“That seemed to go faster.”
“Right?”
He walked toward her and she couldn’t help but stare at his muscles. He reminded her of a wolf. Powerful. Dangerous. But enigmatic. “Same thing tomorrow?”
She swallowed, his brown eyes sucking her in. Her gaze flickered to his tattoo, and she nodded. “Yeah.”
He took another step toward her. “You want to know about my tattoo, don’t you?”
She did. Desperately. “You don’t have to tell me.”
“I’ll tell you where I got it. And why.” He paused, his gaze traveling over her face. “Tonight.”
The word rippled pleasure through her. “Tonight?” she asked, her voice squeaking. She cringed.
“Sneak out of the house. I’ll take you to my favorite place.”
She wanted to say yes. Craved to spend more time with him. But her father... She shook her head. “I’m sorry. I can’t.”
“Sure, you can. Your bedroom is above your garage. Out the window, across the garage roof and climb down the tree.”
She sucked in a breath. “How did you know—”
“I’m observant.”
“What does that even mean?”
His lips twitched. “It’s the only room with polka-dotted curtains. I took a guess. It paid off.”
She stared up at him, her will weakening. But then she thought about the app on her phone, and what a chance she was taking right now. Her father’s face popped into her head. “I can’t,” she whispered.
He gave her a small smile. “I understand. Maybe another time.”
She left his house with a hole in her heart. Why did things have to be so difficult? If her father hadn’t been involved in prosecuting Christian...if he didn’t know who he was...maybe things could be different.
She shook her head and mentally scolded herself. It made no sense to make stupid wishes. She had to get herself together. Start making better decisions. High school was almost over. She needed to just get through these next few months.
She stopped at Trudy’s house. Trudy came to the door and handed over her phone. “No calls. No texts.”
Jessica let out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding. “Good.”
Trudy gave her a look. The kind that said, ‘What are you doing?’
“Don’t look at me that way.”
“You like him.”
Jessica twisted her fingers together. “Yeah.”
Trudy didn’t lecture. “I’m just worried about you.”
“He’s not what everyone thinks.” She couldn’t say anything else. No one would understand, not even Trudy.
“Just be careful.”
“Always.” She gave Trudy a hug and left. She drove home and parked in the garage. As she entered the house, her phone chimed. It was her father.
I see you made it home. I hope you had a good run with Trudy. Although you stayed indoors the whole time.
Oh. My. Gosh. What was he doing? Sitting there watching her GPS this entire time? This app was going to put her in the grave. She texted him back.
We worked out on her home gym.
Ah. I see.
She clenched her teeth. She wanted to punch him in the throat. Didn’t he realize how horrible that app was? It was an invasion of her privacy.
Another text came in. Something’s come up. I have to work late again. I won’t be home until after ten. Will you be okay for dinner?
She stared at her phone, her mind racing. He wouldn’t be home? Her pulse quickened and she took in a shallow breath. Christian. Maybe she could sneak out...and not even have to use the window. She answered. I’ll be fine.
Then she pressed on Christian’s name. Guess what. Dad won’t be home until ten. I can go out with you after all.
Chapter 10
Christian pulled up in front of Jessica’s house. The sun hadn’t set yet, but the shadows were getting long. His nerves made him jumpy. He should not be doing this. He knew taking Jessica out could lead to trouble for him, but he couldn’t help himself. She was like a drug, and he needed more.
She came out of the front door. She wore jeans that matched her hair and a cropped denim jacket. She eyed the motorcycle as she got closer. “I’ve never ridden on a motorcycle before.”
“Don’t worry. It’s safe. You can have the helmet.” He handed it to her.
“But you won’t have one.”
“We’re not going far.”
She hesitated for a second before she slid the helmet on and fastened it below her chin. “Okay. I trust you.”
She climbed on behind him and put her arms around him. His pulse jumped with her touch. He raised the kickstand and turned so she could hear him. “Hold on.”
Her arms tightened and he took off. He loved the speed of his motorcycle, the wind in his hair, the feeling of such freedom. He may have showed off a little as he sped down the highway toward the lake. He loved the way Jessica clung to him.
Clover Lake was only a couple of miles outside of Rockford, and this time of year he was sure no one would be at his favorite pier. He slowed as he neared the turn, his wheels crunching on the fallen leaves. He followed the winding trail lined with yellow trees until he got to the small dirt lot. He parked and let Jessica swing her leg over before he got off his bike.
She looked around the small clearing. “This is a different side of the lake than I’m used to.”
“Most people go to the other pier because that’s where the grills are. But I like this side.” He tentatively reached out and took her hand. An electric zing shot over his skin. Dang, he would never get tired of that feeling. She didn’t pull away and he smiled to himself.
He walked with her to the end of the pier, then they sat down. A light breeze blew, rustling the fall leaves. She peered over the edge into the water. “Why do you like this side?”
“The turtles.” He scanned the water, looking for one poking its head up. When he saw a tiny nose sticking up, he pointed. “There.”
“I see it.” She squeezed his hand. “And there’s another one.”
