An increasingly familiar wave of guilt washed through her as a second text rolled in from Gemma. Well?
Her smile faded as she typed her response—Haven’t explored that area yet—worrying over how she’d ever be able to reveal her lies to her best friend without losing her. Her finger hovered over the send button as she contemplated texting something like, Can we talk later? But they were in the middle of planning Gemma’s wedding. If she told her the truth now, she’d be hurt and angry, and…
Crystal’s throat thickened at the thought of hurting her. She couldn’t do it. Not until after the wedding. She’d waited this long, and it wasn’t like Gemma knew she had anything to confess. At least after the wedding she wouldn’t hurt her and ruin her big day. A knock at the door sent her thoughts scattering. She quickly transmitted the text and went to greet her man.
She pulled the door open and was immediately swept away by Bear, looking devilishly badass dressed in head-to-toe black. He’d trimmed his scruff, bringing out his chiseled chin and making him look even sexier. He raked his eyes from her face all the way to her toes, and like a leaf in a windstorm, her body quivered.
“Damn, baby cakes. You look good enough to eat.”
She grabbed him by the shirt and yanked him forward, her stomach swirling with memories of him doing just that earlier. “If we’re going to make it out of my apartment, you can’t say stuff like that, because my newly unleashed hormones are like live wires desperately seeking a plug.”
He cocked a brow.
Yes, please.
“No,” she said firmly, and pressed her lips to his, pulling away quickly. “No long, lusty kisses, either. You make my insides feel like the Fourth of July.”
“I’m totally digging this new Crystal who spills all her secrets.” His arm circled her waist, and he kissed her so freaking deliciously she mentally debated throwing caution to the wind and forgetting their date.
Harley wound around Bear’s feet.
“CB.” He scooped up the kitty. “Did you miss me?”
“Her name is Harley.” She grabbed her backpack and shoved her keys in the pocket where she’d tucked a worry doll. A little extra courage never hurt anyone. Her phone vibrated, and she checked the text message quickly. It was a picture of Jed holding up a paycheck with the caption Told you I was really working.
“Everything okay?” Bear asked.
“It’s from Jed. I think he really is trying to clean up his act. He sent me a picture of his paycheck.” She returned his text. This makes me so happy! Love you! Then she stuffed her phone in the backpack.
“That’s great. When will you see him again?”
“Two weeks from Sunday, when we see my mom for dinner.”
“Yeah? I’d love to meet the woman who raised you.”
“No, you wouldn’t. Trust me. She’s a hot mess.” She lifted her bag over her shoulder.
“I don’t care. I’d still love to come along.”
“Didn’t your parents ever teach you it’s rude to invite yourself places?”
“Not where you’re concerned. I want to meet your mom so I know what you’re dealing with. I want to hang out with Jed and hear all the embarrassing stories about when you were little. And I don’t want to argue about any of it.”
“You’re a pain.” As embarrassed as she was about her mother, she was still oddly pleased he was pushing so hard to meet her.
He kissed Harley and set her in her new satin bed with a surprised expression. “That’s what you did with the satin and lace I picked out?”
“Some of it.” She grabbed his vest and tugged him out the door. She wasn’t about to tell him that she had a sexy idea for the rest. A girl needed a few surprises up her sleeve.
Twenty minutes later they rode over the bridge, leaving Peaceful Harbor behind. Riding on the back of Bear’s bike on wide, open roads was completely different from the short stop-and-go trips they’d taken in town. As they passed long stretches of rural land, the air smelled fresher, and even though she was wearing her leather jacket and pants, she still sensed pockets of warmer and cooler air. She tried to tie them to the clouds, but it was impossible.
What other mysterious, wonderful things had she missed by riding in her car with the windows rolled up?
She held on tight, wondering where they were going. Bear had been secretive, but as time passed, the pungent scents of the sea crept back in, and the causeway came into view. She realized he was heading to Capshaw Island. She pressed her hands tighter on his stomach, excitement rushing through her. She’d never been to the island, even though it was only a little more than an hour away. Capshaw Island was a small fishing town, and she’d heard stories about wild ponies and the lack of commercialization there, and it had piqued her interest. She was surprised that her badass biker would want to go to such a quiet place. She’d imagined them hitting the highway and stopping at roadside biker bars. Then again, Bear knew how she’d lost her father, and he’d been so careful with her in every other way. This was another thoughtful gesture. And it made her first trip there even more special.
As he drove over the causeway, she wished she could whip off her helmet and let the air kiss her face. Long, marshy grasses sprouted up through the rippling water. Paddleboarders moved seamlessly across the water, and in the distance a powerboat motored along, leaving a trail of whitecaps.
They rode down the main drag, which looked old-fashioned compared to Peaceful Harbor. Painted brick and wood-sided storefronts boasted scalloped awnings shading wooden benches and planters full of summer flowers. From what she could see, there were only two blocks of businesses, just as she’d heard.
Bear parked on a side street. He was smiling as he chained the helmets, watching her taking it all in.
“Have you been here before?”
“No, but I’ve always wanted to.”
“Then I’m glad we came. I’ve driven through with the club, but I’ve never stopped to walk around. A first for both of us—there’s nothing cooler than that.”
“Speaking of cool.” She hooked her fingers in the top of her leather leggings and stripped them off. When she reached the top of her ankle boots, she laughed. “Oops. Not cool.”
Bear was already bending down to unlace her boots. “Sexiness has a price.” He flashed a wink as he pulled one off.
She steadied herself with his shoulder as he slipped the pants over her foot. “If you get bored down there, I can think of something to keep you busy.”
Desire flared in his eyes. “Careful poking a hungry bear.”
After he finished helping her off with her pants—and on with her boots—he ran his hands up her outer thighs as he rose to his feet and rather blatantly adjusted the formidable bulge in his jeans.