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I laugh again. “Dust? Really? ’Cause I’m pretty sure you cried when you got this bike the first time around.”
“Did not,” he shoots back easily.
“Did so,” I reply, and just like that, it’s like we’re sixteen again, disagreeing over the simplest thing until one of us—usually Stone—ends the argument with a joke or a laugh. “I can’t believe you made me say that again.”
Stone shrugs, picking up the helmet sitting on the passenger seat. “If I recall correctly, nobody can make you say or do a damn thing.”
“Except you. A few hours in your presence, and I feel like a giddy kid again.”
“Feels good, right?”
“Yeah,” I sigh. “It does. Remember when we couldn’t wait to grow up?”
“We were fucking nuts.” He sets the helmet gently on my head.
“I don’t know. Being a kid was fun, but nothing beats the freedom of adulthood. Sure, we have to pay bills and taxes and shit, but Margarita Mondays are real, and they are amazing. Late nights and later mornings, nothing beats them.”
“Yeah, okay, I’ll give you that one.” He tightens the chin strap with a satisfied smile. “I prefer adulthood.”
“Me too. And my bed.”
“Then let’s get you home, Cinderella.”
“Yes, please!” I kick my leg over the back of the bike and it’s like I’m transported back in time as I wrap my arms around Stone’s waist and enjoy the feel of the late night air on my skin.
Memories flood back to me of all the times we were on this bike when it was just a dream. I admit, it feels safer now, but back then, we didn’t care. We were just kids out here having fun. I smile to myself. Those were the days. Hot summer nights hanging out at the big house and in the fall, riding to school on this beast.
The bike rumbles to a stop in front of my place. I hop off and stretch my legs, working out the kinks from the short ride. “Thanks again for the lift, Stone. I owe ya one.”
“Anytime, Ivy. You know that. Sleep tight.”
I can feel his eyes on me as I climb the steps to the front door—the one Sage insisted on painting that godawful lime green last summer on a whim. As soon as I open the door, Stone revs the engine and tears off down the street, the sound fading into the distance.
Gray’s lounging on the couch, beer in hand, some movie’s playing on the TV. “Who dropped you off?”
“Hey.” I toss my bag on the table with a heavy sigh. “It was Stone. He gave me a ride because my car wouldn’t start. Have you seen his bike? It’s freakin amazing. That was so cool what Gunnar and Peaches did for him.” I shake my head, thinking about Stone’s bike. “How was your night?”
Gray sits up straight, frowning at me. “Are you serious? You wouldn’t let me come get you, but you’re happy to hop on the back of Stone’s bike, no questions asked?”
I plop down heavily next to him, exhausted. “Oh, come on, don’t be jealous, Gray. It was just a quick ride home. I’m not runnin’ off with the guy.”
Running a hand through his dark, disheveled hair, Gray gets up and starts pacing. “I’m not jealous, Ivy. I just wanna know why the hell you took a ride from him instead of waiting for me to pick you up. Is that too much to ask?”
My eyes roll involuntarily as I pull off my boots. “It definitely sounds like jealousy, babe.” I flex my toes, then stand and head for the bedroom, more than ready for this night to end.
“Well? I’m still waiting for an answer here.”
I whirl around, throwing my hands up in exasperation. “You really want to have this out now? Okay then! My junky car wouldn’t start after my shift, and Stone was right there. He offered to either look under the hood or give me a lift home. I’m absolutely drained from working all night, so I chose the easier option. Happy now?”
“No, I’m not.” Gray crosses his muscular arms, his jaw tightly clenched. “Did you even think to call me first?”
“For fuck’s sake, Gray! Stone tapped on my window like five seconds after I turned the key, and the thing wouldn’t start. He offered to fix it or give me a ride. I’m freakin’ beat, so I just hopped on. What’s the big deal?”
“Since when is Stoney-boy a mechanic?” Gray’s eyes are hard and narrow.
My arms go up again. I do not want to do this right now. “I don’t fuckin’ know. He said he worked on cars and bikes when he was in California.”
“I’ll bet. Dude probably just went to the club to see you. That’s why he was conveniently still around when your car crapped out.”
