Page 104 of Don’t Go Breaking My Heart

Kleo looked back, her brow furrowing. “Is everything okay?”

I hesitated, the words caught in my throat. “You were here to see Leah?”

She frowned. “Yes.”

“I… I know Leah.”

Her eyebrows lifted. “You did?”

“Well, no. Not really.” My voice shook as I tried to explain. “Oh gosh. How do I put this? That man? The one making me crazy?”

She nodded, waiting for me to continue.

“It’s Kannon,” I said, the words barely above a whisper. “Kannon Warner.”

All the air seemed to leave Kleo’s lungs. Her expression faltered, and for a moment, she just stared at me. “Oh.”

The silence between us stretched. I wanted to say something—anything—but no words came. All I could do was stand there feeling like the most insensitive person in the world.

41

KANNON

“You good?” Riggs asked.

“Fine.”

“Want to talk about it?” he asked as he leaned on the bar.

“I don’t think there is anything to talk about.” I shrugged and stared at nothing. “She’s not going to stop me from riding.”

“Did she actually try to stop you?”

“May as well,” I said. “She says it’s all about my recklessness but that’s just how it starts. Next it will be the bike and then my clothes. You didn’t see how she lives.”

“What does that mean?”

“She’s—I don’t know—she’s not the same Merritt.”

“How so?”

“She lives in a really nice apartment or condo or whatever the hell they call it. They have valet service. And she drives a Cadillac. A fucking Caddy, Riggs.”

Riggs raised an eyebrow and took a sip of his Coke. “So? You’re mad because she’s doing well?”

I scowled and stared at the bubbles in my own drink. “It’s not that. It just feels like she’s moved on to a whole different life. A life where there maybe isn’t any room for a guy with grease under his fingernails and a penchant for two wheels.”

“That’s tough, man.” Riggs’s voice softened a bit. “But that doesn’t mean she wants you out of her life. Maybe she’s just finding her own way, you know?”

“Her closet is full of fancy dresses and heels.” I knew I sounded like a whiny little bitch, but I couldn’t stop myself. “She works in a big corporate world with an office overlooking the city. She took me to a party, something she apparently does quite often. It was on a fucking yacht.”

Riggs shook his head slightly, letting out a low whistle. “Sounds like you’re feeling pretty out of place.”

“Yeah,” I muttered. “Out of place doesn’t even start to cover it.”

“Look, Kannon.” Riggs leaned closer, his expression serious. “Maybe it’s not about the fancy clothes or the fancy parties. Maybe it’s about you feeling like you don’t belong in her world. But, buddy, that’s your insecurities talking, not her.”

“I met her friends,” I said. “They’re all uppity and wear designer clothes. They drive fancy shit. I talked to some of the guys in her inner circle. They told me all about their motorcycles.” I rolled my eyes and shook my head. “They ride those big ass baggers. They don’t ride bikes. They’re all about comfort and casual rides. Their riding gear is all shiny and new. They were asking about my bike like it was some kind of museum piece.”