Chapter 12
Mia messaged Aiden.
Please give me a clue what we’re doing.
What’s Mia short for?
She rolled her eyes.
You don’t need to know that. But I need to know what we’re doing to know what to wear.
You always look gorgeous.
Aww, thanks. But not helpful.
Mia surveyed her wardrobe again, hoping inspiration would jump out and save her.
It’s true. But I’ll trade you a name for the dress code.
Or I turn up wearing something unsuitable, and it’s totally awkward.
Fair point.
Aiden replied, dots filling the screen.
Jeans would be good – and layers. Sensible boots. And don’t worry about your hair.
Mia stared at the screen suspiciously.
You want me to get on your bike, don’t you?
Maybe. You OK with that?
Mia drummed her fingers against her phone, thinking.
I’m not sure.
If you’re really not, I’ll bring the car. But I promise I’ll be careful with you, Princess. And it’s fun.
This means a lot to you, doesn’t it?
You know I love my bike and I’d love to share that with you. But I’m not going to make you uncomfortable. Like you said… wouldn’t want our first attempt at a date to be totally awkward!
Mia laughed.
OK. Bring the bike.
You won’t regret it.
She went back to staring at her wardrobe, then gasped and took a step back when a couple of garments shuddered and waved at her.
‘What the…? Right, magic. I guess I did ask for inspiration.’ Her hands shook slightly as she pulled out the jeans and jumpers that had been so eager for her attention, thinking this was too weird for words.
Trying not to focus on it, she layered the jumpers.
Not her ideal first-date outfit, but she comforted herself with the knowledge that Aiden had been very clear that he liked her whatever she wore.
Aiden grinned when she opened the door. ‘You look gorgeous, Princess. Ready?’ He leaned down and kissed her on the cheek.
‘I’ll grab my jacket.’
‘I brought one you can borrow.’
‘Really?’
‘Yup.’ He produced a bundle of leather from a pannier. ‘It’s my spare, so it’ll be a bit big, but leather’s the best option on a bike.’
‘Thank you.’
He helped her into it and handed her heavy gloves. ‘You get these too, and obviously a helmet.’
‘Is all this really necessary?’ Nerves set in as she pulled on the too-big gloves.
‘The helmet’s a legal requirement and I’d never take anyone pillion without one. The leathers are comfier – and smarter. Bikes are my favourite way to travel, but not the safest. You dress for the slide, not the ride… not that I’m planning on spilling us. Plus there’s bugs and stones.’
‘Oh.’
He helped her buckle her helmet. ‘You good?’
‘I think so.’ Mia walked towards the bike. ‘So how do I get on this hog?’
Aiden cracked up laughing.
‘What? Isn’t that what they call bikes?’
‘Only Harleys. This’ – he ran his hand over the chrome in a way that made Mia feel slightly jealous – ‘is a Triumph Bonneville 650 Twin Classic.’
‘It’s beautiful.’ Mia didn’t need to know about bikes to appreciate the sleek chrome and glossy blue-black curves.
‘Thanks. I’ll get on first and hold it steady.
These’ – he tapped part of the bike with his boot – ‘are foot pegs. There’s a matching one on the other side.
You put your left foot on it, and pretty much kick your leg over.
Keep your feet on them. Don’t do what one of my mates did and slip onto the exhaust here… He melted his shoes.’
‘OK. That bit, not that bit. Got it.’
‘Ready?’
She nodded and watched as he kicked his leg over the bike and stood, holding it steady. He offered his hand. ‘Coming?’
‘Yeah.’ She put her hand in his, but he slid his hand up her forearm and gripped firmly, supporting her as she climbed up and settled behind him.
‘You good?’
‘Oh!’ She jumped. ‘I can hear you!’
‘I switched on the helmet Bluetooth.’
She giggled. ‘I feel silly now. I was worried I’d have to poke you or something to get you to stop.’
‘I figured we’d start slow.’ He sat down and tugged her hand to his waist. ‘But if you do want to prod me for anything, maybe try and avoid tickling? Best not to distract the driver.’ He winked before flicking down his visor and waiting for her to do the same.
‘It’s going to feel a bit like being in a car, only a lot more so.
You’ll feel the acceleration, and slowing and breaking, but a lot more pronounced.
Ditto for corners – and it’s really important not to fight me on those…
When I lean, you do the same and try to keep your body in line with mine. ’
‘OK.’ She nodded eagerly and tightened her hands around his waist.
‘Last chance for you to offer to drive…’
Her heart was already thumping so hard she was surprised he couldn’t hear it, and she was certain if he leaned back against her – or if she leaned forward – he’d feel it.
But this was the date he’d planned, and a part of himself he wanted to share.
And though her heart was pounding and her fingers already tingling from the rush of adrenaline, she really was excited.
