Carefully.
Respectfully.
I climb on behind him, and this time when I hold him I feel something settle inside me.
A sense of longing.
A yearning for something I don’t quite understand.
The ride back is quieter.
Not awkward.
Comfortable.
I wrap my arms tighter around his waist, pressing my body against the broad expanse of his back as we cruise through the waking streets of Maccon City.
The boardwalk is nearly empty.
Shop owners are unlocking doors.
The sky turns shades of pink and gold over the Atlantic.
It's beautiful.
When we pull up outside my new house, I almost don't want to get off the bike.
Almost.
Rand helps me stand and removes my helmet.
His fingers brush a strand of my long blonde hair behind my ear.
“So...”
“So,” I echo.
“I'd like to see you again.”
I smile.
“I was hoping you'd say that.”
His grin is slow and devastating.
“Good.”
He gently takes my hand.
“I've got a job this morning.”
“Me too.I've got three very fluffy golden retrievers who are about to regret shedding season.”
He laughs.
“Alright.I'll pick you up after work.”
My heart flutters.
