The Backpack Bride (Give a Bookish Girl a Biker #1)

Chapter Twenty-Six

Roxy

I didn't make Axel give the bike back to Chris. I couldn’t, not after our altercation. I was too livid to do anything other than fake a smile and nod at my nephew’s elation. Thankfully, Axel was too distracted to notice the tension rolling off Chris and me. Not that he had much chance since he left for Case’s right after we returned to the penthouse.

Now I’m backpacking with Chris on the way to Brokedown, and neither one of us is saying a word. We got ready for the party in silence, too. I didn’t even utter so much as a murmur as I climbed on the back of the bike I’ve only ever dreamt of riding—the one my biker crush showcases in all his videos.

I wonder if he even suspects that I know who he is online. Doubtful, unless Chantelle told him.

Chris rolls the throttle, gaining speed and forcing me to cling to him. I’ve tried to be as rigid as possible and keep my distance for the first half of this ride, even while every muscle in my body twitched with the need to enact every one of my long-held daydreams.

“You’d be more comfortable if you let yourself lean into me,” he says through our synced-up mics. “Don’t punish yourself because you’re mad at me.”

“I’m not mad at you,” I lie.

His deep, rumbling laugh reaches my ears. “Sure, you’re not. You’re just practicing being a guardrail.”

I bristle and wrap my arms more snuggly around him. “Fine. Better?”

His gloved hands cover mine. “Better.”

I roll my eyes but don’t bother to argue. Soon enough we’ll be at the party where it’ll be easier to pretend to be the doting wife with an audience. I hope.

As soon as we step inside Brokedown, we’re greeted by Chantelle’s handsome, blond fiancé. “Hey, guys. Glad you could make it.” He shakes Chris’s hand, then extends it to me. With an open gesture to the dining room, he adds, “Why don’t you guys go get comfortable? We’re just waiting for her to show. When she pulls up, we’ll hit the lights, then surprise her as she comes in.”

“Sounds good,” Chris says, placing his palm at the small of my back. I stiffen a bit at the contact but don’t ask him to remove it. It’s not like his touch makes me want to curl up in his lap that much anyway. Then his thumb starts doing some kind of circular pattern over my soft cotton shirt, and I curse myself for loving the way it feels.

“Christian!” We spot Cai and Desmond from where Cai calls to him, then start toward their table. A few people I don’t know are seated with them, including a guy who looks exactly like Chantelle’s fiancé. “Glad you guys could make it,” says Cai.

“Glad to be here.” Chris pulls out a chair for me, and I sit. “Guys, this is my wife, Roxy. Roxy, this Joel, Jude’s brother, and his wife, Gwen.”

Gwen bobs her head with a small smile, and Joel waves. It’s crazy how much he resembles Jude. If it weren’t for the possessive way he clings to his wife, I’d think he was Jude.

Chris points down at the end of the table. “And this is Bridger, his wife, Freya.” Bridger nods, and Freya says a bright hello. “Then Evander, Greer, Ronnie, Archer, and their daughter, Indy. They’re a part of the Denver Dragons family.” I politely wave to everyone at the table even though I know I won’t be able to remember all their names. Except for maybe Ronnie since Chantelle talks about her a lot.

“It’s great to meet you all.”

A few murmured greetings sound from everyone, echoing the sentiment. This isn’t the most comfortable I’ve been in a social situation, considering my only link to most of these people is the man I’ve been giving the silent treatment to all night. As if sensing my apprehension, Chris’s arm slides over the back of my chair. I want to lean into him, soak up some of his easy confidence, but I’m still mad at him. Still mulling over the harsh words we exchanged. At least I’m not the only one who looks uncomfortable with all the social interaction. A weary-looking Des tunes out the tavern's chaos, his eyes locked on his phone. He doesn't even notice the waitress refilling his untouched drink again or her flirtatious smile. I wish I could ignore things as easily as he does.

Suddenly, my head begins to ache with all the chatter going on around me and there’s I nothing I want more than to be in bed, snuggled under the covers with a good book.

Thor and Holt arrive, saying hi to us before settling at another nearby table. Even the woman from Big Hair Books shows up with a date on her arm. A few more people I don’t recognize enter, too, and with each slap of the door, I swear another cool draft skates over my skin.

“Are you cold?” Christian asks, sliding his warm hand up my arm.

I shiver. “No,” I say more harshly than I need to. “I’m fine.”

He lets his hand linger, and I let it stay there. It’s just to keep warm, that’s all.

“She’s here,” Jude announces. Everyone gets to their feet just before the entire place goes dark. Silence envelops us as Chris stands behind me, not touching, but close enough to share his body heat. Then soft lips lightly skim my ear, sending another shiver through me. “I’m sorry for earlier,” he whispers. “I don’t want our argument to ruin your night. We’ll talk more later, okay?”

I give him a shaky nod, not trusting my voice in the near-silent room. Seconds later, the door to the tavern swings open and the lights flicker on.

“Surprise!” everyone cheers. The mixture of shock and elation on my friend’s face is enough to make my night. If only I wasn’t dizzy and lightheaded for the remainder of the party.