Sour Cherry(15)

I snapped my mouth shut after the shock wore off.

Cooper dropped his hold on me and stepped back. “See?” he said with a smile. “You’re not so useless.”





Chapter Six

Cooper was really starting to piss me off.

I didn’t know how to interpret our kiss and he didn’t bother to explain. His hot/cold moods shifted so abruptly sometimes, I felt as if I’d get whiplash. I’d never been able to trust cold-blooded men, ones who could turn their emotions off at the drop of a hat. Seemed unnatural, but maybe that was because I was a woman who’d stepped into a man’s world.

Despite my knees gripping him on either side to prevent me from falling off the bike, I kept myself distanced mentally and emotionally.

The passing wind brushed my hair back from my face as we sped down open road. Desert surrounded us entirely, but glimpses of the city caught my eye every now and then. My lungs pulled in the dry air and I relaxed a little further into the cushioning. The smell of exhaust from the cars ahead of us tickled my throat. Sunshine beat down on us and I rolled my head back to enjoy the speed. The weight on my shoulders lightened considerably with simple exhilaration. I’d missed this kind of freedom. As far as I knew my bike remained back at Cooper’s apartment since I’d been unconscious when he brought me to the safe house. I didn’t even know if the Outriggers had come across it yet. Wouldn’t have been hard. I’d left it in the street and I always left the keys in the ignition. Nobody dared steal from a member, just like petty criminals never stole from drug dealers. More trouble than it’s worth. Still, I ached to sink into my bike’s comfort, wrap my hands around her grip, feel the warmth and rumble of her iron heart.

Cooper turned his head toward me. “Hungry?” he yelled over the rush of wind.

I patted his shoulder to signal my answer. I hadn’t eaten in over twenty-four hours. From the sign up ahead, Pahrump promised exactly what I’d been craving, too. Hamburgers.

Less than two minutes later, Cooper pulled the bike into a local fast food parking lot. I wasn’t exactly a fan of “pink slime”, as reporters called it, but desperate times called for desperate measures. There was even a PlayPit in the rear of the building. Food and playtime were sure to take my mind off my club and Cooper. Double bonus.

I dismounted first, running my fingers through my hair in an attempt to control the windblown effect riding always took on me. “Can I ask you a question?”

Cooper removed his helmet and hung it from one side of the bars. “Shoot.”

“Why’d you kiss me back there?” I’d had over an hour to think of his predicted responses as my knees squeezed his thighs from behind. Several of the choices I’d heard from guys before. “Why not?” “Felt right.” “You looked like you wanted me to kiss you.” “Because I’m desperately in love with you.” Yeah, I know. The last one came across a bit conceited, but the same little girl who wanted to go play in the PlayPit wanted her feet swept out from under her. In fact, what girl didn’t? What Cooper said, however, did not make it into my list of possibilities.

“My dick told me to.”

I waited to see if he’d meant it as a joke, his expression serious.

And after a moment, I doubled over in laughter. Barely able to breathe, snot and tears streaming down my face, I tried to control myself. The fit lasted at least thirty seconds and when I was finally able to breathe, I wiped the tears from my eyes.

“I’m sorry.” I inhaled sharply. “I laugh at inappropriate things. Sometimes when people get hurt, I can’t stand up from laughing so hard.” I waved my hands at my eyes in an attempt to dry them, sniffled, and physically shook myself. “I’m good. I almost want to ask what your dick is telling you to do now.”

He walked past me, a smile pulling at his lips, and headed toward the side door of the restaurant. At least he had a sense of humor.

I followed a couple steps behind, taking in the way Cooper strode across the parking lot like he owned it. Strong shoulders called for my attention and sent a zing straight between my legs. I let my gaze linger on his ass, torturing myself more than anything, but didn’t feel ashamed. With short brown hair, dark brown eyes and a body most men spent hours in the gym for, Cooper set me on fire. The lopsided grin he’d given me at the bar back in Vegas appeared as he glanced at me over his shoulder, increasing the heat simmering beneath my skin. It’d been that smile that’d gotten us into trouble in the first place.

“Enjoying the show?” he asked and held the door open for me.