Page 5 of Wheelie's Challenge
“That guy’s a looker too,” the woman at the next table said.
“I wonder if he’s in for a little fun. He’s been giving me the eye ever since he came in,” Tiff replied.
Sofia’s stomach churned and she stared down at the dinner salad swimming in creamy dressing. Grabbing her purse with one hand, she pushed away from the table with the other one. “I’m going to the ladies’ room. I’ll be right back.” She started to walk over to Tigger but he was too engrossed in Harley talk, so she walked toward the bathrooms.
When she’d finished drying her hands, she ran a cold, damp paper towel over the back of her neck and her throat; the coolness felt good against her heated skin. Sofia reapplied her lipstick, fluffed her hair, then walked into the hallway.
“Hi, Sofia,” Wheelie said as he leaned against the wall, his eyes raking boldly over her body. “You’re looking good.”
Tingles skittered down her back. “Hi, and… uh, thanks.” She glanced down the hall.
“Tigger’s preoccupied with Banger’s Harley.”
Sofia nervously giggled as she played with her purse strap. “He’s still talking about getting a new one.”
“How’ve you been?”
“Good. You?”
“Is he treating you okay?”
She looked down at the floor. “It’s been fine, especially since Banger made the family outings mandatory. For me, that’s helped a lot.” Sofia wrapped the purse strap around her wrist.
“Am I making you nervous?”
“No. Why?” Sofia’s heart fluttered in her throat as Wheelie’s hand reached out and pulled the strap from her grip. Goosebumps sped across her skin from his touch.
“I’ve missed you,” he said, leaning back against the wall again.
“Then why have you been avoiding me?” Sofia shook her head. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have asked you that. I know why.”
“Do you?” He reached out and laced his fingers through hers.
“I have to go.” Sofia pulled away. “Tigger will come looking for me.”
Wheelie tugged her to him and tilted her head back then pressed his lips gently on hers. “I reallyhavemissed you,” he said against her mouth. “More than you can fuckin’ imagine.” Then he pushed her back at arm’s length and walked down the hall.
Sofia watched him disappear into the room as she touched her lips where his kiss still lingered. This thing that was going on between them was dangerous, but at that moment, she didn’t care. Wheelie had captured her attention and she couldn’t help but gravitate toward him. He made her feel like a desirable woman again.
How can I just walk away?She ran her hand over her sweaty face.How can I not?Wheelie was the magnet pulling her to him, and she was tired of resisting. She wanted him more than anything in her life.
“What’re you doing in the hallway?” Tigger asked as he came up to her.
His presence was like a bucket of cold water dousing her. “I just got out of the bathroom. I’m not feeling so well.”
“I’m not ready to go home.” His words were sharp like jagged glass.
“I’ll be fine.”
“Next time you need to goanywhere, you let me know.” His fingers dug into her skin so hard that she knew there’d be bruises the following day. “Did any man try and talk to you?”
Bile rose in her throat.Does he know Wheelie came this way? Is he checking to see if I’m going to lie?Sucking in her breath, she shook her head no, only releasing it when he guided her back to the table.
When she peeked over at the bar, she saw the woman named Tiff laughing and brushing her hand over Wheelie’s forearm, and her stomach twisted again.
“Are you okay?” Cherri asked. “You don’t look so good.”
Belle handed her a glass of water, and Sofia grasped it in her hands and took a few gulps.I’m losing it and acting like a fool. I’m a married woman. Wheelie’s single. End of fucking story.
