Free Easy Rider: An MC Erotic Romance by Kristin Fletcher Page A

and repeated her friend’s question. “What do I think about what?”
     
    “There’s a bash going down at the club tonight. We’ve been given leave to go enjoy ourselves, if we so desire. Seems a local boy is returning from the battlefront and they want to welcome him home.”
     
    Ria opened her mouth to refuse the invitation, but Annie forestalled her.
     
    “And don’t say no. You haven’t had a second of fun in two years, Ria. It’s time to relax a bit, no?”
     
    Like Ria, Annie was English, but had lived in the States for much longer and had learned the ways of her adopted country. She was serious and skilled. She was a budding archaeologist in her own right and someday she would make a competent professor. Ria had been happy to find a kindred spirit and they had become close friends.
     
    Realizing she had no choice but to agree, Ria sighed and gave in.
     
    “All right. Do I have to dress up or anything?”
     
    She looked down at her dusty jeans and T-shirt as she spoke. It was her usual work and rest uniform. Today the shirt boasted an image of Captain Picard, her favorite Star Trek captain. His finger pointed to the world and it included the caption: “Make it so!” It had become her personal motto. After all, it was one that seemed to fit her perfectly.
     
    “Well, obviously, it’s not going to be black tie. Although you do need to make an effort, love.” Annie grinned at Ria’s look of despair. “If you can’t find anything in your suitcase, I’ll let you borrow something of mine.”
     
    “I’m at least one size bigger than you are, Annie. Your clothes would be too snug.”
     
    “Which is precisely why I shall insist you wear something of mine.”
     
    Annie laughed and ducked, as Ria threw the cap from her cola bottle at her.
     
    “I’m not interested in the kind of attention tight-fitting clothing will attract, thank you very much,” she said primly. It was almost true. She wasn’t interested in flaunting herself. It would be a long time before she could trust a man again. However, she wasn’t immune to vanity and she wouldn’t head out for the night looking less than presentable.
     
    “We’ll see,” Annie responded. They’d had the same argument a number of times before. Although Annie was determined to get her friend out and about, Ria had steadfastly stymied her best efforts.
     
    “Come on, it’s time to get back to work.”
     
                                                                         

 
    CHAPTER TWO
     
    Work for the afternoon finished at five o’clock . Ria made her way back to the tent and Annie joined her. She was intent on ensuring her friend’s company for the evening.
     
    “Well, have you decided what are you going to wear?”
     
    “No.”
     
    “Well, I have. While you’re having you’re shower, I’ll get your outfit ready.”
     
    Ria wanted to refuse, but she had worked for almost a month without a break. She needed one. There was no reason why she couldn’t go into town and have fun. Just because she went out for a night didn’t mean she had to get involved with anyone, either.
     
    By the time she had showered and done her hair, Annie had chosen her outfit. She picked out a royal blue pencil skirt that hit mid-thigh and a white button-down blouse that was edged with blue piping on the collar and elbow-length sleeves. They were ideal. The former hugged and emphasized her bottom, while the latter did the same for her breasts. After looking her over, Annie persuaded her to leave the top button of the blouse undone.
     
    “You look like a professional leaving work to go out on the town. The undone button says you’re ready to relax, but you’re still a classy chick. Don’t worry, you’ll still have enough of the iceberg look you prefer.”
     
    Ria thought about how well Annie knew her, as they drove into town. Her choice of clothes had been perfect. Anything more