Saving You Losing Me

Chapter 3

CHAPTER 3

CLARA

M y mind is awash with doubts and high expectation. I can’t believe it was so easy. Our first conversation and he expressed an interest.

I float through my shift on a euphoric breeze because all I can focus on is what happens when my shift ends.

He will be waiting for me.

It’s the stuff of the wild dreams I’ve been having since I first set eyes on him. To be with a man like that is hard to imagine. He is rough, crude, sexy as hell and bad to the bone.

I am not.

I am respectable, entitled, and controlled by my parents who would shit a brick if they knew what was happening now.

A warm glow wraps around my soul, and I savor every moment of it. If nothing comes of it, I will always have this memory. What I do next is down to me and I can’t mess this up.

My heart bangs like a drum as the time passes and as I grab my purse, Alice shakes her head, her eyes flashing with jealously. “Think hard, Clara. This could end badly for you.”

“Excuse me.”

I fix her with a blank stare and she sighs. “Men like Atom are only after one thing. I’m guessing you aren’t used to that, so take my advice that is offered out of concern and nothing else. If you fancy a dip in the dangerous end of the swimming pool, make sure you’re protected because you could be dragged under. Learn how to be a strong swimmer, honey, and you’ll be fine knowing there are many dangers lurking under the surface.”

I’m surprised how touched I am by her wise words. For a woman who must be devastated that she isn’t in my place, she makes a lot of sense and I appreciate it.

I offer her a rare, genuine smile.

“Thanks, Alice. That means a lot.”

She shrugs. ”If I can’t have him I’ll live vicariously through you. Just don’t leave anything out when you haul your ass back here tomorrow to give me a blow by blow account.”

She laughs softly and I surprise myself by hugging her. I’m not usually a hugger, but for some reason it comes naturally now.

“Thanks, Alice, but there may be nothing to tell.”

“Then make it up. Don’t shatter my illusions as well as my dreams.”

She turns away before I can reply and as I head to the door, I’m accompanied by a pang of sympathy for the rough diamond who goes by the name of Alice.

As I step out into the sunshine, I remove my shades from my purse to shield from the sun and the glorious sight waiting for me.

My heart almost gives out on me when I see the man leaning against the Harley watching my approach. He is wearing mirrored shades that hide those devastating eyes, and his hair is worn slightly longer than most and contained by a bandana. His black battered leather jacket is hiding a torso that causes me to swallow hard and his low-slung jeans make me wonder what lies beneath the waistband. I am breathless and euphoric and yet you wouldn’t know that as I saunter across and stop a short distance away.

“So, you’re here.”

“Looks like it.”

His sarcastic drawl is accompanied by a panty melting smile and I swear my legs tremble.

“I’m not interested.”

I say the words before I change my mind and he shrugs. “I didn’t have you down as a liar, darlin’.”

I shrug. “I don’t care what you think.”

I flick my hair across my shoulder and sigh. “Have I ever made out I’m interested or given you cause to think I am?”

My mouth dries when he shifts off his bike and prowls toward me, stopping just short of me, his hand reaching out and tipping my face to meet his.

With one hand he removes his shades and then does the same to mine and as our eyes meet, I can’t tear my gaze away.

He leans closer, and his breath dances across my lips, causing me to lick my lower lip inadvertently, and his eyes glisten as he whispers huskily, “You speak, but your words are empty and I don’t need to hear them because I feel your interest. It’s a force more powerful than any other when two matched souls collide and if you want to play it cool, then be my guest, but it changes nothing.”

He leans even closer and my breath hitches as he whispers against my lips, “Now you can accept the inevitable and park your ass on my bike, or you can fight this with empty words. Either way, you’re coming with me because I have waited two long years to get you there.”

“What if–“ I attempt to resist and his mouth captures my words as his lips glide over mine and as his hand slides behind my head and pulls me in closer, his tongue reaches inside and destroys any objections I may have tried to voice. It’s as if a meteor crashes to earth as I enjoy my first kiss ever with the man I can’t stop thinking about, and nothing prepares me for the explosion it causes inside me.

It’s as if my entire body comes to life like a flower unfurling toward the sun for the very first time. Until now, a tight ball hiding the beauty within through a hard winter and one touch of sunlight causes it to unfurl and delight in the heat.

I never want this to stop as he deepens the kiss and I moan against his lips. Fireworks explode in my head and my heart sighs with pleasure as he claims my virgin lips.

His fingers tangle in my hair and he holds my head securely as he kisses me with a strong purpose to calm my objections and claim what was already his.

It’s an eternity before he releases me and whispers huskily, “Now be a good girl and accept destiny when she comes calling. It’s your birthday, and this one counts more than any other.”

I couldn’t speak if I tried and merely nod as he grasps my small hand in his and tugs me gently toward his bike.

As my legs wrap around the steel, he smirks, his eyes flashing with a possession that excites me.

“It’s good to see you where you belong, baby girl. It was worth the long wait.”

I still have no words and as he slides my shades over my eyes, his fingers brush against my cheek and it sends electric shivers down my spine, supercharging my body into life.

He joins me and says huskily, “Wrap your arms around my waist and hold on tight. I’m about to give you the ride of your life.”

Fuck! This is the best birthday of my life and every rational thought in my head is left behind as he starts the engine and tears away from the bar in a cloud of dust.