Page 33 of Torch

Christian nodded. “I understand. I just don’t want all the drama to overshadow what you’re doing with your business.”

I smiled and pecked his lips. I loved how he supported me without question. He was one thousand percent in my corner, cheering me on. “It won’t. Now that I have my suite, that is my key priority. Thanks to your dancers, I now have over twenty thousand followers on my business page.”

“I saw. I’m so happy for you, beautiful. You love what you do, and it shows in the work.”

I simpered at his words. I couldn’t help myself, so I rose to my tippy-toes and kissed his lips again. Christian was like a damn unicorn to me. “Thank you.” I stepped out of the apartment and locked the door. “You ready?” I asked him as we made our way to the parking lot, holding hands.

Christian chuckled. “I think I should be the one asking you that?”

I frowned in confusion, and he jerked his head to the side. I followed his gaze, and my mouth dropped open at the sight of his bike. “Wait, we’re riding on that today?”

“Only if you’re comfortable. If you don’t want to, I can go get one of my car⁠—”

“No way! Let’s go!” I cheered happily as I dragged him to the bike.

Christian howled with laughter as we made our way over. Once we were in front of his bike, he grabbed a red helmet. “I had to make sure I got you a helmet in your favorite color.”

I tilted my head to the side. “How did you know red is my favorite color? I never told you that.”

He scoffed, shaking his head. “Because I pay attention, Brit. Your phone case is red. Most of your jewelry and clothing are red. And when you get your nails done, you always make sure to have some red in there somewhere. Shall I continue?”

I bit my lip, speechless. Day by day, I was falling harder for this man. No man I had ever dated was in tune with me like this. After a beat of silence, I shook my head.

“Alright. Now riding is pretty simple. Just make sure to keep your feet on the pegs, hold on tight to me, and lean when I lean. Got it?”

“Yes,” I answered as I bounced in excitement.

After Christian got the helmet strapped on my head, he put his on. Once he sat down on the bike, he offered me his hand as I got situated behind him. When he cranked his bike, the deep rumble made me jump a little. Although I was thrilled to take this ride, I was still a little nervous. Five minutes into the ride, I couldn’t even fathom why I was nervous. It was the most raw and freeing experience I’d ever had.

I could feel the vibrations of the bike through my entire body. Every detail had me falling in love with this. The wind whipping against my body. Feeling the sun beat down on me. I didn’t know riding a bike could give you such an adrenaline rush.

By the time we arrived at our destination, I was a little mad it was over. Christian saw the pout on my face and laughed. “If you’re not busy after this, we can go on a longer ride.”

“Really?” I perked up.

“Yeah. I don’t have anything going on today, so I don’t mind.”

“Oh my God, yes. I would love to go on another ride. That was so much fun.”

“Alright. Well, let’s get in there so we can enjoy the rest of our day.” He grabbed my hand and led me into the building.

When we walked in, I quickly realized we were in some kind of tech shop. There were gadgets everywhere. A few employees spoke to Christian as he led me to an elevator. Once we were inside, I turned to him.

“I thought you said we were going to Cara’s job.”

“We are. Cara and Sara own the entire building. The tech shop is their first business. About a year ago, they started their own security firm. On the next floor is her office, along with their conference room. Then the third floor is where the gym is for their guards.”

Before I could ask more questions, the elevator doors opened. A young girl was sitting at a desk right in front of it.

“Hey, Torch. How are you doing?”

With my hand in his, he led me over to the desk. “I’m good, Sage. What about you?”

Sage smiled, closing the file she had in her hand. “I can’t complain.” Her gaze moved from him to me, then to our linked hands. She leaned forward with a raised brow. “Who is this pretty lady?”

I giggled. She wasn’t shy at all.

“This is my wife, Brittney. Brittney, this is Cara’s assistant, Sage.”