‘Not a chance. Fire this thing up already!’
‘Yes ma’am.’ He started it up and Mia gasped when the bike roared into life beneath her. ‘OK?’
‘Yeah. I knew bikes could be loud, but hearing them from a distance and sitting on top of one… It’s pretty different.’
‘Yeah.’ He pulled away, slowly and carefully. Mia screwed her eyes shut and hung on tightly.
He stopped at the end of her street and twisted awkwardly to look at her. ‘Still happy?’
‘Yeah.’ She tucked her hands more tightly around his waist. ‘Just not too fast, OK?’
‘OK. But I promise I’ve got you.’
‘That was amazing!’
Aiden chuckled as Mia did a little jig almost as soon as she’d dismounted.
He hadn’t been surprised when he’d gently opened the throttle – sticking to his promise to take things easy – and she’d whooped in his ear, telling him to go faster.
It hadn’t been as quick as he would have been alone – he wouldn’t be that irresponsible with a novice rider – but she’d loved every second.
And so had he, hearing her laugh and chatter excitedly while her hands had tightened around his hips and she moved with him, obligingly leaning into corners and following his lead easily.
‘I’m glad you enjoyed it, Princess,’ he said as he busied himself pulling his bags, and blanket, out of the bike’s panniers. He quickly locked the forks and brakes while Mia stripped off her gloves and helmet.
‘I can’t remember the last time I came down here.’
‘I like Riversmeet,’ he admitted. ‘Rayenne brought me here a couple of times to pick herbs. She says magic is especially strong here, so the herbs are more powerful.’
Mia held out her hand. ‘I can carry one of those.’
‘Thanks.’ He didn’t bother to try and refuse – she’d just argue anyway.
‘This way.’ He led her down one pathway, and then another, until he could part the branches of the large willow he’d scouted out a few hours before.
Despite the drizzle earlier, the huge ancient willow had thankfully kept the ground dry, so he spread out the blanket he’d brought and opened up the cooler.
‘This is it?’ Mia walked slowly around the perimeter of the tree. ‘For our first official we’re-actually-going-to-give-this-a-go date we’re having a picnic under a tree. In October.’
‘Uhh…’ Aiden was suddenly more nervous than he could remember being in a long time – worrying he’d got everything wrong. Of course he had. She was his princess and deserved far better: an elegant restaurant with sparkling glasses, silverware and the works. ‘I’m sorry.’
‘This is brilliant.’ She turned to him with a sunny smile.
‘Really? You like it?’
‘Yeah. I really do. But there’s firewood stacked here. Do you think someone else is coming?’
‘Nope. It’s ours.’ He unfolded his collapsing firepit. ‘I thought we could watch the sunset between the branches.’
He watched as another smile lit her face up. ‘You did this? When?’
‘This afternoon.’
‘You spent one of your rare afternoons off, when you’re not helping your mum, coming all the way here and back to gather up firewood?’
‘I didn’t want you to get cold. And we can cook.
’ He pulled out the crystal and herb jars he’d worked on that week – fiddling with them until they worked perfectly – and spread them in a horseshoe around the blanket.
‘Wait until you see these. Pass the matches please? They should be in the side pocket of your bag.’
He could feel her eyes on him as he lit the jars, activating the spells he’d woven into them.
‘Oh wow!’
He bit back a grin of pride. He’d worked hard on those spells, and seeing the joy on Mia’s face as she took in the glowing aurora of colours they gave off made it worth every single hour. ‘Do you like?’
‘More than.’ She knelt to study a jar while he gathered the firewood. ‘I didn’t realise they’d be so warm!’
‘Like I said: I didn’t want you getting cold.’ He stuffed his tinder into the firepit, sprinkled on his quick-start herb mix, and dropped the match in. Within seconds he was feeding in the heavier wood.
When he turned around, Mia was watching him, an odd smile on her face. ‘This is magic. You’re doing magic.’
‘I’m a witch. As weird as that still is to say, that’s my reality now. Are you OK with it?’
She slowly sat on the blanket. ‘It’s taking a bit of getting used to, but yeah, I think so. Is it always so beautiful?’
‘I used different herb blends for the different colours. I wanted you to be able to see it as well as feel it.’
‘You did this for me?’
‘There’s no one I’d rather share it with.’
‘It’s incredible. Thank you so much.’ She closed her eyes for a few seconds, bathing in the spell-light.
She looked so happy and peaceful that part of him wanted to stay there forever.
She opened her eyes, and grinned when she caught him staring.
‘I’m touched that you put in so much effort.
As first dates go, this might be shaping up to be one of the best. Definitely top ten. ’
‘Ten? And “might be”? I guess I should be grateful I even made your Top of the Pops list.’