“Yeah. So what?”
“So, the more I learn about you, the more I like. You’re my kind of woman.”
“Whatever.” I bit my lip. “Why a motorcycle?”
“Sports bike,” he corrected. “A Kawasaki ZX-6R to be exact.” He ran his hand along the sleek body. “Lots of reasons really: fun, precision, grace, danger, and freedom. Freedom to think and explore. Of course, experiencing the elements can be a rush too. I compose a lot of my songs while riding this baby.”
At least he was gaining some yardage. “Nice,” I said. “But didn’t you forget speed?”
He pulled on his gloves and said, “That’s a given. This is the fastest and most impressive 600 in existence.” Climbing on board, he motioned for me to sit behind him. “Keep your arms wrapped tightly around me,” he commanded.
“Great. I’m at the mercy of a maniac driver,” I mumbled but almost laughed. No guys in my life for a year and now I had a maniac runner and a maniac driver. What were the odds?
Obviously, he had great hearing even with his helmet on, because he turned in the seat. “Lexi, I assure you, I’m a safe driver. I only handle this bike with the utmost precision,” he said earnestly before his lips curved into a wicked smile. “I suggested you wrap your arms around me simply so I could enjoy your touch. It had nothing to do with safety.”
I prayed he couldn’t see me blushing under my helmet. He turned and cranked the engine. A loud roar permeated my eardrums, and vibrations shook my body. He surprised me by heading into the historic district of Fairhaven rather than straight out to I-5. After a few minutes, I realized he was taking us along scenic Chuckanut Drive – a slow and windy road that connected Bellingham to Skagit Valley.
Immediately, I relaxed and let the wind carry my fears away. What did I really have to worry about? My dance with death didn’t involve a motorcycle. No, it was set to take place sometime in the near future…if I let it. I’d been thinking about that. Ever since my encounter with Jason, I’d found myself reconsidering my options. Dying was the easy way out; everything else was complicated. If I became an Amethyst and was able to survive the encounter with the mountain lions, maybe living with the snapshots would be bearable. Especially since I’d have Jessica in my life, and maybe Jason…or Ash?
We zipped over a bump in the road, and I flew a few inches off the seat. Startled by my sudden movement, I inadvertently leaned deeper into Ash and gained instant security from his solid body. With my arms encircled around his waist it was hard not to think about his imperious and flirtatious nature. It was even more difficult not to compare him with Jason. All too thrilling Ash, with his giant ego, thrived on pushing the boundaries and seemed keen on physical contact. Gorgeous and elusive Jason refused to share his personal space, but when he temporarily let his guard down, I found myself yearning for more. Even though he was shrouded in a veil of secrets, I was determined to unravel them.
Getting nowhere with my thoughts, I focused on the scenery. Evergreen trees intertwined with colorful maples on one side of the winding seaside road, and on the other side were breathtaking views of coastal waterways and the San Juan Islands. After driving for several miles, Ash pulled into a designated viewpoint and cut the motor. Immediately, I withdrew my arms.
He pulled off his helmet, shook out his hair, and sighed. “Puget Sound is awesome.”
“Beautiful,” I agreed, tucking my helmet under my arm. “We’re really spoiled living here. We always get a bad rap for all the rain, but if ya ask me, I think we have perfect balance.” I put my hand on his shoulder. “Ash?”
He smiled broadly. “Yeah?
“Thanks for the slow-paced, scenic ride. I was sure you were gonna have us out setting new speed records on the freeway, and I was wrong.”
He tapped my leg with his hand. “If I expect you to go out with me again, I first have to show you my softer side. What better way than a leisurely, romantic drive?”
I rolled my eyes and shoved his hand off my leg. “This does not remotely qualify as any kind of romantic rendezvous. Besides, how do you know I don’t have a boyfriend?”
He grinned slyly. “While you were changing into your tight fitting jeans, I asked Ally.”
“Oh great,” I moaned. “What did she say?”
“She told me you were a fanatic and currently owned around 30 pairs – mostly designer.” I whacked him in the back. “Okay, okay, she said you were sort of interested in some guy, but it wasn’t serious yet. I informed her it wouldn’t be serious if I have anything to say about it.” He looked at me with brash certainty.
