Page 112 of Rogue's Path

“Neither do I.”

We both laugh. That’s another thing we have in common.

***

“Nice choice of hotels.” Peaches spins around her massive suite.

“You like it? I thought we could stay here for a few days. See the sights and wander around the town.”

“See the sights.” She walks over to me, wrapping her arms around me.

“Yeah.” I want to lean down and kiss those teasing lips of hers. And freeze. I almost broke the stupidest promise I’ve ever made. “I thought we could do something fun.”

Peaches leans back and stares up at me. “Why does it scare me when you say it that way?”

Because I’m not sure how you’ll react. “I thought you might want to go for a ride on my motorcycle.”

“Your motorcycle?” She steps back like I just suggested we go out and jump off a bridge or something like that.

“Yeah, bikes are a big part of my life. It’s important to me that you enjoy riding.” Which is an understatement.

“What if I don’t? Is that it for us?”

Could I stand losing her? “No. But I won’t lie, it’ll be harder. I own other vehicles, but especially in the summer, I’m almost always riding.”

Peaches turns around and walks over to the window. She stares out at the sweeping vista of frozen fields. In the summer, it’ll be endless stalks of wheat or corn. “Can I have some time to think about it?”

“Of course. I never want you to feel like you have to do something you don’t want for me. This is your choice.” But I can’t help hoping this doesn’t become a separation for us. The world is a different place from the back of a bike.

“Wait, how are we going to ride?”

“My bike is in the back of the trailer too. If the weather holds up, and you find you enjoy riding, we’ll take it back home.” Home. Our home is going to be the same place soon.

“You brought it all this way on the chance I might ride it with you. In the cold?”

“We’ll get you leathers. You won’t even feel it.”

Her nose wrinkles.

They'd better find the stalker quickly. This no-kissing thing gets harder and harder every minute.

***

“I knew you were sneaky, but I should have been on my guard.” She slides her arms out of her jacket. “There were no less than ten stores we walked past that sell biker gear. That’s why you were so willing to shop.”

“Maybe. But I like any type of shopping with you.”

“Challenge accepted. The next time I go clothes shopping, you’re coming.”

“Gladly accepted. I saw a full set of leathers that would look so good on you.”

She shakes her head and walks away. “Men. I’m never wearing chaps and a string bikini. Do you hear me? Even if I try out this biker babe thing for you, it’s not happening.”

Biker babe? I try to hold back a smile.

“And you better feed me before I get hangry.”

It seems it’s too late for that. “What would you like?”