Page 10 of The Art of Deception
“Who the hell are you, Tomi?” he asks.
I grin through my mouthful of food and shrug. “I’m just me,” I reply.
He smiles while leaning forward. “Well, I likejust you.”
My chest tightens in happiness as I continue to eat my lunch with him in easy comfort.
***
I’m so full I can hardly walk as Xander leads me back out to the bike after not only a fantastic lunch but paying for it like a gentleman as well. I told him I’m a strong, independent woman who could at least share the cost with him, but the stubborn idiot wouldn’t have it. He said, ‘free tacos,’ and he meant it. At least, I have to appreciate a man who sticks to his word.
He leans in, doing the strap up on the helmet, his eyes lingering on mine again.
A burning sensation runs down my spine as I stare back at him.
It’s intense.
He’sintense, but I like it.
Xander finishes with the strap, then glances at his watch. “I have another half hour or so before the hounds are called. Feel like going for a ride?” he asks.
I gnaw on my bottom lip.
I shouldn’t.
I have a tattoo studio to run. Probably clients waiting.
But what’s another half hour, right?
“Half an hour, no more.”
“You’re a bossy little thing, aren’t you?”
I stand taller, puffing out my chest. “You have no idea.”
He grins. “You up for going somewhere we’re not supposed to be?”
Excitement builds inside of me. This whole bad boy thing he has going on works for me. “Hell yeah, I’m all for breaking the rules.”
The cheeky, excited expression on his face tells me he has something up his sleeve, but I won’t find out until we’re there. He turns, sliding onto his bike as I follow behind him. He starts the engine, sending a deep rattle through me. It’s almost sexual,the way the bike’s rumble feels against my body.
With my arms wrapped around Xander, I take in the engine’s purr. It is kind of rhapsodic. I could fast become addicted to this.
He takes off at a rapid pace, the wind whipping at my face only making me happier as he heads toward the Oakland Bay Bridge. Anticipation rumbles through me.
Where on earth are we headed?
We start crossing the bridge, the beautiful water lapping and moving beneath us. It’s a calm day, the waves are gentle and twinkle from the sun—it’s a beautiful sight to behold as we cross over.
Suddenly, he takes a turn off the I-80, and it confuses me. I didn’t even know you could do that on this small island. He takes another turn, and just like that, we’re off the highway. I grip on tighter as we make turns like we’re heading back toward the way we came. I’m so freaking confused as we glide in the direction of the corner of the island.
After a few minutes, he pulls up the bike. At the tip of the island, I spy a small museum and lighthouse. The buildings are all white, appearing in need of work, but they’re kinda cool. I didn’t even know they were here. I slide off the bike, yanking off the helmet as Xander stands and takes the helmet, placing it on the seat, then glances at me. A gentle breeze moves through the air, my hair dancing in its wake as I spy the edge of the island and the bridge. It’s an absolutely stunning afternoon and a breathtaking sight.
I glance at Xander, and his lips slowly turn up as if he knows he’s done well. “Wow,” is all I can manage as he tilts his head toward the lighthouse, so we start walking in that direction.
My heels make it slightly more difficult to traverse the pebbled ground, but I’m a pro at this while Xander walks right next to me like he understands my plight. Our bodies are so close I can smell his woodsy aftershave. The fragrance smellsexpensive and has my senses working overtime.
It’s so delicious.
