“Ready?” Decklan holds his hand out to me, watching me intently as I take it and allow him to guide me off of the bar stool.
Tucking his hand around my fingers, he leads me out of the bar, not stopping until we reach his motorcycle which is parked across the street. My feet falter the moment we approach the sleek black bike.
“Let me guess, you’ve never been on a motorcycle before?” he asks, releasing my hand to retrieve the helmet resting on the seat of the bike.
“Never,” I breathe, my insides twisting violently.
His smile only widens as he deposits the large black helmet on top of my head.
Everything in me is telling me to run. I shouldn’t be doing this. I shouldn’t be leaving with a man I don’t know who could end up taking me God knows where, let alone getting on the back of his motorcycle.
But something about the way he looks at me silences that voice, reassuring me that I can trust him. But can I really?
“Should you be driving?” I stutter out, embarrassed to even ask the question. “I mean, you were just drinking,” I add on.
Wow, way not to sound like a total loser, Kimber. Smooth. Real smooth.
Decklan runs a hand through his messy hair, pushing the fallen strands away from his eyes as he settles onto his bike; hitting me with an amused smile.
“I only had one, and I promise you, I would never put you on this bike with me if I was in any way inebriated. I may drink and drive, but I don’t drive drunk.” His tone falls serious, and for a moment I almost feel bad for even asking the question.
“Aren’t you going to wear a helmet?” I can’t control the word vomit that continues to spew from my mouth, feeling my embarrassment grow with each moment that passes.
Shut up, Kimber. Shut up and get on the bike.
“I only have one.” He taps lightly against the visor of the helmet on my head, halting my movements when I reach to remove it. “You’re wearing it.” His tone is absolute. “Trust me, you are much more valuable than I am.” He winks, reaching for my hand.
I hesitate for a brief moment before I finally lay my hand in his. Stepping where he tells me to step, I fling my leg over the bike as I settle onto the seat behind him. Reaching around, he grabs my wrists securing both of my arms around his waist.
“Whatever you do, do not let go,” He instructs, firing the bike to life.
The vibration beneath me is enough to cause my breath to catch in my throat and sends my heart beating even more violently against my ribcage, fear coursing through my entire body.
I take a shaky inhale as I secure my grip, my hand skirting across his hard abs through his open jacket and thin black t-shirt as I do. Trying to ignore the sudden surge of electricity I feel being secured so tightly against him, I lay my head against his back and clench my eyes closed tightly; praying to God this isn’t the biggest mistake of my life.
I feel the weight of the bike shift as Decklan takes off and proceeds to weave through traffic. He handles the motorcycle with such ease that my nerves settle slightly after a couple of minutes. Even still I’m not brave enough to open my eyes for any of it.
By the time the bike slows and the vibration beneath me dies off, I feel like I am stuck in my current position from holding my body so rigid for so long. Decklan senses this and lets out a deep laugh, his back vibrating slightly against my chest.
“It wasn’t that bad was it?” he asks when I still make no attempt to move.
“I don’t think I can move,” I admit, not sure if I can’t or simply don’t want to.
“Here.” He unlocks my hands from his waist and slides off the bike, careful not to move me as he does.
Once his feet hit the ground, he turns, reaching up to unlatch the helmet and pull it off of my head before depositing it directly in front of me on the seat.
“There.” He smiles, pushing my wild tangled mess of hair away from my face. “Better?”
He reaches for me when I nod, lifting me under the armpits as he slides me from the back of his motorcycle and sets me gently to the ground just inches from him. Reaching out, he pushes my hair behind my shoulders before tipping my face upwards so that my gaze meets his.
“Glad I can say I was your first.” He gives me a wicked smile, laughing when he sees the blush once again take over my face. “Your first motorcycle ride.” He laughs again, clearly finding amusement in the fact that my brain doesn’t seem to function properly around him.
“Come on.” He takes my hand once again, causing me to spin around as he leads me through the parking lot.
I don’t recognize where we are, but it’s a pretty populated place; a long strip mall of businesses and small little restaurants. It doesn’t take me long to locate the pizza place I assume we are heading towards. There’s a large window that makes up the front of the store, Pops Pizza painted brightly across the glass.
I quicken my steps to keep up with Decklan’s long strides given he’s quite a bit taller than me. I would say he’s at least six feet where as I stand just around five four.
He slows to a stop just short of the entrance to the pizza place, leaning forward to open the front door before ushering me inside, his hand falling to the small of my back as he does. The contact causes a shiver to run down my spine and while Decklan doesn’t say anything, I know without a doubt he notices.
Avoiding his gaze, I allow him to lead me through the establishment, my eyes taking in the small pizza parlor.
It’s a pretty standard size; a square dining room that has four booths along the far wall, two of which are occupied by other customers, and two square tables in the middle. There’s a long counter that runs along the front wall and is open to the kitchen where I briefly catch sight of a younger looking man rolling out dough.
Decklan doesn’t stop until we reach the booth that sits in the far corner of the room. Removing my jacket, I hang it on a wooden hook that’s attached to the post of the booth before sliding into the seat. I can’t keep my eyes off of Decklan as he removes his own jacket, the thin material of his black t-shirt clinging to his clearly muscular body in all the right ways.
