Chapter Sixteen
“This is a motorcycle.” Camila stared at the large machine in front of them.
“It is. This is my bike. Ever been on one?” Hammer asked, not looking at her as he went to the machine, picked up a helmet off the seat, and held it out to her.
“Never.”
“Put this on, and I’ll show you why I ride.”
She took the helmet and stared at it as she tried to figure out how it went on.
“Here,” he helped her with it, gently tipping her head back so he could adjust the straps. “This helmet is Winter’s, but we’ll get you one of your own. I thought we might ride for a bit and see how you like it first.”
Camila didn’t know what to say, so she said nothing. She watched as he climbed onto the motorcycle, then motioned for her to get on behind him.
“Foot here, then swing your leg over like I did, there’s another peg on the other side.”
She followed his directions and soon found herself seated behind Hammer on the motorcycle, not sure what to do with her hands.
“Hold on tight, carino. I don’t want you to fall off.” He reached back and pulled her arms around his middle. “Lean with me. Let my body lead yours. If you need anything, just shout, I’ll hear you.”
She nodded, then realized he couldn’t see her with his back to her. “All right.”
“You comfortable?”
Holding on to him so tight made heat pool low in her belly. She wouldn’t exactly call it comfortable, but she didn’t want to admit to it, or know how to make it stop, so ignored it.
“Yes.”
“Then let’s go.” He cranked the engine and the motorcycle seemed to shoot forward.
Camila tightened her hold around his middle.
She watched as they pulled out of the gate and out onto the road.
They’d been riding for a little while before she started to relax.
It took a bit but as she started to look around, her stomach fluttered, then her chest tingled and the tingle spread.
She wanted to laugh out loud but was afraid of startling Hammer.
She didn’t know where they were but as the number of vehicles on the road around them started to dwindle, she relaxed a little more and by the time they’d been riding for a half hour they were surrounded by fields and only a few cars.
She let her hold on Hammer loosen a little as she straightened her back and took in the country around them.
It was beautiful, and while it was a lot flatter, mostly, than where she came from, it was also a lot greener.
And it wasn’t all that far to mountains taller than what she was used to.
“You all right?” Hammer’s shouted words pulled her back to the present.
“Yes,” she shouted back, not sure what else she should say.
“Good. We’ll ride a little longer then head back. It’s getting cold and I don’t want to be out too long.”
She frowned but didn’t say anything, it was a little cool but not bad.
Though she could imagine it would get colder the longer the sun was down.
Still, even with the dropping temperatures, she didn’t want this ride to end.
But she would enjoy every moment, and with the way things were going, she hoped she could talk Hammer into taking her out on the bike again soon.
It was just past dark when Hammer pulled the bike back into the gate at the clubhouse.
Camila was disappointed the ride was over, but also chilled, so she wasn’t too upset.
He pulled in and walked his bike backwards into line with the others.
She wondered why but didn’t say anything.
She had no experience with motorcycles and didn’t want Hammer thinking she was second guessing him.
When he’d parked, he killed the engine then tapped her leg.
“It’s safe to get off now, just watch that pipe,” he reminded her of the hot pipe he’d told her about when they’d stopped for a few minutes before heading back.
Camila climbed off the bike, then fumbled with the helmet.
“Here,” he released the catch and let her pull the helmet off.
Before handing it back, she looked at the latch so she would know how to do it herself next time. “What did you think?” Hammer asked.
“When can we go again?” she asked, all but bouncing on her toes. Once she’d gotten past her panic and fear, the ride had been amazing. She couldn’t recall anything more exhilarating than the last hour.
Hammer chuckled. “I was thinking after your shift tomorrow. Unless you’d like to have a driving lesson instead.”
“Driving? Really?” Camila’s heart thundered in her ears. It reminded her of some of the cartoons she’d seen as a kid, where it looked like someone’s heart was jumping out of their chest as it beat.
“Really, carino. If you’re ready to start learning, I’ll make you learn.”
Camila didn’t think about it, she threw her arms around his neck and pulled him down as she stretched up against him to plant a kiss against his mouth.
Her head spun—she was barely aware of his arms coming around her waist, lifting her and holding her against him. His lips parted against hers and it didn’t take long for him to coax her lips apart.
She forgot where they were or what they’d been doing, only knowing that she needed more of this. More of his touch, more of this feeling. Camila found her hands buried in his hair.
“Dude,” a voice broke through the haze in her mind. “You two deny it, but the way I keep find the two of you locked in passion makes me think you might have a thing for exhibitionism.”
Camila broke the kiss but Hammer’s arms around her kept her from pulling away.
Her face felt like it was on fire, so rather than fight or try to get away, when she didn’t want to be anywhere but in Hammer’s arms, she pressed her face into his shoulder ...
and hoped the other man would just go away and stop finding them every time Hammer kissed her.
“I’m going to beat your ass. Go away and stop tormenting my woman,” Hammer growled, his arms tightening, cradling her against him, as if to protect her.
Goliath laughed and from the way his voice faded, she assumed he was leaving. Hammer held her a moment longer, then spoke.
“He’s gone. Want to go inside and have a drink or call it a night?” He released his hold on her, letting her step away. She couldn’t help the pang of regret as she stepped away.
“I think I’m done for the night. I’m going to head on up to the room, take a quick shower, and head to bed.”
“Sounds good, but for a more important question.”
“What?” she frowned up at him.
“Do you want privacy or would you like some company?”
“Company? Like in the shower?”
“If you’d like or in bed, even if it’s just to sleep.”
She narrowed her eyes at him, as she let his offer sink in. The idea of his joining her in the shower made something in her belly quiver, but bed? Especially if he would kiss her again? And maybe take things farther, that sent heat spiraling through her and sent her mind spinning.
“I think company sounds amazing.” She reached down and took his hand in hers. As he led her inside, Camila felt like there were butterflies divebombing in her tummy, but not just with nerves, with excitement too.