Page 3 of Riding Hard
Diesel stares down at the tattoo, his jaw tight. “Not fair. We had a deal.”
“We did. Maybe next time you come back, we’ll have time to talk about me. Turns out, you’re a Chatty Cathy.” I smile sheepishly and toss my gloves in the trash. “Can I get a picture of this for my Instagram? New girl and all, so I could use your MC clout to make me look edgy.”
He stands and smiles as he towers over me. I realize he’s wearing big boots, but even if they were off, he’d be huge. His heavy arm wraps around mine and flexes until the tattoo I’ve just finished pops, then snaps a selfie of the two of us. “I’m not into all the social media shit, but I’ll load this up and tag you.”
A picture of the two of us wasn’t what I had in mind, but I roll with it and pull out some Saniderm, cutting it to size before landing it flat on his new piece.
Every ounce of me wants to resist the urge, but touching his massive arm isn’t something I should take for granted. I spread out the protective covering a few more times than is necessary as I explore every ridge of his muscles and soak in his scent. It’s like the forest mixed with motor parts. Though the whole scene lasted less than five seconds, I’m immediately embarrassed at my actions.
God, what’s wrong with me?This is Amber’s dad!
“You know the drill. Leave it on for a few days, then lotion, antibacterial soap… yada, yada, yada.”
He straightens his shoulders. “Amber really wanted me to check on you. You’d be doing me a huge favor if you let me take you to dinner. We can talk about your situation, and I’ll pay for a few nights' stay at a hotel. When the storms pass, you can go back to camping.” He looks away, then back again. “She’ll kill me if I don’t do something.”
For a second, I think about dinner with this guy and wonder how that would go. He’s older, but he’s also intriguing. Also, a few nights indoors sound insanely fabulous. I’ve missed warm showers and soft sheets… but it’s too much.
“Thank you for the offer, but I’ll be fine. I love the fresh air and I’m planning a nice dinner at the diner. I’ll be good. Thanks, anyway.” I turn away from him and make my way toward the register at the front of the shop.
“Nosey and full of shit.” Diesel doesn’t crack a smile.
He’s not wrong. The thunderstorms have been horrible lately. I hear trees cracking around me all night. As for food, I’ve been surviving on a loaf of bread and some peanut butter.
“This is temporary. I’ll get a few paychecks here and I’ll be right as rain.”
Diesel pulls out his wallet and tucks his card into the reader before handing me a hundred-dollar bill. “It’s all I have on me, and you deserve more. The tattoo turned out great.”
Considering the ink only cost him sixty dollars, a hundred-dollar tip seems a little excessive. I hand it back. “Thanks, but that’s way too much.”
“It was earned.” He pulls his card from the reader and heads out the front door. “Call me if you need anything. I mean it.”
Before my brain can reconcile what’s happened, a rumble from his motorcycle is growling outside and my heart is warm and full, like it hasn’t been in ages.
Why do I feel like this isn’t over?
Chapter Two
Diesel
I stare down at the photo of Bella and I at the tattoo shop and suppress every protective instinct that’s currently pressing at the frontal lobe of my brain. She’s thick, blonde, inked, gorgeous, and her blue eyes spell a sense of innocence that I can’t deny. Believe me, I’ve been trying.
Heavy rain hammers the windshield of my truck and a crack of lightning hits overhead. I dropped my bike off at the house and came back to the diner, hoping I’d run into Bella here. Part of me still wants to convince her to stay at the hotel tonight, but apparently there’s some big festival that’s taking place in the rodeo ring and the entire place is booked up. This town really needs more places to stay. Sure, there are cabins for rent in the woods, but that’s more of a planned thing.
I dial up Gunner. He’s our road captain and plans all the club trips. Maybe he’ll know of an alternate place to rent for a week or two.
“Howdy.” He answers on the second ring, but he sounds distracted. He’s probably up at the lodge working. The guys have been on it nonstop since last month. We’re about finished with the gables, but there is still a world of work to get into before the grand opening in November.
“Sorry to bother you, man. I’m wondering if you know of any free cabins up on the ridge.”
He laughs. “Nah. I looked for something last week for a buddy and they were fully booked up there. That festival is in town.What do you need a cabin for?”
“I’m looking for someone else.” I keep my answers vague because I know Gunner well enough to know the lecture I would get if I got so pissed off about Amber being with Kane and then I did anything to help a young lady.
He laughs. “You’ve got that big place up on the ridge yourself. Can’t spare a room?” I know he’s busting my balls, but it’s not an awful thought… except for the fact that when I look at Bella, my body does weird shit that reminds me of how alone I’ve been.
“For sure. I hadn’t thought of that. Thanks.” I say the words dryly enough that it nearly sounds mocking, which I don’t mean.
Gunner laughs. “So, this guest… is a woman. Anattractivewoman by the sounds of things.”