Page 26

Charley took in her surroundings, peering out the passenger side window.

It was a section of town she hadn’t frequented.

There’d never been a reason. It was just outside of the city limits.

Most would consider it a wealthier area.

The properties had larger lots, maybe an acre, and the homes shared a specific look.

All massive colonials with perfectly manicured lawns.

She swallowed the knot in her throat when she heard the blinker sound, and he turned right, up a long driveway.

It was lined with lights, leading up to his home.

Nash pulled in front of the house, and she leaned closer to the window, getting a better look. This was not at all what she’d expected. It didn’t follow the same design as the other homes on the street. The property seemed much larger, with trees lining the perimeter, maximizing his privacy.

The home itself was modern and three stories high.

It was an interesting architectural choice.

When he shut down the engine, she grabbed the handle and opened the door, getting out of the car.

She craned her neck, looking up at the tall structure.

It was incredible, like nothing she’d ever seen before.

When she felt his hand on her back, Charley shifted closer to him. This was all happening so fast, and as much as she knew she should take caution, she wanted to be with him. For once in her life, she wasn’t going to overthink it and just live in the moment.

“Your house is amazing.”

“Thank you.”

“Your property seems bigger than all the others.”

“It’s a double lot.”

“Oh,” she mumbled glancing around. The landscape was neutral, nothing flashy. Bushes lined the entry and fresh mulch. It was neat and orderly. It suited him.

He led her up the front walkway. No wreath or welcome mat.

Nash opened the door, ushering her inside the small entry.

There was a bench on one side and an arched doorway leading into the garage.

Without a door, it gave her a view inside.

Charley didn’t have much of an interest in cars or how his garage was stocked.

But there was something, a few things actually, that caught her eye.

She casually peeked inside. Wow! A small smile emerged, and she stepped forward, taking a better look.

With the dim lighting it was hard to see all of them but it was just enough light to showcase Nash’s collection.

“Would you like a tour of the garage?”

She jumped back, sending her shoulder against his chest, and he grasped her hips. This put them in particularly close proximity. His fingers dug into her, and she felt heat race through her veins. Nash’s lips twitched, and he lifted his chin.

“You want to see?”

“I wasn’t trying to be nosy.”

Nash dropped his chin to his chest and chuckled.

“Not many people show interest in my garage.” He slid his hand across her hip and down to her hand, clasping his fingers through hers.

Hand holding didn’t hold much significance for most people, but for Charley, it was intimate.

A need to be touching another, even in the most innocent of ways.

Nash passed her, leading her down two steps into the garage. He reached out, flicking the light switch, and the garage was illuminated. She briefly caught sight of two vehicles lined up. But her main focus was the line of motorcycles on the far wall.

“You ride motorcycles?”

His gaze softened, and he shifted his eyes across the garage. “Not as often as I’d like.”

“They’re beautiful.” She walked closer to the bikes and released his hand.

Charley knew nothing about motorcycles, but he had a vast array.

A few were obviously racing bikes. Two were black and chrome, resembling the ones she’d seen riding through town by the local MC.

She zoned in on the first in line. It was a little older than the others, if she had to guess.

That did nothing to take away from its beauty.

She reached out, wanting to slide her hand over the base of the bike but immediately pulled her hand back.

His masculine snicker had Charley looking to Nash, standing a few feet away. He walked closer, gently grasped her wrist, and placed her hand on the bike.

“You can touch it, Charley.”

“I thought there was some type of code that said you can’t touch a biker’s motorcycle.”

“I wouldn’t advise going around and touching a stranger’s bike, but I don’t know of any specific rule.” He cocked his brow. “Ever been on a bike?”

“No, but” —She eyed the bike, feeling the excitement build in her chest— “I always wanted to. Sometimes, I see Ghosttown East riding together. A lot of them have their wives and girlfriends on the back. It looks like a lot of fun.”

“Would you like to go for a ride?”

She whipped her head. “Right now?”

Nash looked over at the bikes. “Give me a few minutes, and I’ll change.”

He walked out of the garage, and she continued her perusal. This night was proving to be full of unexpected surprises.

Nash came down a few minutes later in a pair of worn jeans and a tight fitted T-shirt, showcasing his muscular arms. Charley knew he’d be fit, but this was next level.

He walked over to a cabinet in the corner of the room and pulled out two helmets.

One was a half-shell, not much protection.

The other was the opposite. Full head and face mask.

He offered her the larger of the two, and she eagerly grabbed it from his hands.

“Pick one.”

Charley knitted her brows. Pick one? Did he mean motorcycles?

“Oh.” She waved her hand. “I’m just excited to take a ride. Any of them will be great.”

Nash eyed her, almost inspecting, and he gestured to the line of motorcycles. “Pick one.”

Charley turned, walking down the line of bikes. They were all beautiful. Any of them would do. But she had her eye on one in particular. She stopped at the first motorcycle in line, smiling down at the bike.

“Can we take this one?”

Nash stalked toward her with a look she couldn’t quite place. He stopped behind her, wrapping his arms around her stomach. His breath fanned over her neck, and his lips skimmed her ear. “That’s my favorite.”

Heat coursed over her skin, and she slowly angled her head. They were so close. A mere breath away. In an instant, she’d abandoned all ideas of the ride and wanted nothing more than to kiss him.

“We could go on the motorcycle later,” she said, leaning closer, making her intentions known.

He cupped her jaw, strumming his thumb over her pulse. It must’ve been giving everything away. Nash knew what she was insinuating. He tightened his hold over her waist.

