Total pages in book: 51
Estimated words: 49530 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 248(@200wpm)___ 198(@250wpm)___ 165(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 49530 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 248(@200wpm)___ 198(@250wpm)___ 165(@300wpm)
“Perfect. We’ll drop off the veggies and put your flowers in water before heading to lunch. We’ll have burgers tonight. What do you think of seafood?”
“It’s good when it’s cooked?” she suggested with a grin, referring to the sushi incident.
“Amen. Let’s go.”
When they reached his huge bike, she couldn’t help thinking that the owner and his motorcycle were a perfect match. The power and sexy styling of the machine complimented the sensual vibes that radiated from Talon. When he opened one of his saddlebags and pulled out a fuzzy pink bear, she reached automatically to cuddle the stuffie against her chest.
“He’s so cute,” she whispered.
“Poor guy’s been tired of hanging with me. I thought you might like him,” Talon said. His tone was light, but she sensed this was important.
“Thank you. I love him.” Elizabeth hugged the teddy bear again and kissed the top of his head. “I think I’ll name him Borscht.”
“After the cold beet soup?” Talon asked. His black eyes danced with amusement.
“Yes. It seems appropriate for a dashing, pink teddy bear of the male persuasion.”
“How did you know Borscht was a boy?” Talon asked, raising his eyebrow.
“Come on. It’s so obvious,” she teased, squeezing the bear close once again and rubbing her chin over his furry head.
She shouldn’t love this bear so much. But she did. Elizabeth crossed her fingers, hoping Borscht and Puff would become besties.
“How about if Borscht rides in your basket?” Talon asked.
“He won’t fall out?”
“I’ll make sure he’s okay,” Talon promised.
“Okay.”
Within a few minutes, he had her basket bungeed securely on his rear carrier with Borscht tucked safely inside. Talon pulled an extra helmet from the other saddlebag on his bike. Carefully, he fit it on her head and brushed the strands of hair that fluttered around her face away as he tightened the chin strap. “That’s a bit too big, but it will keep you safe until we get one your size.”
“That won’t be necessary. I won’t need it. You are a safe driver, right?”
“I am.”
“Whew. Okay. Can I just shout directions?”
“How about you tell me now?”
She recited the route to her apartment. There were several turns and Elizabeth double checked when she was finished. “Does that make sense?”
“Got it. Now, have you ever ridden on a bike?”
“When I was a kid, my uncle took me on a few rides. I just lean when you do, right?”
“That’s it. Keep your feet on the pegs,” he directed, leaning down to flip them away from their stowed position flush against the bike. “The pipes are hot. I don’t want you to get burned.”
“Okay. I’ll be careful.”
“Alright, let’s go.” In a move that screamed athleticism, he swung a leg over the huge motorcycle and gestured for her to join him.
Trying to be at least half as graceful as him, Elizabeth scrambled over the bike that was much taller than her legs. With his arm boosting her, she finally slid onto the seat.
“Feet on the pegs and arms around my waist,” he reminded her after starting the throbbing engine.
Trying to keep her distance from him, she placed her hands on his waist. Talon wrapped an arm around behind her and pulled her firmly against him before tugging her hands together in front of his hard stomach. Elizabeth closed her eyes to savor the feel of being wrapped around his muscular body.
“Better. Now, the foot pegs,” he reminded her, and Elizabeth scrambled to lift her feet from the ground and into place. “Let’s ride.”
Chapter
Four
Talon pulled out of the parking space smoothly and emerged from the lot with an ease that demonstrated how much experience he had in controlling a bike. After the first corner, Elizabeth relaxed against him and earned a squeeze of her thigh with his powerful hand. She smiled against his back, pleased by his approval.
Elizabeth was sorry when he pulled into her apartment complex and backed the bike into a parking space. She didn’t want to admit even to herself how much she enjoyed having an excuse to snuggle close to his powerful body.
“Here you are. All in one piece,” he announced, cutting through her thoughts.
“You’re good,” she complimented, scrambling off and standing back to watch him. Elizabeth wished she was as graceful as he was in easing off the monster bike.
“I know. But I’m glad you noticed. Let’s take this up to your apartment and we can go have lunch,” Talon suggested as he unfastened her basket.
“Want to take my car?” she asked.
“Not ever.”
“Oh, motorcycles are in your blood, and you hate cars?” she teased as she opened her door.
“Let’s go with that,” he answered with a grin.
A flash of his expression from before at the market when that other biker caused problems jolted into her head and she blinked in reaction. He looked totally different.
“Who are you really?” she asked.
“I’m Talon. A Shadowridge Guardian and a mechanic. I also have some other roles in the MC.”