More Than Lies (More Than #1)(101)

My helmet and my friends’ helmets are equipped with radio devices that allow us to communicate with each other. Preston is using one of the old spare helmets that doesn’t have that feature. I can hear Preston, and I can hear my friends, but he cannot. He doesn’t know they can hear him, and they’re all pretty pissed off that he’s constantly yelling at me.

“Pull the fuck over, Tara.” That was Shawn. I’ve lost count how many times he’s said that exact phrase.

I’m in front of everyone, leading the way, so I’ve chosen not to stop. Stopping will get Preston in a whole world of hurt. I can’t let that happen on my watch.

“Can you please send that asshole packing? He’s ruining my fun.” Mason’s voice comes out labored. Whereas I’m in a side-by-side and Shawn is on a four-wheeler, Mase and Matt are on dirt bikes. Shane and Kylie didn’t come out riding with us when we left earlier this morning. They had only arrived a few hours before we woke up, so he went to his room and crashed back out.

When I look in my mirror, I see Shawn pull out of line and increase his speed, gaining on me. Seconds later, he passes me and slams on his brake. That causes me to do the same, but I have to cut my wheels first so I don’t run into the back of him.

This isn’t going to be good.

I put the gearshift into park and kill the engine. Shawn’s already off his four-wheeler and is removing his helmet, walking this way.

“Out. Both of you get the fuck out of the machine.” I roll my eyes, but do as he says. There isn’t any sense in making this situation any worse.

“What’s your problem, man?” Apparently, Preston doesn’t feel the same way.

“Just unbuckle and get out.” I bite each word out as they exit my mouth.

“You’re my fucking problem,” Shawn snaps. “You aren’t going to continue to talk to her the way you have been doing for hours. I’m not putting up with that shit, and I’m not letting her deal with it either.”

Preston turns his head, looking at me as if surprised.

“My helmet has a communication device inside it.” I explain.

“You see that trail.” Shawn points off to the side of the trail. There is a narrow entrance to a trail that isn’t used often. “Get on my four-wheeler. Take that trail until it forks, then take the right fork. It’ll take you straight to the house. You’re done here.” Shawn starts to walk toward the driver’s side of my Maverick.

“I think Taralynn and I need to head back.” Preston declares. I don’t think so.

“That’s not going to happen. And one last thing ”—Shawn looks at Preston with cold eyes—“break anything on my machine, and I’ll break something on you. Get in, Tara.”

Preston actually does not say another word. He gets on Shawn’s four-wheeler and leaves. I’m happy for once since leaving the house this morning.

When Shawn gets into my side-by-side, he puts his helmet back on. I buckle up the same time he does. Neither of us speak; instead we ride for the next seven hours. Not straight, non-stop riding, because we do stop, rest, replenish with snacks and hydration. We take bathroom breaks. The guys pee in the woods. I go up to the lodge area and use their facilities to do my business. We hang out with other riders.

The rest of the day is nothing but fun. By the time we are heading back at dusk, I’m caked in mud, drenched in sweat, and have dirt everywhere, including inside my mouth.

Shawn speeds through the front yard, passing Mason on his dirt bike, and comes to a stop along the tree line where we park our dirty machines. We’ll need to hose them down before showering so they’ll be ready to ride come tomorrow morning. We are only riding two days. Sunday night we will head back home.

When he parks, I unbuckle and get out of the machine, removing my gloves, goggles, and helmet. I lay them on top of my side-by-side and run my hands through my matted hair. It’s a tangled mess, but it’s to be expected.

Rounding the machine, I walk toward Shawn as he’s stripping off his gear.

“Thanks.”

“For what?” His dirty face looks confused.

“For today; for making him leave, and then taking me riding.” I love it when Shawn drives my Maverick. He hammers on it, and it’s like enjoying a roller coaster ride. I had fun. For the first time in a while, I was actually happy today. Really happy, and I finally got to free my mind for a little while.

“You’re welcome, but you don’t have to thank me.” He smiles. I want to get closer. I want to wrap my arms around him, and the way he’s looking back at me assures me he wants the same thing. That warms me on the inside.

“Taralynn.” My name is said with animosity. It’s Preston’s voice. I turn around to see him stalking toward me. Does he hate me now? Oh, I’m so broken . . . not. “We’re leaving tonight.” He looks at me from head to toe. I’m almost certain there is disgust staring back at me. “Can you go clean up so we can get out of here?”

I’m not able to utter a word. I’m taken aback. Who the hell does he think he is? He can’t tell me what to do. I don’t think so buddy. Shawn steps in front of me, blocking my path to Preston.

“She isn’t going anywhere with you. She isn’t leaving here until tomorrow night. But you? You can pack your shit and get the fuck lost.”