Chapter 4
Chapter 4
Eliza
Throughout the next week, my phone became a bridge between two worlds. Knox’s biker world and my mundane one. But of course, I loved being a teacher and my daughter Emma was my world. However, Knox was something else entirely.
With each text from him, our conversation ventured into territories that both thrilled and unnerved me. The words that flickered on my screen late into the night were daring, often pushing the boundaries of the safe, structured life I had so carefully built. Each message was like a spark, and I was drawn irresistibly to the flame, curious and eager despite my reservations.
Knox: Just thinking about that
smile of yours… it’s better than
any sunrise I’ve seen on the road ??
Eliza: You’re quite the charmer,
Mr. Knox. But tell me, do all
your sunrises come on two wheels?
Knox: Only the best ones.
Maybe I’ll show u one day
how about this Friday? ???
Eliza: Tempting… but how do I
know I can trust a biker
with my sunrise?
Knox: Guess you’ll have to
ride with me to find out. A night
in my arms will make your
sunrise the best ever. Promise.
I’ll keep u safe there’s a spot it’s
my favorite I’ve never taken anyone there
Eliza: Okay, I’m curious. What’s
your favorite spot that no one
knows about?
Knox: It’s a secret spot up by
the ridge perfect view of the
whole valley but it’s a
2 person kind of place
Eliza: Sounds exclusive. I’m honored
you’d consider sharing it with me.
Knox: Only the best for u. So do we have a plan?
Eliza: I’ll think about it. ??
Knox: Thinkin about that laugh of yours- contagious u know
Eliza: You hear it often in your thoughts?
Knox: Every time I close my eyes.
What can I say u made an impression
Eliza: Well, your rugged charm is
somewhat memorable too, I suppose.
Knox: I can’t lie ain’t just your smile
and laugh that left an impression
Eliza: ?
Knox: What would u think of me if I started talkin
about what your body’s doin to me?
What the mere thought of your breasts and
your hips against me is doin to me right now?
Eliza: Behave biker.
Knox: Warning: Bikers don’t behave would
u join me for a ride this Friday?
I’d love to misbehave with u
Eliza: Teachers don’t like misbehaving.
Knox:Misbehaving can be quite fun Ms. Eliza.
Trust I can show u a world beyond your wildest
Dreams. Just imagine the wind in your hair the thrill
of the open road riding my… you’d look so sexy on
the back of my Harley so what do
u say… Will you take a leap of faith
and join me this Friday for a ride?
Knox wasn’t just wanting me to ride his Harley. The butterflies started, and it took me too long to formulate a response.
Knox: I’m not sure about behaving
but this biker knows how to be chivalrous
when the occasion calls for it
Again, I was frozen. Typing and deleting my response.
Knox: Seriously I want more than just
your tits and ass I can be a gentleman only for u
Eliza: I’ll be the judge of that. Friday, it is then.
But I’m holding you to that gentleman
promise, though.
Knox: Counting down the days. What’s
your favorite flower by the way? ??
Eliza: Trying to butter me up with flowers now?
Knox: Just tryin to keep my
gentlemanly promise
Eliza: Sunflowers. Bright and always facing the sun.
Knox: Fitting. Bright and beautiful
just like a teacher I know
Eliza: I’m looking forward to Friday, Knox.
No more charming texts,
save some for the ride.
Knox: It’s a deal but fair warnin I’m even better in person
Eliza: We’ll see about that.
Goodnight, Knox.
Knox: Sweet dreams Eliza.
Can’t wait for Friday
I had finally agreed to let Knox take me on a motorcycle ride. When Friday rolled around, the idea alone set my nerves on edge—not just the danger of the ride itself, but the danger of being so close to him, out in the world, he commanded with such an unapologetic presence. And then there was the truth, I knew this biker didn’t just mean for me to ride his Harley. I knew what he wanted. And I’d agreed anyway.
What’s worse, I let him pick me up at my house. The biker knew where I lived. That in itself was a huge step for me. Just as the sun began to dip below the horizon, the sky a blaze of orange and pink, I heard the deep rumble of a motorcycle pulling up outside. My heart raced. This was all completely unlike my usual routine of quiet evenings at home with Emma. She was gone to Grandmas, safe.
I filled my lungs. “You’re a big girl. You can do this,” I said to myself.
Peeking through the blinds, I saw Knox dismounting his Harley, a bundle of bright sunflowers in his hand. Holy shit, the gorgeous biker was walking to my house. My stomach knotted with anxiety. I opened the door, and the evening light caught on his rugged features, making him even more irresistible.
