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“No buts. Just you and me and the road. No judging, no rules, just us.” I lace our fingers and start trekking up the rocky slope, eventually cradling her princess-style so she doesn’t hurt her feet. “You can wear my helmet.” I grab it and place it over her head, promising, “No one will recognize you.”
“If Mike sees us, this could ruin everything.”
“Maybe for him, but not for me.” I admit and climb on my bike. “Don’t let your feet touch the pipes, perch them on the pegs.”
“This isn’t a good idea.”
“It’s the best fucking idea I’ve had in a long time. Now, get on, sweetheart, and make my wish come true.”
CHAPTER 4
ALLISON
What am I doing right now? This is too risky, yet I climb on behind Zeus anyway. If Mike caught me out here on the back of a motorcycle, he’d threaten to take Tanny from me. Even though he doesn’t want to be a father unless it’s convenient to him, he’d do it just to spite me. Is this fate intervening on my behalf? Could it be pointing me in Zeus’ direction on purpose? Ever since I saw him at the museum and we…you know what, I haven’t been able to stop thinking of him. What it felt like to be in his arms, the things he said to me, and the warmness all over just from him in general. He found me that day when I’d been going through the motions of life, almost in a fog, and he shook me out of it. He woke me up and yet here he is again, showing up when I’m in the middle of dealing with a new conflict.
I’d decided to go for a walk on the beach because I needed the time alone. I had to process the new information I’d found out about somehow without letting Tanny know I was rattled. I discovered early this morning that Mike bought another house. The email had been sent to our joint email address. A mistake on the real estate office’s part, I’m assuming because of the other property he’s purchased in the past. There was one glaringly obvious difference from the previous emails, however, as this one was addressed inside to him and someone named Samantha.
I called the office to ask about the property and the receptionist assumed I was this Samantha person and was assuring me the house would be ready to move into in two weeks, just like we ‘supposedly’ discussed at the signing. Only I never had that original conversation, but apparently another woman had and she’d been by Mike’s side. The assistant also wanted to congratulate me again on our engagement and asked if I could find out from Mike where he got my ring so she could let her boyfriend know. Then, before we hung up, she told me about a last-minute surprise. The baby’s room would be painted before we moved into this new home, something the real estate office wanted to do as a personal touch and thank you for closing in a prestigious new neighborhood one town over.
I felt sick at first. Don’t get me wrong, I played along perfectly to make them believe I was the person they were supposed to be speaking to, but then, I wanted to puke. Not from loving Mike, because the ship has sailed on that front. No, my pain was for my daughter. Mike has been a half-assed father to her until now, and I know this is another reason for him to be in her life even less. My heart breaks for the little girl who craves her daddy’s attention but rarely gets it. I also felt sick because Mike was starting another family while he still had this one.
On the beach, I was feeling guilty because on top of it all…I had an overwhelming sense of relief. Mike has been cheating on me for years and over time, I’ve grown to resent him. Not just for the infidelity but for robbing me of a future I could’ve had with someone else. For the children I’d never have because I’d closed that door to him, and lastly, because of what happened with Zeus. I’m not the person who cheats; I never have been. I covet marriage and the commitment between two people. So why did it happen? Was it fate stepping in to give me something before this last big blow came in and took me completely under?
My grip tightens around Zeus’ firm body as he picks up speed. We cruise down the road, watching the water pass as we go. It’s serene, the feeling of floating in the wind while the rumble of the engine sings a relaxing tune. I’m able to turn off all thoughts and just exist. The man in front of me lays his arm against mine, hand rubbing me soothingly, and I haven’t felt a sense of comfort like this in so long, it brings tears to my eyes. I needed this badly and somehow, he found me, like he knew and showed up to care for me in the middle of feeling lost and unsure about everything. Leaning in, I lay my head against his broad back, watching the water as I breathe in the rich leather and man smell from his jacket. He’s everything Mike isn’t and at one time I would’ve thought it a bad thing, but now I see I was completely wrong.
Zeus eventually slows to a stop, pulling off behind some trees. He toes the kickstand down, climbs off, then his big hands come to my waist. He lifts me like I weigh nothing, and I’m not a small woman by any means. I’m tall with curves, thunder thighs, and wide hips. “I like the way you felt hugging your body against mine.”
“So did I,” I admit, even though I’m sure I shouldn’t. The water ripples along the shoreline from the gentle cool breeze. I’m no longer numb, and the chilliness makes me shiver.
“Come here,” he orders, taking my hand and tugging me along with him. He stops on the other side of the largest tree, the trunk blocking the bite in the air. “Better?”
I nod, gazing up at him with wide eyes. I’m not used to a man just moving me how he wants, and especially not when it’s about my comfort. “We need to go,” I whisper. “I’m not the woman who cheats. I never have been.”
“Me either, but things are different. I didn’t know you were with someone until after I’d already tasted your lips. I needed to see you again. Tell me why you looked the way you did.”
“How did I look?”
“Broken. Unfeeling. Which is everything I know you’re not. You have so much fire and desire inside you, it was like seeing a different person.”
“It’s the real me.”
“Bullshit. I discovered the real you in ten minutes at the museum. Now tell me the truth.”
“Why did your mom name you Zeus?” I shiver again and his brow furrows.
“Lay down.”
“Right here?”
“Yes. Here.” I do as he asks, confused when he lays down next to me. He positions his body towards mine, further blocking the wind. “Better?”
I nod. The ground is cold, but with the wind gone, it’s a huge improvement. “Thank you.”
“Close your eyes and pretend we’re in your bed.”
“Uh-”
He chuckles, cutting me off. “Pretend we’re in your bed. You’re comfortable and warm surrounded with blankets. I’m beside you to listen, support, and protect you. This moment is safe, only me and you in it. Talk to me.”