I flick my eyes to Decklan’s face as he slides into the booth across from me, his slow spreading smile telling me he knows exactly what I was looking at.
“So this place is pretty good?” I ask, taking a menu that is wedged between the wall and the napkin holder, desperate for a distraction.
“The best.” He smiles, watching me intently.
“So what do you recommend?” I ask, laying my menu face up on the table in front of me.
“You can’t make a wrong choice here. But I have a weakness for the thin crust pizza with pepperoni.” He settles back into the seat, crossing his arms in front of his broad chest.
“Sounds good to me,” I say, closing the menu. “So...” I let out a small sigh of relief when we are interrupted by an older lady who immediately approaches our table.
Her black pants and matching button down shirt are covered in flour, her salt and pepper hair tied back in a frizzy bun. I can’t help but notice the way her face lights up when her eyes land on the man across from me. At first, I think maybe she just realizes how attractive he is. I mean I’m sure older women are no more immune to his charms than younger ones are, but then I realize that’s not it. The recognition in her eyes tells me she knows him.
“Decklan Taylor as I live and breathe.” She hits Decklan with a wide smile.
“Ms. Marie.” He stands, giving her a one-armed hug. “How are you? How’s Bob?” he asks, sliding back down into the booth.
“Oh, you know that old fart, still kicking.” She laughs. “He’s at home with the grandkids tonight. But he’ll sure be disappointed he missed you.” She gives him a warm smile. “What’s it been, two years?”
“Probably close to that. I don’t get down this way that often,” he explains.
“And Gavin, how is that trouble maker?”
“Same as ever.” He smiles warmly back at the older w
oman.
“Why does that not surprise me?” She shakes her head before seeming to finally realize that someone else is sitting at the table with Decklan.
“And who is this beautiful creature?” She gives me a toothy grin, waiting for Decklan to introduce us.
“Ms. Marie, this is Kimber, a friend of mine.”
“So nice to meet you.” I smile up at the older woman, reaching out to shake her hand when she extends it to me.
“You too, my dear. Any friend of Decklan’s is a friend of mine. Spent half my days trying to keep this heathen out of trouble I did.”
“Is that so?” I smile, flicking my eyes to Decklan who gives me a playful shrug.
“Story for another time I suppose.” Marie laughs. “Now, what can I get for you? The usual?” She turns back to Decklan.
“That sounds amazing,” he confirms.
“And to drink?”
He surprises me by saying water, and I indicate that I will take the same. In the three times I have been in this man’s presence I’ve never seen him drink anything but alcohol. It’s good to know he’s chosen water, especially considering he is my way back to campus.
“Coming right up.” Marie smiles, spinning as she makes her way behind the counter.
“Old friend of yours?” I smile, gesturing towards where the older woman was just standing.
“I grew up just a couple of blocks from here. I practically lived here every day after school. Marie and her husband Bob were like second parents to me and Gavin.”
“Gavin. He’s a friend of yours?” I question.
“More like my brother,” he confirms. “You’ve met him already,” he says, explaining when I hit him with a look of confusion. “At Deviants.”
“The bartender?”
“Yes, he was bartending the night you were there but he’s more than that; we run the bar together. He’s my business partner.” He nods towards Marie who reappears with our waters.
“Should be out shortly,” she says, sliding the glasses in front of each of us.
“Thank you,” I say, smiling in her direction as she turns and walks away. “Wait, so you own the bar?” I jump right back into our conversation the moment she’s out of earshot.
“I do. Well, with Gavin. We bought it four years ago. Of course, it was a complete dump back then, but we managed to turn it around.”
“I would say so,” I agree, having seen the bar firsthand.
Even though it’s a bit out of my comfort zone, my statement is the absolute truth. Deviants, while wild and a bit untamed, is a very nice establishment.
“You didn’t seem too thrilled with it last Saturday.” A slow smile creeps across his impossibly handsome face.
“It’s just... a little different than what I’m used to,” I admit.
“I’m starting to gather there are a lot of things that are different than what you’re used to.” He leans towards me, his elbows coming to a rest on top of the table in front of him.
“Is it that obvious?” I question.
“It’s not a bad thing.” He reaches out and takes my left hand, twisting his fingers around mine. “In fact, I find it quite refreshing.” His voice drops low, and my stomach immediately erupts in butterflies.
“So you said you’re from around here?” I redirect, desperate to take the conversation off of me.
“I am,” he confirms not giving me anything else.
“Why did you leave?” I ask when he makes no attempt to continue.
“Why did you?” His obvious avoidance of the topic tells me everything I need to know.
“It’s a long story.” I sigh, my eyes falling to our hands as his thumbs trace circles across the back of my skin.
“Lucky for you I’ve got all night.” He grins, the action causing my stomach to bottom out.
Every little thing this man does makes me feel like I am going to melt into a puddle at his feet. He just makes me feel, I don’t know, alive I guess. There’s no other way to explain it. The world just suddenly seems so much more vibrant.
