Page 91 of Smokey's Distraction
“Isn’t it the law?”
“Only if the rider or passenger is seventeen and younger. And even if it was the law, there’s no damn way I’d wear one.”
She smiled. “I don’t think the rebel in you would let you.”
“Damn straight.” He turned to her. “I’m gonna get on first. When I tell you to hop on, you need to put your left hand on my shoulder. He pointed down to a chrome bar with black rubber inserts. “You put your left foot on this peg, then throw your right leg over the seat while I hold the bike straight until you’re comfortable. Wrap your arms around my waist to hold on. Got it?”
Nodding, she watched his legs tighten as he righted the motorcycle.
“Hop on, darlin’.”
Ashley did as he’d instructed and was soon flush against his warm body with her arms wrapped tight around his trim waist. She could feel every ridge and valley of his chiseled six-pack, and she chuckled under her breath.I could get used to this.
Looking over his shoulder, Smokey blew her a kiss. “You feel good pressed against me. Now, all you have to remember is to lean with me through the turns. I lead and you follow—like a dance.”
“Understood, but don’t go too fast.”
He chuckled. “That’s reserved for when you beg me for another ride, and believe me, you will. You’re gonna love the feel of riding. There’s nothing like it.”
“If you say so,” she murmured.
“You’ll see.”
The deep roar of the engine broke the solitude of the neighborhood, the vibrations rumbling beneath her. Smokey pulled away from the curb, and she tightened her grip. The wind lashed against her face as trees, streetlights, and houses rushed by. Seeing how Smokey handled the motorcycle with ease and expertise, the fear inside of her slowly slipped away.
At the stoplight, he revved the engine hard, and she gasped as the vibrations ran through her.Holy shit! I never expectedthat. Who knew riding a motorcycle would be this much fun?
The wind grew chilly, and she pressed herself to his back, feeling the heat emanating off his body. As they rode, she leaned with him into a turn, loving the feeling of complete freedom. Riding on the same road she took every day to work was more exciting from the back of a bike. She’d never noticed the way the sunlight played over the copper tops of the streetlights, or paid attention to the softwhooshof water cascading from the fountain in Miner’s Square. Everything seemed familiar and different at the same time.
Smokey turned into the parking lot of the diner and pulled into a space. When he came to a stop and turned off the engine, Ashley climbed off the bike, her legs a bit shaky. He grabbed her arm to steady her as he straddled the bike.
“That’s normal for your first time.” He threw his right leg over the seat and tugged her closer to him, his arm curling around her shoulders.
“I’m okay. That wasreallyfun!”
“Wait until we go riding along the mountain passes. It’s awesome,” he said as he led her into the diner.
Tingles skated down her arm.He’s making future plans with me. That means something, doesn’t it?
“Hiya, Smokey.” The waitress’s nametag readMaddie. She glanced at Ashley, then placed a hand on Smokey’s shoulder. “The back booth is free.”
He took the seat facing the front of the restaurant, and she slid into the one across from him while he chatted with the waitress, giving Ashley the impression that he knew Maddie pretty well.
“The specials for breakfast are banana nut pancakes, carnitas skillet with green chile, and Belgian waffles with blackberry syrup. I’ll bring you some water, and” –she pointed at Smokey— “coffee and cream. Is coffee good for you too?” she asked Ashley.
“Yes, thank you.”
“All right, then. Be back in a sec.” Maddie put the pencil behind her ear as she made her way to the kitchen.
“Is she a friend of yours?” Ashley asked, casually perusing the menu.
Smokey leaned against the back of the booth. “I’d say that, but I only see Maddie when I come to the diner. She’s the best waitress in the joint.”
“She seems nice.”
“She is. She got fucked by her cheating ex. The asshole doesn’t pay a fuckin’ dime in child support. Maddie works her ass off for her kids, and I admire that.”
“I do too. My mom worked two jobs, sometimes three, to put food on the table for my brother, sister, and me after my dad left.”
