Page 53 of Riding the Line (Willow Ridge #2)

Duke

‘You’ve got that look on your face like you’re about to change your mind.’ Cherry throws her hands to her hips, motorcycle helmet tucked under her arm. ‘Wyatt will be fine. And if he isn’t, he’ll just throw a little temper tantrum for a day and then he’ll get over it.’

She levels a look at me, standing next to my motorcycle outside the barn on the Nash family ranch where I usually keep them.

‘Surprisingly, that’s not what I’m the most worried about right now.

’ Even if it meant my sleep last night was more restless than usual.

Good job I had Cherry beside me to keep my mind occupied when I was awake.

I wave my hand through the heavy humidity in the air. ‘It feels like it’s gonna rain again.’

Full grey clouds crowd the sky, lighter than they were yesterday, but still carrying the threat of rain.

And the last thing I need is letting Cherry drive us to Wyatt’s on my motorcycle to become any more dangerous with poor weather.

It’s not quite the storm that had the town at a standstill from power cuts and blistering wind a couple of days ago, but the drizzly and dull aftermath still isn’t promising.

If I had it my way, we’d still be holed up in my apartment, spending another day in sweats on the couch, Cherry’s head resting against my chest, never leaving my embrace.

Soaking up every last minute together before she goes back to college.

Before Wyatt might decide I’m not worthy of his sister, or his friendship …

But I’m not the only one in this relationship, and I promised after a few sessions teaching her how to ride my motorcycle that she could take us on a longer journey, like her bucket list intended.

At least I could dictate which roads we took – there wasn’t a chance in hell I’d have her driving through the middle of town.

Regardless of whether it’s countless trucks or too many onlookers, the dirt roads between Lucky Star Ranch and Sunset Ranch are much safer.

Besides, as much as I love looking after Cherry, I understand that I have to let her try things, to trust that she’ll figure things out instead of holding her back like she’s used to everyone else doing.

I want nothing more than for her to feel as strong and beautiful as I see her, and if that means giving her a chance to ride my properly – one chance – then I’ll do it.

Anything for Baby Hensley.

I’ve taken some pretty damn big risks this summer and look where they got me – with the girl of my dreams.

‘Duke.’ Cherry sighs at me, yet there’s a smile there – albeit an exasperated one, but still a smile.

In fact, I can’t remember the last time I haven’t seen her smile.

Especially when I’m telling her how much I love her.

It’s become worryingly addictive – watching the way her eyes light up, deep umber and chestnut brown swirling in her irises, while her grin spreads out each time I say it.

Plus, the way her skin prickles each time I whisper it in her ear when we’re tangled in the sheets together also gives me as much of a high.

I’m basically drowning in dopamine by this point, which is probably also why she convinced me so easily to let her ride my motorcycle over to Wyatt and Rory’s this afternoon.

‘It’s been a whole forty-eight hours since the storm passed. It’ll be fine. If we don’t do this now, I might not get a chance before I go back to college, and you promised. Besides, I need all the adrenaline I can before facing Wyatt.’

‘Yeah, you and me both,’ I concede, deciding it’s worth it when Cherry grins and practically leaps onto the motorcycle, popping her helmet over her head, Baby Hensley printed on the back.

Maybe I should’ve got mine written on there instead … either way, she looks too damn good on my bike. Long legs straddling the seat, poured into a pair of tight Wranglers that emphasise the soft curve of her hips and waist, and that torturously shiny black hair flowing from beneath her helmet.

Fuck, if I don’t get on this bike we’re going to end up with a repeat of the other evening, and I’m not sure if our luck runs as far as not getting caught having sex outside twice . Nor would Wyatt appreciate us being late to dinner for that …

I throw my own helmet on and settle on the motorcycle behind her, winding my arms around her waist and tugging her into me.

Just giving myself a second to relish the privilege of getting to hold such a beautiful life in my hands.

I run her through all the controls that we’ve gone over previously – clutch, gears, throttle, brakes – and get her to relay back all the other safety points I’ve explained before.

Once I’m happy that she remembers everything she needs to, Cherry settles into the seat, getting as comfortable as possible and giggling when she wiggles her ass a little too much against me. I give her waist a quick squeeze in response for teasing me.

But before I know it, she’s started the engine, letting it warm up.

Carefully, she shifts into gear and lets up on the clutch, pulling back on the throttle and we’re moving.

The pure joy in her laugh as we start riding, albeit slowly, pushes away all my worries about today, leaving me with nothing but love and admiration for this beautiful woman riding my bike.

As Cherry gets more comfortable, she starts to pick up speed, and her movements as we turn become more natural, no longer relying on me so much to help.

The emptiness of the roads, rolling fields surrounding us, has calm washing over me as the breeze whistles past – and being here with Cherry, the woman I love, multiplies that tenfold.

Even if the clouds leftover from the storm have blocked out the sun, I’ve still got the glorious light that Cherry brings into my life keeping away any shadows that might crawl into my mind.

And I hope tonight Wyatt will see that – the joy she brings me, the safety I hope I give her. That we’re meant to be. That we could ride back tonight knowing nothing stands in our way. No more fear of losing anyone.

Soon, the country roads begin to narrow as we get closer to Sunset Ranch, barely a couple of minutes away. As we approach a tight corner, Cherry slows down like she should but then gives it a bit too much throttle just as we finish rounding it and looks down at the gears—

I must see the fallen tree before she does.

‘Cherry – brake!’ My hands fly forward to press down on the brakes over hers, but she’s already lost control of the bike, the wheels slipping beneath us—

Time slows as our world tips.

I hit the ground first and force every bit of strength into keeping hold of Cherry tightly against me.

We skid along the ground with the bike, stones and gravel tearing at my legs, until we descend into a roll, slowing as my bike crashes into the trees lining the road.

Dust and gravel fills my vision, and my arms tremble from the might it’s taking to keep Cherry close to me. Not to let her go. Never.

When we finally come to a stop, pain creeps into my limbs, spreading hot through my shoulder, which takes my weight as I lie on my side, Cherry clutched to me.

My first few breaths feel like daggers in my lungs, but it doesn’t stop me from moving, from releasing my tight hold on Cherry so I can flip up my visor and check her over.

‘Cherry? Are you okay?’ I ask, voice hoarse.

My head thumps with each second.

She mumbles something to me as I lay her out on the ground, using the gentlest of touches in case she’s hurting. Each movement sends my shoulder into agony, pain shooting across my chest.

‘What was that, baby?’ I question again, lifting her visor too – I’m cautious not to remove her helmet in case she’s got a head or neck injury. I try to reassure her, ‘I’m here. I’ve got you.’

But I’m met with fluttering, unfocused eyes. This time, she doesn’t answer me. And when her body seizes up under my touch and begins to shake, I know exactly why.