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“You have no idea the extent of my talents, Weston Aames.”

I took his words to heart and hoped he’d show me some of his talents very soon.

After we finished our meal, I carried our dishes into the RV to clean them up because he’d cooked. When Bridges came in with the rest, he stood close behind me. “You don’t have to clean up.”

I spun in front of him, feeling the heat from his body creeping up my back. My cock sprung to life in an instant. I’d been attracted to many men in my life, but never anything like the attraction I felt for Bridges.

My father would have been pissed, I was sure, but I wasn’t ashamed of how I felt about the man. He was trying to help me reach my goal, and there was no way I’d ever let him down.

I had to live up to Bridges’ standards if I ever wanted to gain his attention, and I wouldn’t fail. My goal was clear. Win Bridges’ heart at all costs.

Chapter Twelve

Bridges

October

“You want me to do what?”

Alexis stood next to my drafting table with an arched eyebrow as she reviewed my latest design for a racing bike that I envisioned could be perfect for the type of ride Weston was going to undertake for his charity ride. I was sure it wasn’t the bike she was objecting to. It was the favor I asked her. If she didn’t like this favor, she was going to hate the next one.

My coworker wasn’t happy with my current suggestion, but I was sure she’d come around after I enlightened her that the ride would offer us fantastic advertising opportunities.

“Contact some of our customers and ask them to sponsor a cross-country ride with the proceeds going to the Rainbow Equality Alliance. You know our customers and some of our vendors, and you can persuade them to donate to a good cause, especially if you come on the ride with us and video document his training. We can use the footage for promotions.” My suggestion was weak because she wasn’t buying into my proposal yet, but I had hopes she would climb on board with my big ask when I got the balls to make my request.

Alexis heaved a sigh. “Is this about the charity ride or West riding you?”

I cocked an eyebrow at her and waited for her to acquiesce. She knew the answer as well as me. My neck heated and Alexis rolled her eyes. “Do you want me to start lying to you? Boss, seriously? If you want to fuck him, then do it. You don’t need to drag me along on a romantic bike ride,” Alexis sniped at me.

“It’s a weekend in Missouri. The Katy Trail. It’s a straight shot across the middle of the state, and I believe there are wineries. It’s not particularly difficult, but it’ll give him another distance ride. It’s only two hundred-forty miles on a Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I’ll rent an RV when we get there so we can fly instead of driving all that way. Will you come along?”

Alexis sighed, which was a sign she was almost ready to give in—the offer of wine must have done the trick. She liked Weston a lot though, treating him like a little brother when he was in the shop. I was glad she stepped up for him because his older siblings were pieces of shit.

I glanced at the clock to see Weston was due at Eaton Cycles within half an hour so I wanted things to be settled before he arrived. “So, next weekend? Are you willing to fly to Missouri for the trip? He honestly needs another ride, Alexis. Don’t make me beg.”

Alexis sighed. “Can I bring my girlfriend and can we stay in a motel? I don’t like the idea of staying in a camper with you and your groupie.”

Groupie? “What the hell does groupie mean?”

“Oh, come on. You haven’t noticed Weston making moony eyes at you? That kid wants you to throw him on the ground and fuck him like a savage.” Only Alexis would be that bold.

“I think he might have a crush on me, but that’s not why I’m doing this, Alexis. His father was my mentor when I was growing up. I’m just trying to offer the same to his son.”

Alexis laughed. “Sure, Daddy. Keep telling yourself that.”

My mouth opened in surprise. “I’m not his Daddy. I’m his mentor.”

“Again, I say, keep telling yourself that.” Alexis grabbed the pencil from me and made a change to my sketch that made sense before she stormed out of the room.

Apparently, I had her on board for the trip to Missouri. What would it cost me financially? Who knew? Personally? That was the bigger question.

The phone rang, and Alexis answered. “Hi, Weston.” She spun her chair toward my desk, her face questioning whether I wanted to talk to West.

I nodded and picked up the office phone, punching the flashing light. “Hi, Weston. Are you ready to leave on Friday?”

“Yeah, Bridges. I wanted to check whether there was anything I needed to get for the trip. I have a little extra cash this month and since Alexis and you are both helping me out, I wanted to do anything I could to repay you.” He was such a sweet guy that I couldn’t help but smile.

I had a moment of hesitation, but I couldn’t stop myself. “You got time for dinner tonight to go over the plan?” What the fuck was I doing? I must have lost my mind. Was there a plan to discuss?