They watched the turtles swimming in the water, a comfortable silence between them. Jessica leaned her head on his shoulder. They sat that way for a while, listening to the soft sounds of the water. The faint scent of burning leaves in the air mixed with the smell of the lake.
Jessica’s thumb grazed his. “What do you want to do with your life?”
He had never told anyone that answer. He almost shrugged it off, but something about Jessica was so sincere, he felt comfortable with her. “I’ve always wanted to be a school teacher.” He chuckled. “Stupid, huh? They don’t get paid much. And everyone thinks it’s a horrible job. But I like kids.”
“I don’t think it’s stupid. You’re great with your sister.”
He snuggled into her. “Thanks.”
“Okay, you said you’d tell me, so...tell me.”
He chuckled and pressed his lips to the top of her head. That was Jess. Direct as always. “I got the tattoo two years ago.”
“I thought minors couldn’t get a tattoo in Wisconsin.”
“I didn’t get it in Wisconsin.”
“Where did you get it?”
“My mom took me across the border to Michigan.”
Jessica looked at him, the question easily read in her eyes. He sighed. “She knew I wanted a tattoo. And she wanted something from me in return, so she took me and signed the consent form.”
“What did she want?”
He looked out at the water fading to black as the sun dipped below the horizon. “She didn’t want me to tell the doctor the truth about my bruises.”
Jessica stiffened. “I can guess how you got them. Am I right?”
He picked up a yellow leaf and pulled the stem off. “Yeah. Michael.”
She bit her lip and looked up into his eyes. “You should have told the truth.”
He nodded. “Yeah, I know that now. I was young and stupid. I wanted the tattoo.”
Jess
ica brushed her hair behind her ear and shifted. “What does it mean?”
He’d chosen the birds for several reasons. He loved animals, and always enjoyed watching them fly. He thought they were graceful. But most importantly, it was a symbol of what he wanted most. “Freedom.”
She slowly nodded. “Does he still hurt you?” she asked quietly.
“Sometimes. Not as much now, though. Since that day.” Jessica knew what day he was talking about.
She leaned into him and he slid his arm around her back. It felt amazing to be so close to her. To feel the warmth of her skin under the jacket she wore. Her hair smelled of strawberries. “Was he the only one?”
“Mom has never been very good at picking boyfriends.”
She pulled back and blinked, the emotion clear in her eyes. “I’m sorry.”
He lifted his hand and touched her face. Her skin was warm and silky smooth. “It’s not your fault.”
“I know. But I’m sorry, anyway. I hate thinking of you having to endure that kind of abuse. It’s horrible.” She closed her eyes and nuzzled into his hand.
“I just want to get my sister away from it all,” he said softly.
“How are you going to do that?”
“I don’t know.” That was a lie. He was going to do everything he could to make his mother leave Michael, and if that didn’t work, he was going to sell his motorcycle and take off with Molly. He’d change their names and find a place where no one would find them. But he kept that to himself.
Jessica gazed at him, her face glowing in the moonlight. She was amazing. So full of compassion. No one understood him like she did. No one else cared to listen. He brushed the backs of his fingers down the side of her cheek, emotion swelling in him.
JESSICA COULDN’T BELIEVE all that Christian had gone through in his life—all that he was going through—and still he was a rock for his sister. Her protector. He was so misunderstood. As he brushed his fingers down the side of her cheek, a longing surged in her.
Conflicted thoughts surfaced. If her father knew where she was right now...she didn’t want to think about how angry he would be. She knew she should stop things from progressing further, but she didn’t want to. She couldn’t push Christian away anymore. She wanted to be with him.
He leaned in closer, a slow pull toward her lips. He was going to kiss her. This was it. She’d been yearning for it. Craving to feel it. And now it was going to happen. Time itself seemed to hold its breath as Christian neared. And then they touched.
His kiss played across her lips like a slow song, the notes caressing her. The movement creating a harmony of feelings inside her. It was a melody she’d never heard before. One she wanted to replay in her mind tonight, long after this moment had ended.
His hand wrapped around her waist; his touch warm. She wanted more. Needed him. She clutched his jacket, pressing closer. All the cliché romance novel phrases made sense to her now. Sparks and tingles danced over her skin. Fire and warmth spread through her. The music of their kiss changed, grew in a crescendo as her heart hammered out a quick tempo.
She slid her hand to his chest. His heart thumped wildly under the thin fabric of his black T-shirt. Christian was raw power, but she felt his restraint as he eased away from her.
He kissed the side of her mouth, then along her jaw to just below her ear. She wrapped her arms around his neck. The warmth of his breath on her skin sent electricity through her. He nuzzled into her neck. “You don’t know how long I’ve wanted to do that.”
“You can do it again.” She smiled as his breath hit her with his chuckle.
“I’d better get you home. I don’t want to chance being late.”
“We have an hour before my father is supposed to be home.”
He drew a lazy pattern on the back of her hand with his finger. “I know. But it will take a few minutes to get you there.”
She didn’t want to leave the lake. Didn’t want to say good-bye to Christian. But she knew it was wise to get home. “Will you kiss me good-night on my porch?”