“Which you don’t,” I retorted. “And for your information, Ally doesn’t know everything.”
He looked out at the panoramic view again and said in a witty voice, “Don’t worry, I’m patient. Besides, once you realize what a catch I am, you won’t be able to keep your hands off me. You’ll be begging me to take you out on my bike again. First, you’ll just want a quick spin around town, then a leisurely picnic in the park.” His eyes sparkled. “Finally, you’ll be pleading for a romantic road trip. You’ll force me into a secluded area where we can…” Pausing, he looked at me suggestively and wet his lips.
“Okay stop! Stop right there. Right now,” I ordered and knocked my knee into him. “You are totally delusional.” I kept my expression neutral for all of about two seconds before I started cracking up. He joined me and luckily let the topic drop.
“Have you ever been up to Blanchard Mountain?” he asked and motioned south.
I gazed that way and said, “Nope, can’t say I’ve even heard of it.”
He nodded. “It’s just down the road a ways. It’s one of the best places to hike, mountain bike, or paraglide. The views are unmatched. Not only can you see all the way to Vancouver Island on a clear day, but Mount Baker and the Twin Sisters are visible in the east.”
“Do you hike it?”
“Oh I’ve hiked it and biked it, but paragliding from the top is incredible.”
“You paraglide?” I asked incredulously; although, I shouldn’t have been surprised. His every word and movement indicated he was an adrenaline junkie.
“Oh yeah, I could teach you how.” He laughed and explained the basics. Eventually, he put his helmet on, signaling it was time to go. I followed suit and instinctively draped my arms around him. “Lexi?” he said. I squeezed him once. “You’re aware that I have a dangerous side?”
I nodded, feeling the heavy weight of my helmet.
“Do you think you’re ready for a rush?”
With a flash of uncertainty I took a deep breath. “Sure. Bring it on.” Deep down, I trusted him. It was also time to take Ally’s advice and live a little. I hadn’t been doing enough of that lately, and I was curious if I’d like a fast bike as much as a fast car.
“That’s my girl.”
“I’m not your girl.”
“We’ll see about that,” he quipped. “When we hit the freeway, keep your arms wrapped tightly around me. Not just because I enjoy the feel of your body next to mine,” he winked and flipped down his visor, “but because I’m also gonna show you why this machine is famous for speed.” With that, the thunderous engine ignited and ended our conversation.
To be honest, I enjoyed every minute of the ride. I was surprised when we got back to town that he drove past my street, and we arrived at Marine Park, a small stretch of land with a long stretch of grass and a rocky, saltwater beach. After hopping off the bike, he led me to the southwest corner of the park. The railroad tracks were not part of the park, but they could be accessed by climbing the fence and crossing the trestle. A big sign stated:NO TRESPASSING ALLOWED.
“Ash, I don’t think we should walk down the tracks. It might be dangerous,” I said hesitantly.
He squeezed my hand and said, “Oh come on Lexi. Just a little ways down is a great little spot with a view of some awesome rock formations and…”
As he was talking I felt my shoulders tighten up just as a sharp pain shot through my hea
d. I knelt down and pretended to examine a rock. I closed my eyes, and the snapshots came on strong:
the “NO TRESPASSING ALLOWED” sign
two teenagers bent over the tracks
a train barreling towards them
My eyes snapped open. Ash was still talking and pointing along the coastline, trying to convince me that the views were better on the other side of the trestle. He didn’t seem to have noticed my momentary black out.
“Fine,” I said hurriedly. “You’ve made me a believer. Let’s go.” He stopped talking, and I was able to enjoy the look of complete astonishment that passed over his face. “Well, what are you waiting for?” I asked, happy for once that my head had stopped throbbing as soon as the snapshots dispersed. He mumbled something about unpredictable females, and I hurried him along. Off in the distance, a short time later, I spotted what I’d been looking for – two bodies huddled over the steel rails. Pointing, I said, “What do you think they’re doing?”
