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Chapter Four
Josephine
I’m not entirely sure what I expected after I sped away from the diner, but this certainly was not it.
All the pent-up sexual energy burning between Maceo and I goes up in smoke—poof—I’m standing outside with a ridiculous helmet on my head, and he’s sitting smugly on his motorcycle, waiting for me to climb on.
“I’m not getting on the back of that death trap,” I seethe, folding my arms across my chest.
“Baby, I already told you, you’re safe with me. I got you,” he says.
“If you were the safest biker in the world and followed all the rules, it wouldn’t make either of us safe from the rest of the population driving like asses on the road,” I argue in a huff.
Maceo rolls his eyes. “Pixie, get your ass on the damn bike before I do it for you.”
“Fine!” I swing my leg over the seat. I tuck my dress around my legs, angry at him for requesting this outfit instead of the jeans.
Who the hell rides a hog in a dress?Apparently, I do, right now.
Maceo reaches for my arms and brings them around him, joining my hands. I have no choice but to be flush against his wide back.
“There,” he says, with obvious approval. “Right where you belong.” He revs up the engine, pulls away from the curb, and we’re off like a prom dress.
I won’t lie, riding on the back of his bike, holding on as he goes dangerously fast isamazing, but to hell if I’ll admit it to him. It seems like we’ve only started cruising before he’s pulling over to a local Moroccan restaurant. I smile, approving.
Maceo helps me off the bike and out of my helmet. I fluff out my hair, and he takes my hand and leads us to the delicious smelling environment.
He doesn’t ask or wait for us to be seated. He pulls us past the hostess, who smiles widely at him with a wave, before he takes us to the last booth in the far back. He motions for me to sit and slides in across from me. I assume he picked this spot because we’re far away from the rest of the crowd, giving us privacy.
Maceo gives me an infectious smile. “Hope you don’t mind this place.”
“Not at all. IloveAndalusian cuisine. I’ve seen this place, but haven’t had the opportunity to come here. It reminds me of my favorite Moroccan restaurant back in Los Angeles. I hope it tastes as good.”
My comment makes his smile stretch wider. “Me too. I grew up with myabuelamaking these dishes. It’s a little nostalgic when I come to eat here.”
I can hear the sadness in his voice. “Your grandma?”
He nods before lowering his eyes to the menu. “Passed right before I turned eighteen. Lung cancer. She survived a fucking dictatorship, but cigarettes got her in the end. I joined the navy right after the funeral. She was the only reason for staying, and when she died, I needed to do something to support myself. Navy was the right fit. It’s where I met all my brothers, who I’m lucky to have today.”
I bite my lip, curiosity setting in. “Your parents?”
“Died right after I was born. A house invasion gone wrong. My dad tried to stop it and got shot in the process. My mom too. I guess a three-month old isn’t worth a bullet. I was raised by my dad’s mom, who loved me like her own son.Abuelita Luciawould have loved you.”
His story crushes me. I imagine him as a tiny baby having his parents gunned down in front of him. But there has to be more to it than what he’s telling me. Perhaps another time.
Another time? What the hell, Josephine?Am I seriously thinking about a second date with Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome?
My eyes admire Maceo’s gorgeous face.Yes. Yes, I am.
I shake my head at my subconscious. “I’m sorry, Maceo. I wish things were different and it never happened.”
Maceo’s dark eyes lift to mine, and he gives me another small smile. “It’s okay, baby. It was a long time ago.” His eyes go soft. “Hey, hey, don’t cry.”
I swipe away at the traitorous tear rolling down my cheek without warning. “I’m sorry,” I say, bashful.
“Nothing to be sorry about when you’re showing empathy.” He reaches for my hand across the table, and I graciously give it to him. “It tells me you have a very compassionate and nurturing demeanor—which will be wonderful when we have kids.”
I slap his hand away. “Not funny.” This is the second time today he has mentioned having children with me. Who does that after just meeting someone?Maceo does.