“Put your helmet on,” Nash said.

She did as she was told but hadn’t taken her eyes off of him. She was seeing him in a different light. He walked around his bike as if it was second nature. She’d just tied the straps when the garage door opened, and he started up the engine. He glanced over his shoulder and waved her over.

Charley couldn’t batten down her excitement, practically running to him. Nash gave her specific instructions on how to get on, even offering his hand and steadying her when she wobbled on the pegs.

She wrapped her arms around his waist, clasping her hands at his stomach. Adrenaline raced through her veins, and they hadn’t even left the garage.

“Don’t let go,” he said.

That won’t be a problem, Nash.

****

It had been years since he’d had a woman on the back of his bike.

Even then it had only been a handful of times.

Her hands were clasped at his stomach, tighter than he would’ve preferred.

It was a telltale sign she was afraid of falling off.

It was a healthy fear, especially for a first-time rider.

Charley had nothing to worry about. He wouldn’t let anything happen to her.

He dropped his hand to her thigh, caressing her leg in hopes of calming her nerves.

Nash had only intended on a short ride, maybe fifteen minutes. He could’ve rode for the next few hours. It wasn’t until he was riding that he was reminded of how much he missed it. When he asked if she wanted to go back, she shouted over the engine.

“Can we ride a little bit longer?”

Nash openly smiled, and headed toward a winding backroad he’d been eyeing since he’d moved into his house. Nash took the full loop then rode back home. This may have been her first time on his bike, but it wouldn’t be the last.

He pulled into his garage and parked in the first spot, designated for this specific motorcycle.

He wasn’t lying when he’d mentioned she’d chosen his favorite.

Nash gave her instructions on how to get off.

He shut down the engine and swung his leg over the seat, turning to Charley.

She’d already taken off her helmet and was practically bouncing on her toes.

“How did I do?” Charley asked.

Nash knitted his brows, unsure of what she meant.

She pointed to the bike. “As a passenger?”

Charley was eagerly waiting on his response. His approval. I fucking like that.

He leaned closer, brushing his lips against hers. “Perfect.”

Charley reached out, took his helmet, and walked to the work chest across the garage.

He bent down, inspecting the bike. He’d heard a small rattle while riding.

It could’ve been nothing, but he wanted to double check.

It had been too long since he’d ridden or serviced the motorcycle.

With his new riding companion, he needed to made sure it was safe.

“I like you in a suit.”

Nash turned to see her leaning against the work chest and a blush spreading across her cheeks. Her gaze travelled over his body from head to toe, lingering on his chest.

“But I love you in jeans and a T-shirt.”

Playing with fire, Charley.

“Yeah?”

Charley bit her lip and slowly nodded. Nash straightened from the bike and stalked toward her.

She backed into the edge of the counter, grasping the edges.

Nash stopped only inches away. He grabbed her hips, lifting her up onto the surface and stepping between her legs.

He curled his palm over her throat, sliding his thumb over the pulse of her neck.

“I like you in this.” He leaned closer, tugging on her shirt and brushing his lips under her ear. “But I’d love you naked.”

“I could take it off,” she whispered.

It was the last thing he’d expected from her lips. His shy and quiet beauty was showing all the signs of an irresistible siren. Fuck! Nash was known for his control, but it was wavering at the moment.

Nash clenched his jaw when she drew her hands up to the top button of her blouse. Never in his life had he been so tempted by a woman. It was usually him giving instructions and taking control. Charley was full of surprises.

She kept her eyes locked on him as she unbuttoned her shirt. She dropped her arms to her sides, with the gaping opening leaving only a tease of her toned belly and a snippet of her breasts.

“Take it off.” He growled.

She slid her hand over her shoulder, her shirt sliding down her arm. She repeated the movement until the shirt slipped away, pooling around her waist, leaving her in only her beige bra. It was generic and no frills. It shouldn’t have been sexy. But it is.

“All of it.”

Her chest rose. He could almost see her heart racing. Charley might be nervous, but she wasn’t hesitating. She reached around her back. Seconds later, the bra fell to her lap, exposing her breasts. Fuck me!

Charley slid her gaze over his chest, then down to the buckle of his jeans, and whispered, “Your turn.”

This woman didn’t even realize what this slow seduction was doing to him. He reached back over his shoulders, gripping his shirt and pulling it over his head. A small smile merged on her lips. When she glanced up, he saw the heat in her gaze.

“Should we go to your bedroom?”

Fuck, yes! That was exactly where he intended on taking her. But he wasn’t done playing just yet. He wanted to see what other surprises she might be hiding.

“You like my bike?”

“Yes.” Her breath hitched when he slid his hands over her stomach and up to her chest, cupping her breasts, teasing her nipples with his thumbs.

“I can bend you over it” —His lips trailed over her neck— “and fuck you.”

“Yes.” She moaned.

Nash had the vision in his head. If he didn’t get her up to his bed, he’d be acting out this fantasy.

“You wet for me?”

“Yes.” She moaned.

Nash wrapped his arms around her waist, lifting her off the bench. Her legs immediately wrapped around him, and her lips landed on his mouth. He dipped his tongue insider her mouth, tasting her. If his cock got any harder, he’d bust the zipper.

Fuck!

He walked to the back corner of the garage and elbowed the button on the wall. Thank fuck for the elevator. It had been an unnecessary indulgence when he’d designed the house. He didn’t use it often, but he was grateful for it now. The quicker he got her upstairs, the sooner he’d be inside her.