“I...” I start but then stop, pulling my hand away from Decklan as Marie reappears at our table, sliding a large pizza and two plates between us.
While the food looks incredible, I’m not sure my stomach will accept it. It’s so knotted and full of nerves it’s almost painful. Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly, I try to push aside the nervous energy surging through me.
I wait for Decklan to grab a slice of pizza before I help myself to one as well. I make sure he isn’t watching me as I slowly lift the slice to my lips and take a small bite. He’s right of course, the pizza is amazing, but it still takes everything I have to force it down.
I can’t focus, can’t find a way to silence the loud thud in my ears as my heart pounds rapidly in my chest. I can’t concentrate on anything except the way his incredible gray eyes keep finding mine, the heat behind his intense stare, and how my entire body tingles beneath it.
I am in so much trouble...
Chapter Six
Decklan
This is fucking torture.
Having Kimber wrapped around me, clinging onto me for dear life as if I’m the only thing tethering her to the world; it’s enough to make me fucking insane. All I want is to bury myself deep inside of her and shatter her perfect little exterior. With her pressed so tightly against me, it’s nearly impossible not to pull over somewhere and do just that.
She tenses as I maneuver the bike around a curve in the road, her grip growing impossibly tight. I can’t help but let out a light laugh, the sound lost to the noise of the wind whipping around us.
Pulling up outside the dorm building Kimber advised me that she lives in, I pull into a vacant parking spot and kill the engine. She immediately loosens her grip; the loss of her arms wrapped around me the last thing I want to feel right now.
Fuck this girl has me so mixed up.
She slides off the back of the bike before I make any attempt to move, handing me the helmet as she steps around beside me.
“Thank you for dinner.” She gives me a sweet smile, the familiar blush returning to her pale cheeks. “And for the ride.” She pushes up on her tiptoes and leans in, laying a light kiss to my cheek.
When she lingers there a second too long, I can’t fight the urge to taste her any longer. Turning my face inward, I latch my fingers into the back of her hair and pull her mouth roughly to mine.
She tenses for a brief moment, my action clearly catching her off guard, before she finally relaxes into the kiss, her lips parting slightly on a soft moan as I trail my tongue lightly across her lower lip.
Her hand finds my upper thigh, her nails digging into my flesh as I deepen the kiss, pulling her towards me. I let out a deep groan as I slide my tongue against hers, feeling her tremble slightly against me. It’s enough to make me almost frantic with need.
But just as I feel like I might split apart if I don’t have her right now, she slowly eases out of the kiss, her breath coming in short spurts as she pulls away and meets my gaze with heated eyes.
“I... I should go.” She pants, stumbling backward slightly as she steps out of my embrace.
I open my mouth to speak but then close it again, not really sure what to say. Instead, I sit silently on my motorcycle under the dark night sky and watch her disappear from view.
Letting out a slow shaky exhale, I run my hands through my hair. What the fuck was that? I can’t ever remember a time when a kiss has gotten me so worked up.
I must want this girl a lot more than even I realized.
****
“Wait, so let me get this straight. You took her out to dinner?” Gavin stares at me in disbelief from his bar stool. “Like a date?”
“Why is that so surprising?” I ask, not seeing the big deal.
“Because date is not part of your vocabulary, dude. I don’t think you’ve ever taken someone on a date.”
“It was just pizza at Maria and Bob’s place.” I shrug, taking a
swig of my beer before setting it back down onto the counter.
The bar closed over an hour ago, but neither Gavin nor myself seems to be in any rush to call it a night.
“Still, dude, that’s huge for you.” He leans over the bar and drops his empty bottle into the trashcan.
“It’s really not that big of a deal. She’s not the kind of girl you just fuck. She’s the kind of girl you get to know first.” I drain the rest of my beer, sliding my empty bottle towards Gavin who immediately drops it into the trashcan as well.
“That may be, but I’ve never known you to waste your time on girls that require any type of work to bag.” He lets out a gruff laugh.
“I don’t know, man, I’m just sick of the same old shit I guess. Women who are willing to spread their legs for anyone are a dime a dozen. Women like Kimber, now that’s a prize.”
“Whatever does it for you I guess.” He shrugs. “She got any hot friends that aren’t quite so difficult to woo into bed?” He raises his eyebrows suggestively.
“Maybe. Her friends that came here with her last weekend seem to fall under the work-free category from what I gathered.” I let out a slow exhale, stretching my arms.
“Then what are we waiting for?” He laughs.
“I’m not lining up girls for you to fuck. You can take care of that shit yourself.” I open a fresh beer and toss the bottle cap at his face, laughing when it pings off the top of his forehead and then bounces to the floor.
“Not cool, dude.” He shakes his head before pushing out of the chair to his feet. “Alright, I’m over your pansy bullshit. I’m heading out.” He grabs his jacket off of the back of the bar stool, sliding it on.
“Be careful,” I say, knocking his fist with mine when he holds it out to me.
“Always am.” He throws on his cocky ass smile before practically skipping towards the exit. “Don’t forget to lock this shit,” he says, pushing the front door open; disappearing outside without another word.
Crazy Stupid Love (Crazy Love #1) Page 5