He smiled at her. “It would be the proper thing to do.”
“All right.” She hopped up; her legs cold from sitting on the pier. “Let’s go.”
He stood as well. “Aren’t girls supposed to hold back? Let a guy chase her for a while?”
Jessica started toward the bike. “I told you. I don’t play games.”
He caught her around the waist and pulled her back to his chest. He leaned close to her ear. Her heart rate sped up. “And I told you,” he whispered. “Some games are fun.”
She wiggled free from his grasp and turned around to face him. “I guess you’ll have to show me what you mean.”
He leaned in close, his lips just an inch from hers. “Challenge accepted.”
He climbed on his motorcycle and held out the helmet for her. She slid it on over her head as she tried to get her breathing under control. Dang, him. He did that on purpose.
She wrapped her arms around him, his abs as hard as stone. She closed her eyes and pressed into his back as he started up the bike and got back on the highway. The thrill of the speed was intoxicating. She’d never ridden on a motorcycle before, and she loved the feeling of flying through the night.
It was a little bit dangerous. A little bit crazy. And she was quickly getting addicted, not only to the bike, but to the man she clung to.
When he pulled up to her house, disappointment flitted through her. He was going to leave. And she didn’t want him to. He parked on the street. She pulled off the helmet and set it on the back of the bike. Christian took a step toward her. “Is this where I give you that good-night kiss?”
She held in a smile. “We’re not at my door.”
“What if I give you one here, then another when we’re on the steps?”
“Is that your final offer?”
His lips twitched and he leaned down, close to her mouth. Her body buzzed with anticipation. “I think we can...negotiate.”
His lips brushed hers in a feather-light kiss, sending shivers through her. He pulled back and smiled. “That’s one.”
She gasped. “No fair! That was barely a kiss.”
He left her standing by his bike as he walked up to her front steps. “Come on,” he called.
She ran to catch up to him, slapping his arm when she got close enough. “You’re so mean.”
He laughed. “Get over here.” His arms snaked around her and he made up for the barely-there kiss, the intensity so strong she thought she was going to melt. When they came up for air, she rested her cheek on his chest.
“Come inside.”
“Jess, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
She stepped back from him. “No, I mean, I want to play you the song I’ve been working on.”
He hesitated. “I’d love to hear it. I’m just not sure...”
Jessica grabbed his hand and opened the door. “Come on, we still have time. It won’t take long.” She tugged him inside, and he didn’t resist. She ran up the stairs to her bedroom and opened the door. She flicked on the light and checked her phone. No messages.
Christian sat on the edge of her bed while she pulled out her electric guitar and plugged it into the small speaker she had in her bedroom. She turned the volume down so she didn’t blow him away. Yeah, she liked her music loud. Then she placed the paper with her scribbles on the nightstand so she could see it.
A sudden wave of nerves hit her. She didn’t share her music with anyone but her mother. Not the stuff she wrote. A shyness overcame her and she swallowed. “It’s not finished. And it’s not that great.”
Christian narrowed his eyes. “Don’t say that. Just play it.”
She took in a breath. “All right.”
She started strumming the opening chords. The music was slow, yet had a definite indie rock vibe. And then she sang the lyrics she’d been working on.
You used to be my entire world, my everything.
But now you’re gone and I need
to find my footing.
I searched above and I searched below,
Searching for what, I’ll never know,
My life crumbled, and I never knew,
I lost myself when I tried to find you.
I lost myself when I tried to find you.
She strummed a few more chords, then let the music die down. “That’s all I have.”
She held her breath, waiting to see what Christian would say. He stared at her. “Dang, girl, you wrote that?”
She took it as a compliment and smiled. “Yes.”
He stood and crossed the room. “Why are you not the one on tour? I had no idea you could sing like that.”
She swung her strap over her head and placed the guitar back in the case. “I’m not that good.”
He pulled her to his chest. “You’re amazing. In more than one way.”
Warmth filled her and she snuggled into him. “You have to say that. We’re...” She stopped. What were they? Dating? She wasn’t sure.
“We’re what?” he asked, lifting her chin so she’d look him in the eye.
“I don’t know.” Did kissing him tonight mean he was her boyfriend? It sure felt that way.
He drew close to her lips. His smell intoxicated her. She wanted to stay near him forever. His gaze dipped. “Do you think we’re—”
A noise came from downstairs and Christian jumped back from her, his eyes wide.
“Jessica?” her dad called up. “Are you in your room?”
Chapter 11
Panic shot through her. What time was it? Was he early? She ran to shut her door. “Yes!” she yelled. “But I’m dressing.”
She shoved Christian toward the closet. “Hide.”
“No way am I hiding in your closet while your dad comes in here,” he hissed, moving toward the window. “Do you know what he’d assume if he found me? I’d rather jump off your roof.”
He was probably right. She flipped the lock, opened the window and took out the screen. “Okay,” she said, her heart thumping. “Don’t hurt yourself.”
He climbed out and stuck his head back in. “I guess we’ll have to finish this tomorrow.” He kissed her, then disappeared into the darkness.
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