He pulled a shirt on over his head, grabbed his boots, and said, “I’ll be right outside the door. Take longer than five minutes and I’m coming in.”
Gen tried all three pair of jeans on, her eyes on the clock. She took the last pair off, put the first pair back on, and looked at the shirts. This was easier, and she pulled the one over her head with the highest neck. The other two would show way too much cleavage. She went to the door and opened it before going back to her stash and sliding into the jacket.
“This jacket is too much, Duke. It’s real leather, and the lining is to die for. I need to meet Sprite and thank her for picking it out, but… it’s really too much.”
“Nothing’s too much for you, Gen. Put your boots on, grab your purse, and we’ll go.”
“I need something to put my clothes in.”
He shook his head. “You can get your other stuff later. I can strap your purse down on the back of the bike, but I don’t want to mess with the rest.”
“What do I need to know to ride with you? Also, I don’t have a helmet!”
“Sprite helped me pick out a helmet for you, too. She did well, you’re gonna look great sitting on the back of my bike. As for what to do, keep your feet on the pegs, lean the same direction I do, and don’t let go. I’ll start out slow on straight roads, work you up so you get used to the speed and curves a little at a time. If there’s a problem, tap my stomach to let me know I need to pull over.”
* * * *
By the time Duke turned onto Snow Hill Road and took the curves way faster than the speed limit, Gen was having a blast. She not only understood the appeal of motorcycles, but thought she might want one of her own.
Tiny’s girlfriend, Sheila, had helped Gen with her hair, warning she’d get split ends if she let it fly free behind her. Sheila had pulled it into a tight braid and tucked it into her shirt, and Gen had hugged her in thanks. Sheila looked rough, in jeans and a tight t-shirt with tons of cleavage showing, as well as entirely too much eyeliner and blush, but she’d been nice and Gen appreciated it.
Looking around Duke’s shoulder, the road stretched out in front of them like a twisting ribbon, and Gen loved leaning into the curves one direction and then the other as Duke skillfully manipulated his huge Harley.
And Gen wasn’t sure she wanted to think about all of the vibrations happening between her legs.
She was almost sad when they reached the end of the road and had to sit in traffic in Ooltewah, but her hips were hurting and she was glad they were so close to her house. He took more curvy back roads instead of using the interstate, but on the bike they went so fast on the curves they probably made it to her house faster than if they’d used the freeway.
Duke held her arm as she dismounted behind him, and made sure she had her balance before he got off the bike. He helped her take her helmet off, then swung his off, and with no warning his mouth was on hers, his arms around her pulling her close, his tongue invading her mouth, and she was transported to another place as she lost herself in the kiss.
Gen grabbed his shirt for balance, and then let her hands slide around him, one at his neck and the other around his back. Her heart skipped a beat as Duke’s hand at the back of her skull turned her head the way he wanted it, and held her in place even though she wasn’t fighting to get away. His other hand at her back drifted low, and just before it reached her bottom he broke away from the kiss.
“Let’s take this inside. You probably don’t want your neighbors to see you necking in the driveway.”
Gen’s face grew hot as she realized how this must look, but Duke only chuckled. “C’mon, Beautiful.” He retrieved her purse, handed it to her, and walked her to the door. She unlocked it and he disarmed the system, waited until she locked it, and he armed it back.
“That’s a little creepy, you knowing how to do my alarm system when I didn’t tell you.”
“No, Babe. It’s me taking care of you. Not creepy.”
“Whatever. Do you want a beer? Something else?”
A smile lit his face. “You aren’t gonna try to kick me out?”
She threw up her hands and walked to the kitchen, calling back as she walked. “Would it do any good?”
He chuckled and followed her.
Gen handed him a beer and reached into the fridge for a chilled beer glass, but he waved it away. “I’m good with the bottle, Beautiful. It’s been nearly two hours since you had anything to drink. I’m hoping you aren’t planning to get something else.”
She shook her head. “No, I’ll drink water, but I have a request.”