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Rory darted over to him. “Are you sure it’s okay for me to have the time off to take her home?”
“Rory, this is the first time you’ve asked me for a day off since you came here. Take whatever time you need. I’ve given your bike a quick service, changed the oil.”
“I appreciate it.” Rory was relieved. “I’ll make the time up.”
George looked at Sky. “Pretty as a picture.”
She was tying her hair into a plait as she waited.
“You’re a real couple now, huh?”
Rory nodded, not doubting it for a second.
“Worried about what your dad might think?”
“No way. I don’t care what he thinks.”
“That’ll change. You will care, one day. You’ll have to be ready.”
Rory wasn’t sure how he felt about it, so he shrugged.
George nodded over at Sky. “Has she got any gloves to wear?”
“I don’t think so.”
George headed inside, opened up the drawer and shuffled things around. He returned with a pair of gloves. “Samples,” he explained. “These will be a bit big for her but they’re new and she’ll get really cold on that ride.”
“Thanks, George.”
“Come on then, introduce us.”
Rory made the introductions.
“Pleased to meet you, Sky. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
She mustered a weak smile for George. “I’ve heard a lot about you too.” She nodded at the arch above. “I love your sign.”
Rory hadn’t looked closely for a long while, having got used to it. But he could see why it appealed to her. In tune with the classic biker vibe, George had commissioned the sign to look like an old fighter jet, with a pin-up stunner wrapped around the vintage style lettering for Halliday’s biker workshop.
George held out the gloves. “Put these on, sweetheart, that route to Wales will be harsh at this time of year and the forecast isn’t good.” Addressing Rory, he added. “Don’t be tempted to nudge the speed limit. You’ll lose more time if you’re stopped by the police.”
He went around Rory’s bike, checking it.
Sky watched while Rory threw some tools in his motorbike pack. He handed her a spare helmet. She pulled the helmet on, and he did the buckle up under her chin.
He smiled, and then closed her visor. When he climbed onto the bike she got into place behind him. He liked the way it felt, with her close against his back. He rested his hands over hers for a moment when she locked her arms around his chest.
“That’s it, stay close,” George said, nodding at her, “tuck your legs in behind his. He’ll freeze, but he’ll block out most of the chill factor for you.” George grinned.
Rory rolled his eyes.
George patted him on the shoulder. “Safe journey, son.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
The cold kept Sky on the edge. Keeping in mind what Rory’s boss had told her, she huddled behind Rory, alternating between holding the grip bars and wrapping her arms around his broad chest. She had her eyes closed a lot of the time, her thoughts fretful about what lay ahead. Guilt swamped her. She’d been in London for months. She should’ve gone back home for a weekend.
It was hard to find the time though, between shifts and working toward college. Keeping up with her art was important if she was to secure her place next term. She spoke to Nan every other day and she never mentioned illness or feeling unwell. That was just like her though.