He muttered, “I don’t know, but I think we’d better investigate. Probably some teenagers showing off, or to be more precise, doing something totally stupid.”We quickened our pace, and when we came within shouting distance he called out, “Hey, what’s going on?”
A young girl, somewhere in her mid teens, with a long ponytail, looked up at the sound of his voice. “I dropped my ring, and he’s trying to reach it,” she said and motioned to the boy. He was lying on the ground poking something in the space under the rails.
“I’ve almost got it…so close,” he said excitedly.
That’s when I heard the train whistle – loud and distinct. I could even feel the tracks vibrating. We all looked north simultaneously.
“No more time buddy; off the tracks,” Ash commanded. Glancing at me, he let go of my hand and gently shoved me away. Without thinking, I grabbed hold of the girl’s arm and took her with me. Clumsily, we ran over the rocks. Once we were several paces away I turned, expecting Ash and the boy to be close behind, but they were still on the tracks.
“Look kid, I said you need to move. NOW!” Ash yelled at the boy.
The boy looked up in fear and astonishment, but I couldn’t hear what he said. Ash shook his head furiously and leaned over the boy. That’s when I became aware the boy’s hand was caught under the steel rails.
“Oh my God!” the girl exclaimed. “He’s stuck. They’ve got to get out of the way. The train is coming. I’m going back—”
I grabbed her. “Oh no you’re not! They’ll make it,” I shouted but was equally worried. The train was smoking, steaming, and approaching fast, and Ash and the boy were directly in its path. The train whistle blew profusely, like it was screaming profanities at them to get out of the way. Ash worked determinedly trying to shake the boy’s arm loose. As the girl sank to her knees, I dropped down with her, our bodies trembling together.
My eyes shot between the racing train and the guys spread out over the tracks. Ash’s mouth was moving, but I couldn’t read his lips. I suspected he was screaming the same words the train was unable to voice. He shook his head furiously and glanced my way, resignation frightfully evident on his face. A sudden sickness swept over my body. As I held his gaze, I read only anguish and hopelessness in his expression.
“Stay here,” I shouted at the girl and took off for the tracks. When I appeared at Ash’s side, he yelled at me to get back, but I ignored him. Leaning down, I worked frantically to loosen the boy’s hand, but it was wedged good, already looking red and mangled.
My eyes darted up at the train. We had 15 seconds – maybe, before the train plowed over us. I glanced at Ash. He shook his head and mouthed the word “sorry” before pulling me to my feet and shoving me off the tracks. Caught off guard, and totally pissed, I rolled down the gravel, screaming all the way. When I came to a stop, I stood up and looked back in time to see Ash give the boy one last gigantic heave. Miraculously, that tug wrenched the boy’s hand free, but the momentum sent them both flying backwards over the other side of the bank, and the train rolled loudly and supremely over the exact spot they’d been standing.
The powerful wind created by the rumbling train hit me like a small twister. I slipped my feet deeper into the rocks and stood, bracing myself against the forceful airstream. I welcomed the blast – accepted it as a challenge; nothing could uproot me. My windbreaker fluttered madly as my hair whipped wildly around my face. I felt invincible.
That’s when the realization hit me hard and fast. I didn’t want to die. I felt so alive. My decision to act upon the snapshots and Ash’s persistence had allowed the boy to live. Together we’d cheated death. And really, it felt extraordinary. Jason was right. Every day lived was a miracle. My future flashed before my eyes. If I could build my life and career around the premonitions, I could give the quiet gift of miracles for the rest of my life.
Fear suddenly overtook me as I remembered my days were numbered. I still had to deal with the mountain lions. I was going to have to fight for my life. Literally.
The last of the tankers and box cars zipped past. Still standing, I was cold and covered in goose bumps. But more importantly, after months of despair and self-pity, I suddenly felt resolute and in control. I pulled the girl, who’d crawled up next to me, onto her feet. Immediately, she found her own resolve and bolted forward, clamoring over the rocks.
Ash’s head appeared over the top of the rails, and he flashed me a cocky grin. Never imagining I’d welcome that grin, I found myself completely taken in. I offered him a genuine smile in return. He’d earned it. He dragged the boy up behind him just as the girl reached them and flung herself at the boy.