“Evenin’, Eliza,” he said smoothly, his dark eyes sparkling while passing me a bunch of beautiful sunflowers.
The vibrant yellow was intoxicating against the deepening twilight. Or was that just him? Either way, I was lightheaded when I spoke. “Knox, these are wonderful, thank you,” I said, taking them. I hesitated for a moment thinking about inviting him in, but the thought of him in my personal space felt too intimate, too soon.
Leaving him on the doorstep, I momentarily disappeared inside to find a vase. I filled it with water, setting the flowers on the kitchen counter.
When I stepped back outside, Knox was waiting patiently, his bike idling softly in the background. His Harley was a behemoth of machinery, sleek and polished. And dangerous and daunting as he was.
Knox caught me eyeing it, a proud smirk playing at the edges of his lips. “She’s a beaut, ain’t she?” he said, his voice filled with unmistakable affection for the machine.
“She is,” I agreed.
“I was talking to my Harley about you, Eliza. You’re as pretty as a peach, tonight.” Knox took my hand and twirled me, leaving me breathless.
Taken in by his charm, I swallowed hard. “You’re a tall glass of water yourself,” I said, trying to speak his language. But then I quickly focused on his Harley. “I love the color. Bright.”
“Picked this color for a good reason.”
“Oh?” I said, curious about the striking choice of a bold orange.
“Yep,” he continued, running a hand along the shiny surface. He hesitated, like he was changing his story. “It’s for Tennessee, of course. Like them Vols — you know? Grew up watchin’ the games… Big fan.” He laughed, a deep, hearty sound. “Ain’t no better way to show some state pride than speeding down the highway, flaunting this bad boy.”
The way his Southern drawl stretched his words, made everything he said more like a melody than a statement.
“Plus, you can’t miss it,” Knox added, winking at me. “Means trouble can see me comin’ from a mile away. But also, ain’t no one gonna say I don’t know how to make an entrance or leave an impression.” His grin was infectious, and I found myself laughing along with him. The initial intimidation I felt at the sight of the bike was slowly ebbing away.
“Ready for our first ride?” he asked, his voice all encouragement.
“Our first?” My voice caught in my throat.
“It sure as hell ain’t gonna be out last,” he said, guiding me to the machine.
Full of butterflies, I nodded. “I’ve never been on a motorcycle at all before.”
“It’s easy,” Knox assured me as he handed me a helmet. “You’ll sit here, behind me,” he pointed to the seat right behind his. “On the bitch seat.”
Taken aback, I froze. “The what?”
Seeing my reaction, Knox shook his head. “Oh, don’t take it like that. It’s just biker lingo, nothing personal. You’ll need to learn the language if you’re gonna hang with me.”
Despite my initial offense, his easy demeanor and the playful twinkle in his eye softened the blow. I let out a small, reluctant laugh. My reaction embarrassed me. “I have young ears around always, so have to watch my mouth. I haven’t talked like that since college,” I tried to explain.
“There are no kids around tonight, Ms. Eliza,” he said, winking. “Your pretty mouth can do anything it pleases tonight.”
His words caught me off guard as he stared at my lips. I sucked them in, making them disappear as I looked him up and down. Knox was a gloriously handsome sight, as always. As if it were a uniform, and I figured it sort of was, he wore his leather vest, faded black jeans and big black boots. His leather jacket hid his rippling muscles. He was the kind of guy who could get away with a stylish haircut and still look masculine as all get out.
Putting my thick and seriously long hair back for the journey had been a must. I’d worn my best, tightest jeans, a tight white top that showed off my best assets, a smart jean jacket that fell at my waist just right and my own boots for the ride. I figured I’d end up at his biker clubhouse tonight at some point and had no desire to look completely out of place. Leaving my reading glasses behind, I wanted to show off my painted eyes and long lashes as well. It’d been such a long time since I’d had a reason to do dark makeup.
He showed me how to get on the bike properly. “Swing your leg over like this, perfect. Now, when we start moving, just hold onto me, alright? Wrap your arms around my waist.”
Leaning in, I hesitated for a fraction of a second before doing as he instructed, my arms encircling his broad frame. They settled, grasping the firm sides of his waistline. The leather of his jacket was warm against me, and I could detect the robustness of him beneath it.
“Hold on tight,” Knox said, turning to look at me over his shoulder with a reassuring smile. “I’ll take good care of you.”