Maverick comes back into the garage with two drawstring bags in hand that look to have something inside of them, and hands one to me.
“This is for you.” He says and I take the bag from him, pulling the string to open the bag. It’s a brand new, all black full face helmet. Glancing up, I see him pull his out of the bag and it matches the one I hold in my hands.
“When did you getmea helmet? And why?” I question. It seems a little odd to me that he has this here already.
“Cole owed me a new helmet. He picked mine up this morning and I had him grab one more for you.”
I nod and stare down at the helmet, rubbing my thumb along the plastic. “Thank you.” I say quietly, then look back up to see Maverick studying my reaction.
“You’re welcome. Now let’s make sure it fits.” He says and walks over to me. Carefully placing the helmet on the seat of his bike, I pull my hair to the side and quickly fasten it in a braid.
Maverick picks up the helmet and helps me place it on my head. Once it’s seated properly he flips up the visor and smiles causing my heart to skip a beat.
His smile truly is devastating.
“Look up, Sweetheart.” I listen and his fingers lightly trail up the sides of my neck to the underside of my chin where the straps to the helmet are. The contact makes me dizzy and I reach out to prevent myself from falling over, my hands landing on his waist. He freezes for a moment then goes back to securing the chin strap of my helmet and gives it a small tug to make sure it is secure.
“Are you ready?” He asks, leaning forward slightly to meet my eyes.
“I’m ready.” I say nervously and drop my hands from his waist.
“Hang on to me, and when I lean, lean with me. Both helmets have bluetooth so we can talk, listen to music, whatever you want. Okay?” he asks and I nod in response.
“I won’t let anything happen to you.” He says, and as strange as it might sound, I believe him. And I’m already tired of trying to figure out why.
He reaches out and grabs the chin of my helmet, tugging me forward. I gasp as my chest bumps into him and my hands go up to his arms. His free arm wraps around the small of my waist and he pulls me closer. The scent of sandalwood and leather invades my nose and my lungs expand to take in as much of it as I can.
Maverick searches my eyes for a minute before he speaks, “Alright. Let’s go.” He slowly releases me, as if he knows my head is spinning and I just lost my footing. He closes my visor and walks to the bike then flips out the back foot pegs. I watch as he swings his leg over the bike to straddle the seat and places his feet on the ground, kicks up his kickstand and starts it.
He extends a hand to me and I take it. He instructs me where to place my feet and I seat myself behind him. I lean into him and tentatively wrap my arms around his middle.
“Hold on, Sweetheart.” His voice comes through the speakers inside the helmet. I secure my arms tighter around him and he begins to pull out of the garage. We exit his neighborhood and head in the direction of the mountains.
Chapter sixteen
Age sixteen
“Oh, wow. Look atyou, Butterfly. You’re absolutely stunning in that dress.” Preston takes my hand and spins me around, making my floor length dark purple dress twirl.
My face heats at the use of the nickname he gave me two years ago. We started having lunch together at school and quickly started dating after that day he helped me off the hallway floor. One day while we ate, a monarch landed on the trunk of the tree we sat under.
“They’re so beautiful.” I say as I examine the butterfly, as it slowly opens and closes its wings.
“Not as beautiful as you.” Preston whispers and I snap my head, all of my attention now on him. “You’re even more beautiful than any butterfly, Lizzy.” He reaches out and strokes my cheek then leans in to kiss my forehead and I close my eyes. He is so sweet.
Tonight his family is hosting a party to congratulate his father on his new position as lieutenant governor of Rhode Island. He’s been working his way up the ladder for years now, and his hard work is paying off.The current governor is on his last term, and Preston’s father is all but guaranteed the position when the time comes.
“Thank you. Do you like it? Is it okay for tonight?” I ask shyly. I would hate to embarrass him or his family by my choice of dress.
“It’s perfect. I promise. You’ll be the most beautiful girl there.” He says with that heart stopping sideways smile and my insides melt.
Just then, Uncle Nick walks into the foyer of our home and smiles widely.
“You look gorgeous, Princess.” He tells me then turns to stretch his palm to Preston, who gives him a firm handshake, “Preston. Please congratulate your father for me. I’m sorry I won’t be joining the party, but something has come up with work that needs my immediate attention.” He pulls his arm back and slips his hand into his pants pocket.
“Yes, Mr. Rossi. I’ll give him the message.” Preston responds with a tight tone. He sounds angry, but I can’t imagine why.
My uncle offers a stiff nod then looks between the two of us. “Have fun tonight kids. I expect her home by eleven. It’s a school night.”
