Chapter 21
21
Nathan
I felt it when she relaxed on the bike. Just for a second. She won’t fall in love with riding overnight, but I love pushing her buttons. Pushing her to break free of her comfort zone.
A chuckle rumbles in my chest as her fingers loosen from their death grip on my jacket. But don’t get me wrong, I want her hands on me. So I push the throttle just enough to make her clutch me tighter again.
I grin.
Yeah, I like that.
We cruise the rest of the way to her dorm, the city shifting from golden-hour glow to the cool blue of night. By the time we pull up, the streetlights flicker on, casting a soft light on her as she swings her leg over the bike. She stumbles a little, and I bite back a smirk. Still getting her land legs back.
She tugs off the helmet, and the wind immediately catches her dark hair. The River Thames always makes the air sharper here, turning loose strands into a wild mess. Jacket on, helmet on her hip, hair flying. She looks amazing.
I want to see her like this again.
I cut the engine and swing off the bike. “So, how was that?” I smirk.
Her eyes are bright. “Terrifying. And amazing. I closed my eyes for half the ride.” She laughs, breathless.
“I could tell.” I chuckle, folding my arms. “And I could tell when you started to relax, too.”
Her mouth drops open. “I must be so easy to read, even when you can’t see me!”
She hands back the helmet and jacket. And for a second, I hesitate.
I leave in a few days. I know I should keep some space between us. Keep things slow. But now that I know she’s available? Patience is definitely not my strong suit.
I want more time with her.
“Let me take you out,” I say, voice low. “During the day. Before I go on Saturday.”
I don’t want to overdo it. Doesn’t have to be candlelit romance. I just want to be with her.
She hesitates just for a second. And then, softly, “I’d love that.” She bites her lip again, gaze flickering downward.
I groan inwardly. She really needs to stop doing that.
“How about South Kensington?” I suggest. “Crepes and a museum?”
She smiles. “That’s a great idea.”
Our eyes lock.
And there it is again.
That heat she keeps trying to hold back. It flickers in her gaze, her breath hitching slightly as I step back.
I better leave. Before I forget why I’m trying to take things slow.
“Okay,” I say, slipping the helmet on. “I’ll text you.”
I pull her in for a quick hug, but neither of us moves right away.
Just one more second.
Then she pulls away. “See you,” she calls, walking backward toward her dorm.
I swing back onto my bike, hands tightening around the handlebars as I watch her disappear inside. As the engine purrs beneath me and I roll forward onto the street, excitement pulses through my veins.
I can’t wait to see her again.
And I can’t shake this feeling.
I’m ready to see if this girl is going to be the rest of my life.