Page 42 of Echoes of Temptation

“Well, baby,” I say, pulling her into my arms. “I’m sorry to say that tonight is going to be a night of apologies. But, afterward, it will never be brought up again.”

“Agreed,” Viper says. “We’re going to head out. I’ll see you both when you get to the clubhouse.”

“Bye Maddy,” they say, following Viper to his car.

“You ready, baby?”

“Do I need to bring anything?” she asks.

“Nope.”

“Wait, I get to ride on your bike?” she cries, excitement exploding from her very pores.

“Put this on, baby. I was going to take you to get a light lunch but how about a long ride, instead?”

“Yes please,” she laughs.

“Hop on.”

“Can I drive?”

“No.”

What is it with these women wanting to drive our damn bikes?

“Bitsy has her own bike.”

“I’m aware,” I tell her, checking to make sure her helmet is secure.

“She said I can drive it one day.”

“No.”

“You can’t tell me what I can and cannot drive. Maybe I’ll go and buy my own bike.”

Straddling my bike, I reach back and grab her arms, pulling them securely around my waist.

“Baby, are we gonna ride or sit here and talk? I’m fine either way.”

“We’re not talking, King,” she grumbles. “I’m telling you my plans and you’re telling me no.”

“We’ll talk about the bike,” I smile, excited for her cute tantrum.

“I’m getting a bike. Something pastel colored to match most of my clothes.”

“As long as you’re not putting your life at risk, we’ll talk about it.”

“In my mind I picture me speeding down the road as fast as those bullet trains,” she sighs. “I won’t actually get a bike, though. I’m not a thrill seeker. But, in my head, I like to pretend I am.”

“No.”

“Dang it, King. You can’t tell my mind how to daydream. Freaking jerk.”

Laughing, I start the bike, pull Madeline’s arms a bit tighter, and head out for our long drive.

Chapter Seventeen

Maddy