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“That’s gotta be tough.”
“It is, but my sister’s close. She’s married and has two incredible kids. I hang out with them when I can.” As I sat there listening to his every word, it hit me that I was a little smitten with the handsome biker. I tried to convince myself that it was just my hormones talking, but as I gazed into those gorgeous hazel eyes, I wasn’t so sure. He studied me for a moment, then said, “What about you? You close to your family?”
“Yeah, as close as I can be.” I let out a little sigh before explaining, “I never knew my birth mother. She died when I was born, so Theresa has been the only mother I’ve ever known. She and Dad both do more for me than I deserve, and I adore my brother and sister—Jacoby and Josey. They all put up with all my craziness. I can’t ask for much more than that.”
“Hate to hear that about your mother.”
“It was a long time ago.”
I didn’t really want to delve into the misfortunes of losing my mother at an early age, so I was relieved when the waitress suddenly returned with our food. As she placed our plates on the table, she glanced over at Lynch and said, “Here you go, guys. Is there anything else I can get ya?”
“No, I think this will do it.”
“Great, just let me know if you change your mind.”
She smiled and headed back behind the bar. Again, Lynch seemed completely unphased by her flirting and simply picked up our conversation from where we left off. “What about a boyfriend? You got one of those?”
“I wouldn’t be here if I did.” His question caught me by surprise, so I quickly asked, “What about you? Do you have a girlfriend?”
“No.” He chuckled as he said, “Hell, I can’t remember the last time I had one of those.”
“Why not? I wouldn’t think a handsome guy like yourself would have any problem snagging a girl.”
“Ah...” He cocked his eyebrow. “So, you think I’m handsome, huh?”
“Oh, come on. You know you’re hot. Don’t even try to deny it.” I motioned my hand over to the bar. “Our waitress obviously thinks you’re hot. The poor thing’s been practically falling all over herself just to get your attention.”
“Look at you. Using the poor waitress to get out of answering my question.” He shook his head and snickered. “And here I thought you were better than that.”
“Whatever.”
“Still not an answer.”
“Okay, fine. Ughhh …” I groaned dramatically. “Yes, I think you’re handsome.”
His lips curled in a satisfied smirk as he teasingly said, “See, that wasn’t so hard.”
“You still haven’t answered my question about why you don’t have a girlfriend.”
“I don’t have any problem ‘snagging’ one, as you call it. I just have a hard time keeping one. Nothing ever seems to stick.”
“Pretty much the same with me.” I reached for a loaded French fry, then took a bite. “I had a steady boyfriend in high school, but no one really serious since—for more than one reason.”
“A high school boyfriend, huh?” A sly smirk crossed his face. “What was he like? Was he a Jacob or a Brent or maybe Chandler?” he asked, then picked up his beer and took a drink.
“Chandler? Brent?” I scoffed. “What exactly are you getting at?”
“Nothing. I was just asking a simple question.”
“Mm-hmm. Sure.” I picked up my burger and before taking a bite, said, “You think I was one of those prissy girls in high school, but I wasn’t. I’ll have you know I was a bit of a tomboy. I liked fishing and hunting with my dad and even went to local drag races with my grandfather.”
“Drag racing? Seriously?”
“Yes, seriously. I used to love going to the racetrack. There’s nothing in the world like it.” I couldn’t contain my excitement while I continued, “That feeling you get when you’re waiting for the light to change, the smell of burning tires, watching those two cars barrel down the track, and everyone cheering when one finally crosses the finish line. It’s amazing.”
“I know.” A proud smile crossed Lynch’s face. “My father used to race.”
“He did?”
“Every weekend. I felt the same way you did watching those races—even more so when my ol’ man took the track.” His eyes drifted away from me, and it felt like he was a million miles away. A moment later, he smiled and said, “There was nothing like watching him race—as if the whole world stopped, and it was just me up in those stands. I’d cheer him on, and when he crossed that finish line, or better yet—when he won, I’d completely lose it.”
“That must’ve been a fantastic feeling.”
“It was. I don’t think I’ll ever forget it.” We continued eating for a bit, and then he asked, “What kind of fishing did you and your dad do?”
