Page 25 of Seasons of Love
"My what?"
He chuckled. "Hold these, I'll be right back.
When my brain caught up, I laughed to myself. Surely he didn't mean—
"He fucking did."
Fortunately, he didn't hear me over the noise of the big, badass bike.
I was still staring at him when he parked the bike to close the gate. Was that the right term? Do bikes get parked? Or is it a different term?
Slade appeared in my line of sight.
"You look a little terrified… Okay, a lot. You don't have to do this, but I thought it would be fun for you to experience what it's like to ride on a bike."
"I am…terrified." The bike was big and sturdy. Newer than the one we were working on, but still a Harley. Still only two wheels.
Before I could change my mind, I gave him my helmet so I could put the jacket on. It was surprisingly light. Then I put the helmet on my head but couldn't figure out how to fasten it.
"Here. Let me do it," Slade said, taking over with the expertise of someone who'd done it a million times. I tried to ignore the little sparks I felt when his fingers brushed against my skin.
He put his helmet on and straddled the bike.
"Damn."
"What's up?"
"Do you have a pair of sunglasses?" I asked.
"Yes."
"Put them on."
He raised a brow but did as I asked.
I took my phone out of my pocket and snapped a photo.
"Thank you, god. I'll never ask for anything ever again," I said to myself, pocketing the phone.
"My name's Slade, and those who don't ask, never get."
His teasing smile was what wet dreams were made of.
"I think I need a cold shower," I muttered as I tried to get on the bike behind him in the most gracious way I could. Mission failed.
"Maybe later, if you're good," he said.
"Damn it, Slade, if you're gonna look like my teenage fantasy and talk like it too, you better come through."
He laughed and told me to hold on tight.
I kept my eyes closed to start with because I was terrified that if I opened them, I’d throw up from fear. Especially as Slade navigated the tight streets of Chester Falls.
When it seemed we were on a straight road, I loosened my grip around Slade and opened my eyes.
Everywhere around us was green. Green fields, pastures, hills. It was beautiful. The rumble of the bike was loud, but after a while, I got used to it and it became almost soothing. I didn't realize how smooth it could be to ride a bike.
I didn't know how long or far we traveled because at some point Slade put his hand over mine and left it there. I leaned my head against his back and just enjoyed the ride.
