After dinner, we head back to the cabins for an early night. Once we’re inside, Tripp brings in another bag from the bike. I’m sitting on the bed when he opens the bag and brings over a large clasped envelope. Handing it to me, I stare at him in confusion.

“Open it.” He commands with his hands on his jean clad hips. His black t-shirt is stretching tight across his chest where his cut is resting comfortably.

Doing as I’m told, I open the envelope. Dumping out its contents, I find the maps for Nebraska, Montana, and Wyoming. Tears prick behind my eyes, but I refuse to cry.

“We can’t be predictable, Doll. We can’t make it a habit of stopping at each visitor center or at each state line somewhere. I know the maps are your thing, so I picked them up at the gas stations when paying for our gas while you used the restroom. I’m an ass, but this means something to you. I’ll always make sure you have what’s important to you.”

Left speechless, I climb off the bed and hug him tight. His hand rubs my back gently as I enjoy the connection in this moment with this all-consuming man. He frustrates me in a way no one else ever has. He can hurt me quicker than anyone has ever been able to hurt me. He can make me smile in a way no one ever has made me smile before. There is something about him that I don’t think I’ll ever be able to let go of.

Friends. We’re just friends I remind myself. My traitorous body wanting so much more from this man in my arms. He hugs me back, his head dropping to the crook of my neck. As he inhales, I feel like he’s breathing me in. Sucking my soul further into him, I’ll never be the same again. We may never have sex again, but Talon ‘Tripp’ Crews will, forever, hold a piece of me.

There were so many moments today where I wanted to reach my arms around her. Times that I wanted to kiss her, hold her hand, to be more than I can really be for her. Long term, there’s no promise of a future. Therefore, I can’t lead her on as much as it kills me to restrain myself.

It was relaxing to let my guard down and hang out today. Usually, when we travel it’s for a transport, and I have business on my brain. The club needs are always on my mind. To make sure my brothers all have what they need to provide for their families and stay safe is my priority. It’s been years since I’ve been somewhere and taken in the moments and the memories created. Memories, that’s what all of this will become once we get back to North Carolina.

I once asked my grandpa how he could go on without grams. He said, “Talon, you live on with the memories you make. Cherish the times you have with those you love to push you through the times when they’re gone.”