Jules #2
With my boots in hand, I ran up the steps to my front door.
I rushed inside and quickly peeled off Q’s sweatpants, then slipped on a pair of skinny jeans and my black, lace-up boots.
I considered changing out of Q’s hoodie but decided against it.
I not only liked how it fit and looked, but also how I felt wearing it.
I just hoped that Q wouldn’t mind that I’d kept it on.
I took a moment to put on a little makeup and adjusted my hair, and then, I grabbed my jacket and headed back down to the car. As soon as I got in, Q asked, “You all set?”
“Yeah, I’m good to go.”
“Alright then. Let’s do this.”
Without any further hesitation, he pulled out of the parking lot and started driving downtown. As I sat there in that car next to him, I was riddled with doubts. I’d already proven that I had the world’s worst taste in men, but I couldn’t help but think that Q wasn’t so bad.
At first, I thought he was a little overzealous with his initial greeting.
In fact, I thought he was a bit of an ass, especially when I was churning butter, but now, I realized that was just Q.
He was a rough, tough biker with a goofy, flirty side.
He was also compassionate and kind which was something I hadn’t expected from a man like him.
I had no idea what he had planned for our afternoon, but I had a feeling it would be just like our other encounters—memorable.
I’d been so lost in my thoughts that I hadn’t realized where we were going until we pulled through the gate at the Satan’s Fury clubhouse. I had no idea why he’d taken me there, so I asked, “Umm... What’s going on? Why are we here? And don’t give me any of that ‘you’ll see’ business.”
“If I told you, it would ruin the surprise.”
“I’ll take my chances.”
“We’re not staying. Just came to get my bike.”
“Wait.” I could feel my throat tighten as I asked, “We’re going to take a ride on your motorcycle?”
“That’s the plan.”
“But I’ve never ridden before.”
“I know. That’s the point.”
Once he’d parked the car, he got out and walked over to a big, black Harley with a chrome tailpipe. I just sat there and watched as he kicked his leg over the seat and sat down. He started the engine, then shouted, “Are you coming or what?”
“Yeah, I’m coming.” I let out a little groan as I opened the door and got out of the car. As I put on my jacket, I asked, “Are you sure about this?”
“Absolutely.” He waited as I made my way over to him, then added, “If you don’t like it, then I’ll bring you right back and that’ll be that. But you’re gonna like it.”
“You sound pretty confident.”
“Because I am.” He handed me a helmet as he added, “You just have to be brave enough to try. You think you can handle that?”
I nodded, then slipped on the helmet. Once I had it adjusted, I climbed behind him and placed my hands on his hips. “Now, what?”
“Put your feet on the pegs, hands on my waist, and lean into the curves. Leave the rest to me.”
“Easy enough.”
I held onto his waist as we pulled through the front gate and out onto the road. I’d lived in Port Angeles for months. I’d driven down the same roads we were riding on more times than I could count, but being on the back of Q’s bike made everything seem so different.
The air seemed fresher, the trees greener, and the roads curvier.
I wasn’t just watching the world go by. On the back of that bike, I was a part of it, and it felt both exhilarating and liberating.
The cool wind whipped around me as we continued down one of the old backroads.
I’d never felt such a rush as I did nestled up behind him, leaning into each and every curve.
It took me a minute, but when I spotted the coastline in the distance, I knew exactly where we were going.
It was such a sweet, thoughtful gesture.
I should’ve been excited or thankful that he’d brought me to such a beautiful place, but for reasons I couldn’t begin to explain, I wasn’t.
I was bothered, irritated by his kindness, and by the time we’d pulled into the parking area, that irritation had turned into anger.
I knew I was being crazy, and I tried to reason it out in my head, but I just couldn’t help myself. Q got off and removed his helmet, then looked at me with a smile. “Well, what did you think?”
“The ride was great,” I answered with little to no emotion. “And it’s really pretty here.”
“Pretty, huh?”
I removed my helmet as I muttered, “Um-hmm.”
“So, you like it?”
“Yeah, it’s ah... It’s great.”
“So, you keep saying, but somehow, I’m not buying it.” He crossed his arms and cocked his brow. “You wanna tell me what’s bugging you?”
“You shouldn’t have done this.”
“Shouldn’t have done what?”
“This!” I threw my hands in the air. “The whole taking care of me when I was sick thing. The waffles. The ride. The beach. It’s too much. I don’t know what to do with it.”
“Sorry, babe. I’m not following.”
“I’m not used to people being nice to me, especially where men are concerned, so I’ve stayed away and just did my own thing.
I didn’t expect anything from anyone. I didn’t want anything.
I just tried to survive on my own, and I was good with that.
I was okay, and then you came along. I don’t know what I’m supposed to do with this.
I don’t know what I’m supposed to do with you.
Everything in me tells me to run, and yet, here I stand. ”
“You’ve got no reason to run, Jules.” He placed his hands on my hips and pulled me close. “I’m not going to hurt you.
Before I had time to think, he lowered his mouth to mine and kissed me with an intensity like I’d never known. His lips were soft and warm, and suddenly, my inhibitions faded away.
His arms wound tight around me, inching me even closer as his tongue found its way into my mouth. I was holding on by a thread, and just as I was becoming completely lost in his touch, he pulled back, quickly breaking our embrace.
He lifted his hand up to my mouth, gently brushing the pad of his thumb across my bottom lip, and whispered, “You can trust me. I just need you to give me a chance to prove it.”
I wasn’t sure I could completely trust him, but his kiss definitely had me wanting more.