Free FALLING: The Negative Ion Series by Ryanne Anthony Page A

thinking I needed a change before I go to New York. I thought cutting inches off my hair would ease that but no, I want something drastic. I think I want to dye my hair. But what color? I’d have to think on it.
    I slid on my black cowboy boots and ran downstairs with my leather back pack with my overnight stuff and smiled at my mother, who was sitting in the living room, looking like she was having trouble hanging on to her lunch.
    “Mom, are you sure you’re okay?”
    “Yeah, I think it was the shrimp. I think I over did it or it was expired or something. Thank God you couldn’t have any. I’d hate for you to feel like this too. Ugh… would you grab me a ginger ale before you go, honey?”
    “Of course.”
    I quickly go to the kitchen, grab a warm ginger ale and take it to her and watch her for a few minutes as she takes small sips.
    “I think I’m going to lie down now, honey. I’ll see you in the morning.”
    “Okay but I don’t think I’ll be back tonight.”
    Mom nods. “Have fun. Not too much,” she chuckles then heads for the stairs but stops when the doorbell rings. I open the door and smile at Jaxen as he studies me with a grin on his face.
    “Good evening, Jaxen.”
    “Captain Kessler, ” Jaxen nods at my mother. “How are you?”
    “Peachy,” Mom says then belches. “Had some bad shrimp and now I’m going to bed. Take care of my baby. That is not a request.”
    “I always do, ma’am,” Jaxen said, smiling at me.
    “Good. You can call me ‘ Shauna’ now.”
    “You got it, Shauna,” Jaxen grinned. Mm… that face.
    “I’m leaving now, Mom. I’ll keep my cell on.”
    “Okay, honey,” Mom smiles . “See you tomorrow.”
    I watch Mom go up the stairs then I turned to Jaxen and grinned. “I’m in the jeans as requested and I have my overnight bag. Now tell me what we’re doing!”
    “Nope! It’s still a secret,” Jaxen grins mischievously then grabs my bag. “Put a jacket on, young lady.”
    “A jacket? Okay,” I say then grab my black leather waist jacket. “This good enough, sir?”
    “Perfect, ” he grins.
    I put the jacket on then follow him outside and see his bike with two helmets sitting on it.
    “We ’re going for a ride on your bike?” I grin as I stare.
    “Yes we are. I promised you, remember?”
    “I do and it’s about time! Let’s go!”
    I grabbed his arm and practically dragged him to the bike. He gave me a helmet and after I put it on and strapped it, Jaxen checked it. Twice. 
    “It’s on, Red! Come on!” I whined, jumping up and down.
    “Aren’t you anxious?” Jaxen laughed.
    “Yes! I’ve been wanting to go for a ride on your bike since you got it!”
    Jaxen slowly swung his leg over the bike and sat then grabbed his helmet.
    “So it’s the bike you’re attracted to and not me?”
    Ooh, I wanted to smack him! Here I am, finally getting on the bike and he’s prolonging it with his teasing! Fine. I’ll play.
    “Absolutely! If you got rid of the bike, I’d definitely lose interest!” I said in a sigh as I overly fawned the bike.
    “Is that right?”
    “Oh, yes,” I murmured, rubbing my hand longingly along the seat behind him. “All this power rumbling between my legs… I’m sure there is nothing that could top it!”
    “Oh, yes there is. Me.”
    “Whatever,” I sighed, acting completely bored. “The bi ke is easier to ride than you. And it won’t turn me down.”
    “Turn you down?” Jaxen frowns. “When did I turn you down?”
    “Every time we’re alone and you give me those kisses of yours. Turning me on then turning me down. I’m starting to worry about you, Jaxen William Malloy.”
    Jaxen stared at me in disbelief. “Are you saying you’re ready? Really ready?”
    “Wha t makes you think I wasn’t? Unzipping your pants that day on your parents’ couch should have been clue number four thousand, three hundred and fifty-one, Red. Seriously… learn to read a woman or learn to want me.”
    Jaxen stared at me