Free Atonement by J. H. Cardwell Page B

in a solid black, sleek motorcycle. I could hear it coming down the street even before he arrived. I had on a sundress, my usual beach attire, and flip flops. Did I say ‘oh boy’? What in the world?
    I watched in awe as he neared the lobby doors carrying his helmet and sunglasses in his hand. I guess what I’ve always heard about ‘a man and his motorcycle’ is true! Man was he HOT! Would I ever get used to seeing his piercing blue eyes, dark hair, and gorgeous body. My heart skipped a beat. Coming up to me, he quickly wrapped his other arm around my waist, and planted a sweet kiss on my cheek.
    “Reese, you look as beautiful as ever. I’m so glad this worked out.” He paused long enough to study my face a moment, then spoke again. “Hey, I have something for Elle. I know she’ll be alone some this week. I don’t want her to get too bored, so I have an unlimited open account for her at the resort spa and at the wine bar.” He produced an envelope from his pocket and ran it over to the front desk. Then, he jogged back over to me, “come on, I’ve got plans for us,” and with that he ushered me out. He had his hand on the small of my back, such a gentleman, and he was basically leading me to his bike. That’s when I remembered.
    “John, um, I have on a…dress. I don’t think that’s usually what one wears on a motorcycle. Should I go change?” I wasn’t quite sure what to do.
    “Nah, you’ll be just fine. Make sure you sit on your dress so it won’t fly up in the back.” He was smirking at me a little. I didn’t mean to sound silly, but I knew I wouldn’t want everyone behind me seeing my black thong if my dress blew up in the wind!
    He handed me a helmet and touching my inner thigh he said, “Just be sure and watch the chrome pipes down low. They could burn you if you touch your skin to them.” That sent chills up my spine. This was going to be an experience. Icould already tell. “I’ll try to go slow,” he said finally. ‘Try’ being the optimal word. Here we go, I thought.
    I hadn’t ridden a motorcycle in, well…ever. I had no idea how utterly intimate it could be. John sat near the front and told me to swing my legs around him, making sure I sat on my dress real tight. Then he made sure I scooted up as close as possible to him. Oh my. He pulled my arms around his waist and made me promise to hold on tight, my chest against his back. The position was so very…close. I took in a couple of short breaths. He noticed, and looked back into my eyes.
    “Are you okay Reese?” He asked with the right side of his mouth turned up into a smile.
    “Yeah, sure. I just have to get used to it that’s all.” I said.
    “I sure hope you do… get used to this Reese. I can see us riding like this for a long time to come. I love you scooted up so close to me,” he said. Before turning the bike on, he leaned back to me. I love your touch Reese. I’ll take it any way I can get it. This,”…he motioned to his back and my chest, “is wonderful. It feels so right to me. I can’t believe we’re together like this.” Then he started it up, revving the engine. I wasn’t sure what to feel. We were great together, and part of me loved he was here, and that we were doing this, together so closely. The other part of me wanted Tate here instead. I was supremely jealous of Lauren, and devastated he dropped me…for her…and for baseball. A flashback to Tate and me making out so heavily in my bedroom at Emerald Isle last summer made my breath catch. He told me he would never stop loving me…I told him I would never let him go. What happened? All of a sudden my heart hurt again. Tears came to the surface in myeyes. I didn’t realize John was looking straight back at me while we were stopped at a light.
    “Reese…what is it? Are you okay?” he was simply confused and worried.
    “Oh, I’m okay John…or at least I will be. I’m sorry, let’s go okay?” I was trying to urge him to take