Page 27 of Texting the Wrong Bikers

He laughs softly. “I like a woman who can surprise me.”

I step aside, gesturing to the couch. “Just wait there, I won’t be long. There’s beer, wine, and soft drinks in the fridge; help yourself,” I offer as I walk up the stairs.

On the way upstairs, I fire off a message to Dani.

Me: So, turns out I wasn’t texting Tyler at all. It was some super-hot biker dude named Kane.

She replies instantly:

Dani: WHAT?! Tell me everything!

Me: Can’t, he’s here now! I’ll tell you everything in the morning. It’s a long story.

Her reply makes me chuckle.

Dani: OMG! Either you’re about to get axe murdered or have the best sex of your life!

Me: He doesn’t seem like the axe murdering type. He just rescued Owen and me from drunk Ethan. We kissed… Am I being crazy?

My phone pings like crazy in my pocket, but I ignore it for the moment as I go into Owen’s bedroom. To my surprise, he’s already tucked up under the covers asleep. I’ve heard that trauma can wipe kids out like this, and tonight was certainly traumatic. I stroke his hair back from his face, watching him for a moment, my heart aching for him. Anger against Ethan bubbles in my veins. How can he look at our son and see anything other than the perfect little boy he is? I hope his threats of lawyers are just bluster, but I make a mental note to call mine in the morning, just in case.

I tiptoe out of the room and back downstairs, checking my messages from Dani.

Dani: WHAT?! Girl, you cannot send a message like that and go silent on me! I need details. NOW.

I shake my head, chuckling as I type my reply.

Me: I was just checking on Owen. No sex or murder is happening. I’m going to thank the guy and say goodnight.

My phone pings.

Dani: Liar. Send a pic, you know, just in case he does murder you…

I roll my eyes, but suddenly, that doesn’t seem like the world’s worst idea. I did just invite a dangerous stranger into my house, albeit a hot one who’s damn good at kissing…

“Smile,” I say to Kane as I walk into the kitchen where he’s casually leaning against the counter, swigging a beer.

He smiles, a lopsided, confused grin with one eyebrow slightly cocked, and I snap a quick pic and send it to Dani. He furrows his brow.

“What was that for?”

“My friend asked for a photo, just in case you’re an axe murderer.” I shrug, grinning as I grab a beer from the fridge.

Thankfully, he doesn’t seem offended. “Sensible friend,” he says, clinking his beer bottle against mine. My phone begins pinging furiously, enough that he adds. “Don’t you wanna check that? I’m not sure my appearance will have made her less concerned, perhaps the opposite.” I appreciate his candor, his intimidating presence, and the fact that he doesn’t seem to care what people think either.

Dani: OMFG TOTAL HOTTIE!!! YOU SHOULD TOTALLY FUCK HIS BRAINS OUT!!! HE COULD COME ROUND TO MURDER ME ANYTIME!

Dani’s reply makes my cheeks flush, and I bite my lip to stop myself from laughing. I quickly write back.

Me: You are insane. I’m going now. We’re talking.

“So, is your friend worried? Are the cops about to show up?” Kane asks, only half joking.

I shake my head. “The opposite, actually. She thinks you’re hot and that we should hook up.”

Oh my God, what the hell did I just say? I cringe. My game is so bad. It’s embarrassing.

“And you? What do you think?” he says softly, stepping closer. So close I can feel the electricity pulsing between us.