“Harley virgin?” He leans back.
“Yes.”
“I’m thrilled I was your first.”
The sound of burgers sizzling on the grill and pops from the fry grease fills the burger joint with tantalizing aromas. My mouth waters in anticipation. I can almost taste how amazing the burgers will be.
“First time on a Harley and first time on a bike.”
“What did you think about it?”
“I’ve always been afraid of bikes. Felt like an unnecessary risk, but after feeling the engine roar and the wind whip across my skin. I definitely see why people like them.”
“Maybe I can teach you how to drive someday.”
“No need.”
“Not your cup of tea?”
“No. It’s just, why would I want to ride my own bike when I can sit behind you? Tell me you didn’t enjoy the way my arms wrapped around you.”
“Luv, it’s not your arms that revved my engine.”
“It’s not?”
“No.” He stares at me with heat simmering in his gaze. “It’s the way your legs wrapped around me that I couldn’t get out of my mind.”
There’s too much to unpack with that comment, but his interest is clear. As are the tiny jolts of electricity shooting up my arm as he traces those light circles over my knuckles. I’m completely mesmerized when moments later, the waitress returns with two plates piled high with a juicy burger, tots for me, crispy fries for Zeb.
All conversation about my legs wrapping around his body goes to the wayside as we dig into our sizzling burgers stuffed with cheese and bacon. A generous portion of golden fries fills his plate while savory bite-sized tater tots fill mine.
The burgers are greasy, but that’s what makes them great. People don’t stop at places like this if they’re worried about clogging their arteries. Sometimes, the food is worth the risk.
“Well?” Our waitress is back after giving us a few moments to dig in.
“Best burger ever, here or otherwise.” Zeb gives a thumbs up and takes another bite.
EIGHTEEN
Zeb
We make it to Guardian HQ later than I thought, but then Kaye and I stopped to eat. When we roll in, Carmen and Rosalie are already moved into their dorms. Barbi is still MIA.
“Well, you made it.” I hold the door for Kaye, ushering her into her temporary quarters. “The dorms at HQ are meant to house employees, either as they onboard to the organization, or if they’re temporary hires working on any one of the hundreds of projects Guardian HRS has ongoing. Your quarters are functional, but plain, one-bedroom apartments.”
“I’m too thankful to be picky. This is wonderful.” Her soft voice stirs dark cravings.
“While you’re here, you’ll have access to all of our facilities. The gym is top-notch. There’s an amazing cafeteria, and while it sounds like something you’d get from a school lunch, our chefs are five-star.”
“Impressive.” Kaye smiles softly, but there’s strain in her expression; a weariness and heaviness that stoops her shoulders.
“Most people commute from home, off base, but we have some who are here temporarily for one reason or another. Feel free to wander around. I’ll be here as I can, barring other duties. The only restriction you have is, please, don’t leave Guardian HQ grounds.”
“What if I need something?” The hitch in her voice gives me pause. Guardian HQ is a phenomenal facility, but she’s not exactly here by choice.
“Let me know and I’ll get it for you, or we’ll have it delivered.”
“Thank you, and that drive was amazing.” Her eyes sparkle and some of that weight on her shoulders lifts.
I hope she’s not just saying the ride was fun to make me feel good.
Kaye closes the distance and lifts on tiptoe to plant a delicately light kiss on my lips. “Do you want to come in?” Mischief flashes in her eyes.
Her lips curl into a playful smirk and curiosity dances across her face. She gives me a very thorough once over, taking her time to check me out from the tip of my toes to the top of my head. Her gaze lingers below my waist and then again at my chest.
I don’t mind. I like that she’s comfortable checking me out.
“I’m afraid of what might happen if I do.” I take three steps back and hold my hands up.
“What if that’s what I want to happen?” Her hands stay by her side, fingers twitching. “Don’t you want to stay?” Her uncertainty makes me realize how my comment may be taken the wrong way.
“Without a doubt.” I correct that error immediately.
“Then stay.” She gestures for me to enter.
“You’re a temptress, but we’re not staying.”
“We’re not?” Her brows furrow as she stares at me. “You mean, you’re not staying.” Her eyes search mine and her lips part slightly, waiting for me to answer, or kiss her.
I’d rather kiss her, but there are things to do. Needless to say, the air around us thickens with anticipation. There’s no denying the attraction surging between us.
“Actually, both of us.” A hint of frustration highlights my words.
“Why?” Her brow lifts with a question.
“Doc Summers wants to examine you, and before you say no, she’s an exceptional physician. You can trust her to be thorough and discrete, but afterwards Skye, Mitzy, Sam, and CJ want a SITREP.” I’m resigned to an evening of briefings rather than cuddling with Kaye. I’d love to spend the night in her quarters, but it’s better to wait.
“A what?” Her brows pinch in confusion.
“Situational report. It’s basically a report on the situation.”
“What about sleep?”
“It’s barely nine. What time do you normally go to bed?”
“Lately, it’s been early. Scott gets up at four in the morning to work out. Sorry,” she replies with sadness and dips her head in shame. “I didn’t mean to…”
“It’s okay.” I place my finger under her chin and reassure her about my feelings. “Stop apologizing for what happened, but I will say one thing.”
“What’s that?” Hesitation fills her voice.
“For now, it may be in our best interests not to have any more sleepovers like last night.”
“It’s not like we did anything.” Her soft whisper sends desire coursing through my veins. She’s a delicious torture I endured last night, but I don’t plan on suffering through that again.
“The next time you’re in my arms, we won’t be kissing.”
“We won’t?”
“Well, we will, but there’ll be a whole lot more going on. If that’s what you want.” I’m not reading her wrong. I know where things are headed.
Self-control may be a strong suit for some, but my control slips around Kaye. I kiss her again. And once more for good measure. It’s the perfect reminder of why I can’t spend the night.
Her face turns the prettiest shade of pink which makes me grin, but her smile falters.
“Sorry. Couldn’t resist.”
“Well, you know one thing about me for certain.”