Her mother showed up out of nowhere to claim her grandmother’s trailer after the funeral, effectively leaving Callie homeless for a couple of weeks until she got her current bachelor apartment. They hadn’t spoken since.
The roar of a motorcycle made her heart race. She always feared running into a biker on her lonely walk to town. She’d been lucky so far. Callie was well aware there were at least two big clubs in the vicinity. One of them was currently building a new clubhouse, and they came in for supplies frequently. She wasn’t allowed to handle those invoices, so she knew something wasn’t right about their orders but kept her mouth shut. It wasn’t her business.
When the bike slowed down behind her, she began to panic. Why hadn’t she invested in some pepper spray? She turned her head to her side when the bike crawled next to her.
It was him … her mystery man.
He cut the engine and swung his leg off the bike. “Canceling our date?”
She swallowed hard, alternatively glancing at him and then the bike. He looked so different than earlier. Well, he had clothes on for one—a fitted black t-shirt and blue jeans, his hair slightly damp. She wanted to run her fingers along the ink and muscles.
“I didn’t think you’d show.”
“You’ve got to give me a chance,” he said.
She noticed him less than discreetly looking her up and down. Was he grossed out? She was known for her curves, and often the brunt of jokes around the yard. It was something she was used to but hated nonetheless.
“You ride a motorcycle?”
“You’re not afraid to get on back, are you?”
“Oh, you want me to ride on that?”
Callie had never been on a motorcycle. The thought scared her, but she did like the idea of wrapping her arms around his waist.
“It’s not so bad. You may even like it.” He reached out and ran a section of her hair between his fingers. She was glad she let it down.
“I don’t even know your name,” she said.
“Brick.”
He used a nickname? She wasn’t going to complain. It did suit him.
Brick got back on the bike, started it up, then nodded behind him. She may be twenty-six, but she was still innocent when it came to men. This was all new to her.
She used the excuse to touch him, resting her hand on his shoulder as she straddled the bike. He was hard, and something stirred inside her from the simple touch.
“Hold on tight. These roads aren’t friendly.”
She slid her arms around him. Her pussy tingled, and it wasn’t just from the vibration of the engine. He hit the gas and they were off, the wind whipping through her hair. The breeze felt like heaven, and she closed her eyes, savoring all the new sensations.
Town wasn’t far off, so they were soon driving slowly through the streets, finally pulling into one of the strip malls. He parked in front of a restaurant.
“How was it?” he asked once they were both standing on solid ground again.
“Fun and terrifying.” She smiled. Growing up in a dysfunctional family made her a good judge of character. Her intuition was usually right, and all the vibes she got from Brick made her feel comfortable.
She tried to pull her t-shirt down farther, to cover her hips. He noticed what she was doing.
“What are you trying to do?”
Callie’s cheeks heated. “Cover up? I didn’t have time to change.”
He shook his head. “Don’t try to hide yourself from me. If I didn’t like what I saw, I wouldn’t have asked you to dinner.”
“But—”
“Callie, you have a big, juicy ass. What more could a man want?” He held out his hand and she took it. It felt like the most intimate thing in the world. Brick was completely no holds barred, and she doubted he even realized what he said was inappropriate. She loved that he wasn’t trying to play games or put on an act. He was real, confident, and the sexiest man she’d ever met.
They entered the restaurant, and everyone seemed to glance in their direction. Were they that much of an odd couple? Her insecurities got the better of her. Maybe they thought he was too good for her. She bit her lower lip, trying to keep herself together. Dating was new to her, so she had to follow his lead.
Their table was small, near the back of the restaurant with a view of the street.
“Are you hungry?” he asked.
She was starving. Most of the time, she didn’t eat lunch. She was on a very tight budget.
Callie shrugged.
He exhaled, a disapproving sound. “Why won’t you answer? Are you afraid of me now?”
She shook her head.
“I won’t bite.”
“Sorry, I’m not used to dating. This is all new to me.”
“Well, that makes two of us. Just be yourself. I want to get to know you, Callie.”
Silly fairy tale fantasies took over her thoughts. Could he be the one?
“Where should we start?” she asked.
The waitress set down two glasses of water, and she noted the way he glared at her. It was only there for a split second, but it sent a warning the waitress heard loud and clear, and she rushed off, leaving them alone.
It turned her on. What was wrong with her?
His presence was so commanding. He made her feel safe and grounded.
Brick took one of her hands, cupping it between both of his. The way he stared at her took her breath away. He was so intense. “Your eyes, they’re so fucking beautiful.”
She began blushing again. He was rough around the edges, but he sounded completely sincere.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
“How old are you?”
“Are guys supposed to ask that?” She felt surprisingly comfortable talking with him.
“I just did.”
“Twenty-sex.”
He raised an eyebrow.
“Twenty-sex. Sorry. Twenty-six.”
Callie wanted the floor to open up and swallow her whole.
“Just a baby,” he said, amusement in his eyes. “I shouldn’t be here, but I couldn’t keep away.”
End of sample chapter