Page 41 of Wheelie's Challenge
“Are you taking Sofia?” Throttle said as he slid out of the booth.
Wheelie glanced at all four men then nodded.
“Fuck, man. You got all sorts of shit exploding around you,” Rags said.
“I’ll talk to Hawk about getting info on the rental car.” Wheelie followed the men to the cashier then walked out with them in the parking lot. They all darted their eyes around before heading to their Harleys.
“Later,” Wheelie said as he bumped fists with each of the brothers.
On his way back to the car wash, Wheelie had no doubt in his mind that this guy was aiming to kill him. It hadn’t occurred to him that Elmore would have the balls… or the money… to hire an assassin. It was a good thing the asshole had spoken to Brenda about him. Now, his suspicion that something felt off was confirmed.
Someone was watching out for him.
Wheelie parked in the back near the door to the rear entrance and under the big oak tree. Before going into the building, he tossed his head back and looked at the clear blue sky.
Thanks for watching my back, Kendra. I got this.
A gust of wind kicked up suddenly, wrapping around him, hissing in soft whispers as the branches of the weeping willow tree across the street undulated in the breeze. A light scent of roses danced in the air. Wheelie inhaled deeply.Kendra’s favorite flowers. She’s here. I feel it.Strands of wind-blown hair swept across his face as he got off his bike and walked to the back door.
Before he went in, he paused to let himself get lost in his emotions as he looked up at the sky once more. “This isn’t over yet. I’ll kill the fuckin’ bastard, then you can finally rest in peace.”
The wind swallowed his words, carrying them far, far away.
Wheelie locked the door behind him.
Chapter Thirteen
Tucked under Wheelie’sarm, Sofia nestled closer to him as they walked through the large lot. Truck after truck filled the parking spaces, and loud music blasted from tinny speakers as groups of people grilled, sang, and guzzled beer.
It’d been a long time since Sofia had been to a concert, and she’d forgotten how charged the air was with excitement and energy. Since she’d woken up that morning, Sofia had obsessively clock-watched as if that would’ve made the time go by faster. After Bones had left, she’d gone into her closet and tried on practically everything she owned, finally settling on faded blue cutoff shorts and a yellow crocheted crop top. At the last minute, Sofia had grabbed her green flannel shirt and tied it around her waist just in case the night became cool.
“You don’t like tailgating?” she asked after they entered the outside venue.
“I do. We usually do it with Throttle’s or Animal’s truck.”
“You didn’t want to tonight? I know we drove in your SUV, but we could’ve set up something.”
Wheelie bent down and kissed her. “We got a late start in coming here,” he whispered in her ear while he patted her behind.
Sofia licked her lips and felt her neck flush as images of Wheelie’s face buried in her slick folds ran through her mind. Sofia was elated when he’d come over earlier than planned, and the minute she let him in through the back door, he had her pinned against the wall, devouring her mouth while his hands touched every inch of her body.
“Let’s get something to eat,” he said, guiding her over to one of the booths.
“I’ll take the biggest nachos they have with extra jalapeño,” Sofia said, perusing the menu board, “and a Coors Light and water.” She looked up and saw Wheelie’s raised eyebrows. “What? I’m hungry.” For a split second Sofia heard Tigger’s voice echoing in her head, telling her she’s too fat and she couldn’t have any nachos.
Wheelie shook his head and smiled. “Order whatever you want to eat. I can’t believe you chose light beer. It tastes like piss, baby. But… if you like it.”
“I really don’t, but I thought since I’m pigging out on the nachos that I should cut a few calories somewhere.”
“We’re at a concert. Who gives a fuck about calories?”
When he placed their order, Sofia heard him say “two Coors,” and it made her heart swell and her skin tingle. She raked her fingernails down his back then kissed him on the jaw. “Have I told you how sexy and awesome you are? And sweet too.” She swatted his arm as he grimaced. “Yeah… that’s right. You’re this badass biker on a killer Harley, but I know you’re really a sweet ol’ softie.”
Wheelie laughed. “Don’t go telling anyone and ruin my reputation.” He pulled out several bills and handed them to the guy behind the counter.
As Sofia watched him, she hooked her finger in his back belt loop and leaned against him. She wanted to touch him, to feel the heat emanating from his body, and to simply be close to him. All she could think about when Wheelie had to leave her was the next time she’d be wrapped in his arms again. Sofia craved him in the worst way—not the aching, angsty kind—but in a euphoric, passionate way that rocked her world and made her stomach do nonstop somersaults every time she thought of him.
“Grab your beer, babe.” Wheelie said, handing her a large plastic cup as he balanced the nachos, a brownie, and a burger and fries with one hand.
