Page 63 of Shadow's Surrender
“A lot of threatening to cut me off.” She laughed. “It worked years ago when I tried to stand my ground and stay in Italy, but this time I have some money and I’m going to get a job.”
“Can you handle the deep freeze your parents will put you in?”
“If you’re with me, I can handle anything.” The corners of her mouth turned up.
He exhaled slowly as a relieved feeling washed over him.I’m in so fuckin’ deep.“I’m here for you. When are you moving in?”
“This Saturday. My dad’s going to New York City on business and my mom’s going with him to do some shopping. They leave tomorrow morning.”
“I can help you—I’ll get some of my buddies to help out too.”
“I doubt if they’ll want to spend their Saturday moving my crap. I don’t have that much, but even so …”
“If I ask them, they’ll do it—we help each other out. Although, I’m not gonna say they won’t grumble about it.” Shadow took the last bite of his sandwich.
“It’s wonderful to have such good friends. I know I can count on a few of my close ones too. Tell the guys I’ll have pizza and beer.”
Shadow laughed. “Then, for sure they’ll come without bitchin’. Hell, they’ll do just about anything for pizza and beer.”
Laughing, she reached over and grasped his hand. “You’re too funny.” Her green eyes sparkled like a forest stream in the morning sun. “I like spending time with you.”
“That’s good to know since I plan on seeing a lot more of you.” He glanced at her empty plate. “Are you ready to go?”
“Uh … yeah.” A flash of disappointment flickered on her face.
“I thought we’d go for a ride.”
Beaming, she nodded. “I’d love to go for another ride.
“Cool. Riding a bike at night is completely different than during the day.” Shadow waved his hand, gesturing to the waitress for the bill. “I enjoy the isolation of riding at night. Without the chaos of daytime traffic, I can really focus on the ride. There’s nothing better than a night sky studded with stars and a bright moon shining down on the mountain tops and evergreens.” He paused as the images filled his mind. “And the lakes and streams look like glittering pools of silver. It’s the best—fuckin’ awesome.”
“That’s so beautiful. You make it sound exciting and special, but I have to say, I’m a bit scared. It’s so dark out and I worry if cars will be able to see us.”
Shadow picked up the bill and scanned it. “You’ll be with me, so don’t worry. I’m not one of those crazy fucks who ride the way they do during the day. We’ll be on the back roads so there won’t be many cars, if any. The biggest thing with night riding is that visibility is down and deer and coyotes dash across the road. I’m experienced, so all you gotta do is trust me, hold on tight, and enjoy the view.” He placed the money in the bill plate, slid out of the booth, then gripped Scarlett’s hand and she followed suit.
Soon, the warm night air swirled around them as Shadow rode around curves until he finally stopped at Inspiration Point—one of the highest points near the town. It offered a great view of the town, and from the high vantage point, the vista to the northwest was spectacular: layered scenery of the mountains and fields.
“I love it up here,” Scarlett said. She whirled around as if trying to take in the different views all at once.
“It’s kickass,” Shadow agreed as he took out a Navajo print blanket from one of the saddle bags. “I love coming up here—it’s not far from town, but you feel like you’re a million miles away.” He put his arm around Scarlett and led her to a grassy area then spread out the blanket.
“I’ve never been here before, and it’s so close to Pinewood Springs,” she said as she sat down next to him.
“You’ve lived a sheltered life, baby. I used to come up here with Eli and some other buddies to drink beer and smoke pot when we were in high school. Even then, I appreciated the strength and wonder of the universe.”
“Did Eli and your other friends feel the same way?” She leaned her head against his shoulder.
Shadow laughed. “Fuck no. They just came here to booze and smoke without getting caught. The badges hardly patrol this area.”
He lay down, taking Scarlett with him, then hovering over her, he kissed her deeply, enjoying the feel of her soft body pressed against his.
The breeze blew warm around them and carried the aroma of pine trees and fragrant wildflowers. The solemn hooting of an owl in a nearby tree and the distant rush of waterfalls echoed through the valley.
Shadow rolled on his back, tucked her into the curve of his arm, and held her close. Scarlett snuggled her face into his chest, draping an arm across his waist.
“It’s so beautiful here,” she murmured.
“Yeah.” He stroked her hair with his hand, kissing the top of her head.
