Whispering to her, “You’re everything, Doll. You’re the good in me. When the days get long, you’ll be what pulls me through. I’m gonna let you go, but I’m always gonna carry you with me.” I watch her breathing.

No longer able to contain myself, I move to kiss her forehead. Rolling her over, I kiss her cheek, then her neck. She’s waking up under me. I take my time trailing kisses over her neck and collarbone. She reaches up, running her fingers through my hair. Our eyes meet. The words are on the tip of my tongue, but unable to come out. I see the love this woman has for me in the depths of those piercing blue eyes. Does she see what I feel for her? Does she see the man behind the bike? Rather than speak the words, I spend my morning making love to her body. Taking in every second of this and committing it to my memory in a way to last me a lifetime.

Tomorrow, she’ll be home. Tomorrow, our ride will end. Tomorrow, I’ll be man enough to walk away. We’re in too deep. I never should’ve let this happen, emotions and entanglements are things I don’t do. Today, I’ll give her all of me. Today, I’ll take everything I can. Today, I’ll let my weakness for her consume me.

30

One Last Night Together

For a moment, I almost slipped and told Tripp how I feel about him. What we shared this morning goes beyond orgasms. He claimed a piece of me that I don’t want back. I gladly walk away knowing a piece of me is with him. We get up and shower together. It’s like Tripp can’t get close enough to me. I take in every second of it, knowing we are headed home and our future is uncertain.

We’re on the road again. Crossing over into North Carolina, my chest tightens. I don’t know what tomorrow brings. Pulling in to Tripp’s house, I’m so grateful to be off the bike. My body is sore from spending almost a month on the back of a motorcycle.

Once we unpack the bikes, Rex is itching to go out. Tripp looks at me, trying to gage whether we’re going out with Rex or not. Deciding it would be nice to hang out with his boys, I get ready so we can go. It’s strange riding in a truck with Tripp. Sass is riding with us and Rex took his bike. The danger has been eliminated. I’m sure his plans for the night don’t involve returning home.

Walking into the bar, I look over and see Tessie working tonight. Tripp is stopped immediately by one of his club members wanting to chat. Sass and I leave him there and make our way to Tessie. She smiles and places our beers in front of us as we settle onto the stools.