Page 6 of From the Wreckage

Brielle

The motorcycle is gone, yet my feet are still rooted to the concrete as I stand there with the package in hand, my thoughts still on what just happened.

I stepped outside, the warm, sticky summer heat clinging to my skin.

The low, deep rumble of a motorcycle engine drew my attention.

I glanced toward the street just as a Harley rolled into view.

The rider was clad in a helmet, a worn leather jacket, and dark blue jeans.

His hands rested easily on the grips, like he was born in the seat.

I stopped moving, my heartbeat thundering. He’s looking right at me.

My pulse skipped as we stared at each other across the short distance. I was frozen, unable to move my feet or tear my eyes away, even as I lectured myself. This is wrong. You’re dating Joey. You have no business staring at a stranger.

But I couldn’t stop staring. And neither could he.

His gaze burned through the visor and into my skin. I don’t know why, but I liked the way it felt on me.

The light turned green, and he finally turned his head, rolling through the intersection and out of sight.

I exhale and start walking, my heeled sandals clicking against the sidewalk as I head downtown to my favorite store.

My heart’s still thumping when I push open the door to The Pine & Page .

The bookstore smells like coffee and paperbacks, the air cool against my skin.

I head for the shelves near the back, running my fingers along the spines and randomly pulling out anything that looks interesting.

But no matter how many blurbs I read, my mind keeps drifting.

First, the guy in the black truck. Now the guy on the Harley.

I’ve hardly thought about Joey, despite him regularly texting me.

What the hell is wrong with me?

I head back to my dad’s shop with two coffees, a new novel, and his package. He grins when I walk through the door.

“Ahh... There she is.” His eyes sparkle, and I stop, staring at him. I know he’s up to something.

“What’s up, Dad?”

His grin widens. “How do you know anything’s up?”

“You have that look on your face.”

He chuckles and moves closer, taking the package and his coffee from my hands. “I have a surprise for you.”

“Yeah?” I look around the shop. “I hope it’s not a motorcycle.”

“Nah. You don’t have a license for that.” His hand moves to my back, steering me to the back door of the shop. “This is much better for you.”

He opens the door, and I step outside into the bright sunshine. I squint… and then I see it.

“I-Is that mine?” My voice trembles slightly as I stare at the silver SUV.

“Yup. Figured I’d give you an early?—”

His words cut off as I throw myself against him, hugging him tightly. He staggers before regaining his balance. His laugh as he returns my hug warms my heart.

“I’m glad you like it, kiddo,” he murmurs.

I pull back, my eyes sparkling. “I love it.”

“C’mon. Let’s check it out.”