Shameless(38)

She whacks my arm. “That’s not nice, Brady.”

I chuckle. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’d never let anything happen to you.”

As I rev the engine, her arms slide around my waist and her thighs tighten against mine.

Fuck. Okay, maybe I thought it was a good idea, but clearly it isn’t if my dick thinks it’s playtime. Down, dude. I reach down to adjust myself. Jesus. It’s like I’m in middle school, sporting spontaneous wood.

Kat gives me directions, and we take off down the country road. It’s a gorgeous day, bright and sunny with a chill in the air. The roads are muddy, so we take it easy until we get to the main drag where I can go a little faster.

Every time we turn, she squeals a little and tightens herself around me.

If I thought riding around by myself was awesome, having her on the back of my bike is exhilarating. The heat of her body and the press of her curves to mine make me want to forget all of the reasons starting anything with her would be a bad idea. She’s a cool girl. Sweet and unassuming. Beautiful inside and out. And she likes to ride.

A guy could get used to this.

I ignore the voice telling me this is a bad idea. Right now, I don’t give a shit. After how upset she was last night, after how emotional yesterday was, I’m guessing we could both use a fun ride. Even if it ends the minute she gets off.

The minute she gets off.

For a second I stop breathing. Because the idea of Kat getting off has me hard all over again.

Thankfully, the diner comes into view. It looks like an old-fashioned rail car with retro, fifties-style neon lettering on the front that says The Lone Star Station. I pull into a spot close to the door.

Turning off the engine, I hold out my hand to help Kat dismount. Her small hand fits in mine, and I grip her tightly until she’s on the ground. When she pulls off my helmet, her hair cascades everywhere. It’s like one of those shampoo commercials in slow motion. The sun catching her highlights. Strands tumbling around her beautiful face. I catch a whiff of her scent and resist the urge to reach out and touch a soft tendril.

“Thanks for bringing me to work. I can probably catch a ride home later.” Her cheeks are pink from the cold.

When I motion for my helmet, she hands it to me. “What time do you get off?”

She gathers her thick hair and twists it back. “Probably around five or six. I just need to help through the lunch-hour rush and prep for dinner.”

“Call me when you’re ready, and I’ll come get you. What’s your number? I should have it anyway.” Grabbing my cell, I call her, and once she has my info on her phone, she worries that plump bottom lip, one I’m dying to taste.

“Thanks for everything last night. Sorry about freaking out. Again.”

“It’s been a rough week. Probably par for the course.”

“Maybe, but I wanted you to know I appreciate it.”

I motion toward the diner. “Sorry you have to work this week.”

“They needed the help. Plus, I kinda need the job.”

She pulls her jacket around her tighter, and I tell her with a wink, “I should pay you more.”

Her whole face lights up when she smiles again. “You don’t pay me anything.”

“Exactly. I should pay you more.” I tap her nose and she laughs.

When our eyes connect, I feel it, this energy that snaps and crackles between us, making me want to fist her hair and drag her mouth to mine.

“That was fun.” She motions toward my bike. “How about we go for a long ride some time?”

My whole body burns. “Kat, I’d love to give you a long ride.”

More than you know.





24





Brady





The diner is still busy when I return several hours later. Parking myself on a stool at the counter, I grab a menu and wait for Kat. My eyes scan the images on the shiny pages. Burgers. Fries. Shakes. Typical American fare.

Kat’s bubbly laughter catches my attention. Turning, I see her in the back, taking the orders for several baseball players at a booth. Her hair is up in one of those crazy ponytails that makes her look young and free-spirited, and the guys are staring at her like she’s an entree.

When she sets down their drinks and one guy openly stares at her breasts, my jaw clenches.

Chill, man.

Returning my attention to the menu, I try to focus on the words in front of me.

You’re thinking crazy. I should not be feeling so possessive of her. Nothing can happen between us. Nothing. I remind myself of all of the reasons why, the biggest of which is we live half a continent away from each other.

But what if one of those *s asks her out? Am I going to be okay with that?

Fuck, no.

I turn back quickly to check out the situation again. She’s laughing with them but not being overly flirty. Just in that sweet Katherine way that makes you want to smack her on the ass for being so damn cute.

But when one touches her wrist to get her attention, I have half a mind to break his hand.

“What can I get you, handsome?”

I look up to see a waitress leaning so far over the counter that her double D’s greet me before I get a chance to see her face. Blinking, I jerk my head back.

The redhead chuckles, like she knows full well what she’s doing.