Page 33 of Hawkeye

“Even better.” He interlaced our fingers and tugged me toward the door. “A ride.”

“On your motorcycle?”

The answer was obvious, but I blurted out the question because I was so excited.

“Yeah, baby doll. Can’t think of a better break than having you on the back of my bike.”

I sped up my pace. “C’mon.”

His deep chuckle earned us a few surprised looks, but Calder ignored everyone as he led me to where his motorcycle was parked and pulled two helmets from his saddlebag.

After handing me one, he murmured, “Let me help.”

He tightened the strap under my chin, and I was hyperaware of his knuckles brushing my throat as he checked the fit.

Then he swung onto the bike, kicked the stand up, and held out a hand to help steady me. “Right foot on the peg. Swing your other leg over.”

I did what he said, and the size of the seat put me flush against his back.

He still reached behind him, hooked my hip, and dragged me closer. “Hold on like you mean it, baby doll.”

“Okay,” I whispered against his back as I wrapped my arms around his waist.

He started the engine, and the motorcycle rumbled to life beneath us. “You lean when I lean.”

Then we were off, riding over country roads with the wind blowing my hair out the back of the helmet. He drove for about twenty minutes before stopping at a taco truck on a side street with a picnic table that had seen better years.

“Six?” I asked once we were sitting across from each other with our food.

His container was piled three times higher than mine, and he plopped one of his tacos on top of my two. “Trust me, you’re going to want another.”

I realized how right he was when I took my first bite. He watched me lick chipotle crema off my thumb and flashed me a smug grin.

We got back on his bike after we were done, but he took a different route back. One that included a pit stop at a quiet overlook with a fantastic view.

We removed our helmets, and he hung them from the handlebars. Then he guided me to the railing and stood quietly at my side for a moment.

“Thanks for bringing me here.” I leaned against his side, and his arm came around my waist. “You were right about me needing a break.”

“You work hard.”

“Yeah,” I sighed, twisting around to look up into his green eyes. “I’m hoping if I prove myself, Mr. Smythe will let me build a stronger military-memorabilia program at Wynnock. I’m not sure how long that will take since I’m only twenty-one, and it’s a lot of responsibility. But it’s the best way for me to learn what I’ll need to eventually open a restoration studio in my grandfather’s workshop.”

His hold on me tightened. “You’re doing a hell of a job from what I’ve seen.”

“Thanks.”

Although he wasn’t very familiar with my field, Calder’s compliment meant a lot because he’d quickly become one of the most important people in my life.

The buzz of my phone interrupted the moment. I glanced down at the screen and quickly answered when I saw Mr. Smythe was calling.

He didn’t bother greeting me. “Tippon submitted an urgent request to collect a quarantined military lot. Your name is all over the notes, but their paperwork claims the senior appraiser approved the release. I need you to come in.”

I met Calder’s gaze and waited for him to nod before I answered. “I’ll be there soon.”

I ended the call as we walked back to the motorcycle. Calder handed me the helmet and muttered, “They regrouped and came up with a new plan.”

“One that won’t work.” I grinned at him before putting on the helmet. “Because I have you.”