“Let’s postpone riding.” The grittiness in his voice had him clearing his throat.
“What happened to delayed gratification?” She kissed his cheek and hopped off, then grabbed their helmets.
“You can’t fault a guy for trying,” he quipped. After dismounting, he rolled the bike out to the street.
Her smile was contagious, the excitement radiating from her eyes. “I’ve never trusted anyone enough to ride. This is pretty awesome, you know that?”
“So damn awesome.” Never before had he taken a woman on his bike. But this washiswoman and he wanted to share every aspect of his life with her.
“There’s comms built into our helmets. If you need to tell me anything, just say it. Do you mind if I put on some tunes?”
“Of course not.”
“The music cuts off if we talk.”
“Got it.”
“Lean into the turns,” he instructed. “Hold on to my waist and do not let go. I’ll take it nice and easy.” Her pout made him laugh. “We don’t need to travel eighty miles an hour to have fun.” Pausing, he gazed into her eyes. “Ready?”
Her smile was filled with love. “So ready.”
They pulled on their helmets. He mounted and waited for her to climb on before starting and revving the engine. She wrapped her arms around his waist. “Okay, I’m all set back here.”
As he proceeded down his street, he grabbed her thigh and gave her a little squeeze before re-gripping the handlebars. He wove his way out of D.C. and onto the G.W. Parkway in Virginia.
Kicking the bike into high gear, he kept the pace steady. Today was all about keeping things chill. They’d both been through so much over the past few months that he wanted her to relax and enjoy the ride.
“Are you cold?” he asked.
“I’m doing great. I love this.” She hugged him tighter.
Fifteen minutes later, he pulled off the parkway and into an overlook. He parked in one of a dozen spots. They dismounted and removed their helmets. Seeing her shake free her long, dark hair turned him on in ways that went beyond sex. A woman of strength, her beauty and confidence, brilliance and kindness brightened even his darkest days.
With her gloved hand, she grasped his and they made their way toward the overlook. “This is gorgeous. I love it.”
In silence, they stared out at the flowing Potomac. The rush of rapids soothed him, while the cold air invigorated him.
“Are you warm enough?”
She removed her glove and stroked his cheek. “I’m good, baby.”
He clasped her hand and led her down a short path to a boulder. “I come here alone sometimes.” He sat on the large rock. “I love that you’re with me today.”
After easing down beside him, she pressed her lips to his and kissed him. “Me, too.” They communed in silence until she said, “My boss told me about a spot opening on his team. I’d have to interview for it, but I’m pretty sure it’s mine…if I want it.” Her gaze met his. “After a lot of contemplation, I’ve come to a decision. I can’t stay with the Bureau.”
“I might have a solution,” he said while stroking her back.
Her expression lightened. “I’m listening.”
“One of the best things about our relationship is how well we work together. I miss that.”
She scooted closer. “So do I.”
“I can’t keep up with the workload, so I’m expanding my firm. I’d like to offer you a managing partner position. You’d head up the Investigative Services Division. Sanchez already told me she’d love to work for you. Give it some thought.”
Shifting on the boulder, she peered into his eyes. “I now know there’s a dark side to how The Fixer operates.”
“On occasion, but only when provoked. We each killed in self-defense.”
