Page 1 of Riding Dirty
Chapter One
Gunner
It’s pouring rain when I see her standing on the side of the road with her thumb out. Cut-off shorts, thick thighs, red cowboy boots, and a Willie Nelson t-shirt that’s torn. Long blonde hair hangs drenched on her shoulders and her lips have turned a light purple. I assume they aren’t always this color. I imagine on a warm day her cheeks are pink and her lips are smooth and red.
Mountains rise from the horizon and wide-open country surrounds for miles. Cattle graze in the distance while scruffy brush and wildflowers dot the edge of the road.
I consider driving past. I’ve had enough on my plate recently, but this is a dead zone for most phone carriers, and the closer I get to the desperate woman, the slower the bike gets. Soon I’m parked on the side of the road with my boots on the ground and my mouth moving.
“Where ya headed?”
This close, she’s younger than I thought. I can’t imagine why she’d be out this way on her own. I’d never advise that a young woman travel alone, especially in cut-off shorts and little red cowboy boots.
“Anywhere dry. I can call for help from there.” Her teeth chatter as she speaks.
I drag my gaze over her frame, taking in her wide hips, round breasts, and an octopus tattoo that crawls up her left thigh. It’s odd enough that it tells a story and I want to know what that story is.
“What’s wrong with your car?” I nod back toward the Impala that’s smoking on the side of the road.
She shrugs. “Not sure. It’s been giving me trouble since I left the Springs.”
“That’s only two hours from here. I can take you home when I’m done with a meet—”
“I can’t go home!” Her voice is panicked. “I’m on my way to San Diego.”
Okay.My head spins with possibilities as to why this young woman can’t go home. Is she being hurt? Is she pregnant? Is someone after her?
Rain continues to fall as thunder grumbles in the distance. We’ve been getting terrible storms lately. We should both get out of the weather before something worse pushes through.
“That’s fine. We can sort out how to get you to San Diego once we’re dry. I’m heading to Rugged Mountain, which is about ten miles back.”
She drags in a deep breath and nods. “Thank you. I’ll pay you when I get some cash.”
I climb off my bike and take off my jacket, sliding the waterproof gear over her cold shoulders. “You don’t need to pay me. I’m going that way, anyway. But the road is cold in the rain, so bundle up.”
“No. I can’t wear your jacket. I’ll be okay.”
“It’s already on you.”
She stares up at me, rich coffee brown eyes and a sweet, drenched smile that I can’t help but warm for. “I’ve never ridden a motorcycle. I mean, I’ve seen my brother ride before, but I’ve always been too afraid.”
I bundle the coat at her neck and climb back onto my Harley, revving the engine as wind blows through the wild grass in the field. “I’ll make sure you’re okay. Climb up and hold on to me tight.”
She does as I’ve asked, scooting her soaking wet frame in behind me. “I’m Millie, by the way.”
“Gunner.” I glance backward slightly so she’s able to hear me.
“Gunner. Is that military?”
I nod. “Army. You have a lot of soldiers in your family?”
“Maybe.”
I figure her answer is odd, but I don’t press her for more. The roads are slippery and I’m focusing on avoiding most of the bigger puddles in the heavy rain. If we were going more than ten miles, I’d pull over and wait out the storm under a tree, but we’re nearly to town.
Besides that, I like the way this woman feels holding me tight. I glance down and note her white knuckles gripped tight around my waist.Why does she have to be so fucking cute?
I glance back as we pass the welcome sign for Rugged Mountain. “So why San Diego?”