Truly, Madly, Whiskey(49)
What other mysterious, wonderful things had she missed by riding in her car with the windows rolled up?
She held on tight, wondering where they were going. Bear had been secretive, but as time passed, the pungent scents of the sea crept back in, and the causeway came into view. She realized he was heading to Capshaw Island. She pressed her hands tighter on his stomach, excitement rushing through her. She’d never been to the island, even though it was only a little more than an hour away. Capshaw Island was a small fishing town, and she’d heard stories about wild ponies and the lack of commercialization there, and it had piqued her interest. She was surprised that her badass biker would want to go to such a quiet place. She’d imagined them hitting the highway and stopping at roadside biker bars. Then again, Bear knew how she’d lost her father, and he’d been so careful with her in every other way. This was another thoughtful gesture. And it made her first trip there even more special.
As he drove over the causeway, she wished she could whip off her helmet and let the air kiss her face. Long, marshy grasses sprouted up through the rippling water. Paddleboarders moved seamlessly across the water, and in the distance a powerboat motored along, leaving a trail of whitecaps.
They rode down the main drag, which looked old-fashioned compared to Peaceful Harbor. Painted brick and wood-sided storefronts boasted scalloped awnings shading wooden benches and planters full of summer flowers. From what she could see, there were only two blocks of businesses, just as she’d heard.
Bear parked on a side street. He was smiling as he chained the helmets, watching her taking it all in.
“Have you been here before?”
“No, but I’ve always wanted to.”
“Then I’m glad we came. I’ve driven through with the club, but I’ve never stopped to walk around. A first for both of us—there’s nothing cooler than that.”
“Speaking of cool.” She hooked her fingers in the top of her leather leggings and stripped them off. When she reached the top of her ankle boots, she laughed. “Oops. Not cool.”
Bear was already bending down to unlace her boots. “Sexiness has a price.” He flashed a wink as he pulled one off.
She steadied herself with his shoulder as he slipped the pants over her foot. “If you get bored down there, I can think of something to keep you busy.”
Desire flared in his eyes. “Careful poking a hungry bear.”
After he finished helping her off with her pants—and on with her boots—he ran his hands up her outer thighs as he rose to his feet and rather blatantly adjusted the formidable bulge in his jeans.
“Sorry,” she whispered, grinning from ear to ear.
“What was it you said to me last night? I’d make up for it later? Quid pro quo, baby.” He kissed her again and tucked her pants into the backpack. She reached for it and he gave her a you-must-be-kidding look as he slung it over his shoulder.
She’d never had anyone take care of her the way he did, and even though she secretly loved it, she couldn’t resist teasing him. “Sounds like ownership to me.”
His arm darted around her shoulder, and she snuggled in to her favorite spot.
“Call it whatever you want,” he said.
They walked to the main road, Bear’s eyes scanning the faces of every man they passed, giving off that threatening vibe again, like he’d done in Whispers. She was coming to accept that being with him went hand in hand with being watched over like a hawk. Maybe that wasn’t such a bad thing, but she had a feeling there was more behind his watchfulness than mere boyfriend-like protection. He hadn’t said anything more about what happened in college, but she sensed it was eating him alive.
As they meandered through a gallery of nautical sculptures and paintings, she wrestled with what she was really asking of him. Was it fair of her to expect him to let her past go? She’d had years to deal with it, but she’d laid it on him and demanded he do nothing.
They left the gallery and visited a marine supply store, and as they walked around, she told herself that her decision was the right one. It was what she needed, and hopefully he’d eventually get past throwing off the killer vibe. On their way out, Bear bought a dark purple carabiner.
When they left the store, he opened the backpack and hooked the carabiner to her keys.
“What’s that for? Are you going to buy a leash next?”
“If you’re not careful, I might.” The tease in his eyes tugged at her as he hooked the carabiner to a leather loop inside the backpack. “You can hook this to your keys, then on your jeans or inside your bag. That way you’re not always digging for your keys. It’s safer this way.”
She snuggled up to him again, loving that he’d been noticing everything about her. “You really do care.”
“Babe, if you’re still figuring that out, you’re miles behind.”
Maybe so, but she was catching up quickly. “You watch over me so carefully, and I appreciate that. You were protective before I told you what happened, but ever since, you’ve been even more watchful.”
He guided her out of the middle of the sidewalk to let another couple pass by, and his face went serious. “As long as that guy is out there, I’ll worry.”
Her stomach knotted up. “Bear, please. I know it’s hard, and I’m sorry for asking you to let it go, but I wish you could just forget it ever happened. I left that part of my life behind.”