll give you a ride home.”
My stomach drops, my eyes darting to the Harley parked on the curb behind him. “Uh, no, that’s okay. I’ll be fine. I know it’s expensive, but…”
Getting down in my space, his breath fans across my cheek as he repeats himself. “You’renotdriving home with a complete stranger. I’m giving you a ride.”
Pulling back, I look up and hope my voice isn’t shaking too hard. “What if I don’t want to ride your stupid bike?”
His eyes round, his lips parting like I’ve just offended him. Reaching back, he strokes the seat and whisper-barks, “Don’t talk like that around her. She’s sensitive.” I give him a droll look, and he pings up straight again, towering over me with that classic Carson smirk. “My bike is brilliant… and it’s safe. I’m gonna get you back to Nolan in one piece, and you’re gonna love every second of it.”
Biting my lips together, I cross my arms. My stomach’s trembling now, but I can’t let any of that show. I don’t know how my leg will handle being in that position either.
“Come on, chicken. You can trust me.”
My gaze darts up to his face, narrowing as I hiss, “I’m not chicken.”
“Oh yeah?” Carson holds out his helmet for me. “Prove it.”
CHAPTER16
CARSON
She looks kind of terrified, so I make sure the helmet is sitting securely, even checking the buckle. And then I take it slow.
I don’t know how she busted up her leg, but I’m guessing a road accident. She doesn’t want to give me deets. That’s fine. It’s not like I’m shelling out the goods on my shitty family drama.
I’m not sure how the accident happened or who was responsible, but it must have been pretty horrific if she had more than one operation. She’s probably got pins holding her bones together. Was it just her knee or something else?
Damn, I really want to know.
But I won’t push.
This evening has gone way better than I thought it would.
It’s well past midnight by the time we head out of Fledgling, and I take it slow on the corners. She’s gripping me around the waist, her fingers clenched in my jacket, her legs squeezing my thighs like I’m about to spin out at any second.
Maybe it was mean of me to force her into this ride, but I hated the idea of her getting back in an Uber. At least this way, I can ensure her safety.
The wind is cold on my face, my hair flapping as my skin prickles and stings. I shouldn’t be riding without a helmet. Mom would kill me if she found out. But I left my spare one at home. I’m gonna have to dig that baby out and make sure it’s always in the back pouch of my bike. I don’t usually offer other people rides, but I made the exception for her.
I’ve been doing that a lot.
But maybe that’s because sheisthe exception.
Fuck. Tonight was epic.
Walking along the river. Holding her hand. How can something so simple feel so fucking fantastic? I love the way she talks. I love that she doesn’t want to be a victim or even a survivor. She just wants everyone to treat her like there’s nothing wrong. She’s strong and confident… and irresistible.
Damn, the fact that she could say that to me was fucking cool.
I like this girl.
A lot.
And that doesn’t usually happen to me.
Because you’re either too drunk or too busy fucking them to find out anything about them.