I walked up to Ash and encircled him in a huge hug. My cheeks brushed against the rough stubble on his cheek as he lifted me off my feet in an even tighter hold. With the winning touchdown in the final seconds of the game, who wouldn’t want to hug the hero? His virile scent exuded self-confidence and courage, and for a moment I closed my eyes and indulged in the pleasure of his embrace.
“Wow!” he exclaimed. “I thought saving a life from a speeding train was an adrenaline rush, but it doesn’t even come close to the rush I’m getting from having you wrapped around me. I’m gonna want you around every time I save someone.” He set me down and kissed my forehead.
I released him and punched him in the shoulder. “Let’s hope you don’t have to make saving people a full time job,” I rebuked. Although, having someone around all the time to help would be awesome. Could he be the right one?
He leaned in close. “If you consent to hugging me a little more often, I won’t have to.”
“Ash,” I scolded with a laugh. I certainly didn’t want to think about hugging him all the time. I could already feel the flush of heat across my body.
“Hey man, thanks a lot,” the boy said, his brown eyes open wide. “That was the scariest thing ever – having that train blasting towards us and not being able to get out of the way. Thanks for sticking with me.”
“Look at your hand,” the girl said with revulsion.
We inspected the grease stains and red marks as he held out a fist. He was still shaking from the experience. “Crap! It looks gnarly, huh? Doesn’t feel so great either, probably sprained.”
My eyes popped open a little wider. This was definitely why fate had brought Jessica into my life. If she really could teach me how to utilize my Essence, and I’d be able to help people with these kinds of injuries, I’d be unstoppable. I just had to let go of the guilt and pull myself together.
Rotating his hand, the boy slowly uncurled his fingers. A simple silver ring lay in the palm of his hand. “Next time, screw the ring,” he said as he slid it back on her finger. “We should take off,” he added.
“You should have that hand looked at,” Ash said. “And listen; don’t hang out on the tracks. I know that feeling – the one where you think you’re invincible. Next time, think about this day and remember you’re not.”
“Got it,” the boy said, flipping his long bangs out of h
is eyes.
“Do you need help getting home?” I asked.
“Nah, I’m not hurting that bad, and I only live a couple blocks from the park.” Holding his injured hand close to his body, he tugged the girl forward with the other.
“Thank you,” she said, her eyes still brimming with tears. With a final wave they set off. Only this time they hiked along the rocky beach, as far from the tracks as possible.
“Do you think he’s okay?” I asked Ash.
“Of course. His hand is a little banged up, but mostly he’s scared, and he should be. He’s probably about 15 years old, and I bet this was the first time in his life he experienced real fear. He’s lucky to be alive.” Ash’s tone was solemn and his brows were bunched. Emotions washed over his face in waves: anguish, sadness, and what appeared to be downright anger. His rigid body and blank stare had me wondering if he was reminiscing about a tragedy from his past.
Worried, I gently touched his arm. “Do you want to talk about it?”
Obviously surprised by my question, he snapped out of his trance and gazed down at me with a grave frown.Gruffly, he said, “I don’t talk about it Lexi. Not with anyone.”
Letting go of his arm, I nodded. Instinctively, I took a step back. “Sorry,” I said.
He gazed west over the horizon. “This is a great spot to watch the sun set, but we should jam, too.” We trekked along the shore, and he held my hand. If Jessica was right about me, maybe my Essence was easing some of his pain.
When we pulled into the driveway, Ally came running out. “I was getting worried,” she spoke with an elevated voice over the hum of the bike. “Next time take your cell phone, will ya?” She looked at me pointedly.
“No worries. We’re fine,” I said as I pulled off my helmet and handed it back to Ash. We exchanged solemn looks, but I smiled at him gratefully. “You were amazing by the way.”
“Thanks,” he said.
Ally’s jaw dropped. “Amazing how?”
Kai and Ben came strolling out the door. “How was the ride?” Kai asked.
Amethyst - Book One of the Guardian Series Page 11
