“We’re going on that?”

“Is that okay?”

Maddie eyed it with trepidation, thinking of her healing wounds.

“You’ll be perfectly safe. I promise.”

“I’m wearing a skirt.”

“It’s dark. No one will see a thing—except for maybe me, and that’s more than fine with me.”

Smiling at his irreverence, she said, “I’ve never been on a motorcycle.”

“Then you’re in for a treat.” He helped her into the helmet. “You’ll love it.”

“I’m glad I bothered to do my hair,” she said dryly.

“It’ll bounce right back.” Tipping his head, he pressed a kiss to her neck. “You look amazing, and you smell even better.” He adjusted the strap under her chin and helped her onto the bike. Sliding on in front of her, he said, “Hold on as tight as you can.”

Maddie laughed and wrapped her arms around him. “I can see right through you, McCarthy.”

“Tighter,” he said with a chuckle.

As she flattened her hands against his taut abs, she discovered he didn’t have an extra ounce on him. With her legs snug against his hips and her hands flat against his belly, Maddie wanted to purr with contentment.

He started the bike and headed down the driveway.

Going by Tiffany’s deck, Maddie noticed the glow of a cigarette, which lit her sister’s face and illuminated her disapproval. Maddie turned away, refusing to let anyone ruin this night for her.

Chapter 10

Chapter 10

They took the long way around the south side of the island on their way to Dominic’s, an Italian restaurant located off the main drag. Maddie loved being on the motorcycle and was impressed by the skillful way Mac operated it. They leaned into turns as if they’d been riding together for years, and when they finally parked, Maddie took off the helmet and shook out her hair.

“Well?” he asked. “What’d you think?”

“I loved it.”

“I did, too.”

She looked at him, perplexed. “You do it all the time.”

“Not with you pressed against me. That was the best ride ever.”

She couldn’t believe the stuff he said to her!

Before they went any further, he called Janey and confirmed that Thomas was doing just fine.

“That’s a relief,” Maddie said. “Thanks for checking.”

“No problem. This used to be one of my favorite restaurants. Is it okay with you?”

“I’ve heard it’s expensive.”

“I don’t care about that.”

“You’re not even working right now. How can you not care?”

“Honey, I’m a partner in the business. I get paid whether I work or not.”

“That must be nice.”

“It doesn’t suck.”

Maddie laughed, and he put his arm around her shoulders to lead her inside. “Does my hair look okay?”

“You’re gorgeous. Every guy in there will be envious of me.”

Could he be any more outrageous? “Right.”