One You Can’t Forget

“Why not?”

“I usually get things ready for work.”

“And this is an all-day and all-night process?” he teased.

“Well, no.”

“Then what time do I pick you up? Pick one. Six or seven.”

“Wow, you don’t give a girl much of a choice.”

“You have two choices. Pick one.” Luke’s heart pounded while he waited for Emily to answer him.

“Six. I need to get home early.”

Luke let out the breath he didn’t know he’d been holding and fist pumped the air. “Fantastic.”

“Do you need directions?”

“I have the address, remember? I’ll see you at six.”

#

Luke didn’t drive his car much, not during bike season. Actually, it was an SUV, which he had put a trailer hitch on to load a bike or two to transport to and from the shop. Central Valley Bike Repair was lettered in a circle on each of the front doors, with a roaring Harley pointing toward the road in the middle. During the winter, Luke used the SUV for transportation, but tonight he hoped to allay any fears Emily might have in going out with him. He had no idea if she’d ever ridden on a bike since the accident. It wasn’t exactly the right question to ask her after not seeing her in a decade.

He pulled up to the address he’d scribbled down. Emily sat on the porch in a rocking chair. She wore a t-shirt and jeans, which he did not expect, even though he was dressed the same way. He got out of the SUV and walked to the porch. “Hey!”

“Hi, handsome,” she replied with a smile and winked at him. “Where’s your bike?”

He glanced back at the SUV. “Were you expecting it?” Shit, all his concern about her safety and bike fears had been wasted time.

“Well, I seem to remember you saying something like you’d never drive a cage.”

Luke laughed. Cage was biker’s slang for a car. “Well, we all grow up at some point. And sometimes a cage is useful. We can go on the bike the next time.”

“Don’t get ahead of yourself,” she peered closely at his jacket, “Spade? When did you get that name?”

“It’s a closely guarded secret,” he replied huskily, her closeness throwing him off.

“Ah, bikers’ secrets.” She stepped back and her sexy perfumed scent drifted away as well.

He inhaled, trying to catch it one more time. He nodded toward his car. “Let’s go. I know a nice Italian restaurant near here.”

“Is there any other kind?”

“Nope.”

And just like that, they slid into the banter and routines they had shared in high school. It was as if they hadn’t spent any time apart. Luke took her to a restaurant Hades’ Spawn frequented and several club members were there. He greeted them, but then moved to a corner booth with Emily, which gave the bikers a clear signal he wanted to be left alone.

They shared a pizza, and laughed and joked about old times, avoiding talking about the accident and anything after. They were laughing over her learning to drive when a shadow fell over their table. Luke glanced up.

A thin blonde man stood over them. Emily’s laughter cut off and her face grew tense as she pressed her back against the booth.

“Whath do we haf ’ere?” the man slurred.

“Evan,” said Emily tightly, “go home.”

He didn’t budge. He jerked his head at Luke. “Who the fuck is this?”

“None of your business, Evan.”

Luke held his tongue but his hands curled into fists under the table. It took everything not to throw a left hook at the asshole.

“You giving it to this biker? Hades’ Spawn, ugly-ass shit.” Evan spat on the ground. “You’re a fucking slut.”

“What?” A look of shock and horror spread over her face.

Evan glared at Luke. “She sucking your dick, too?”

Luke got out of the booth and stood eye to eye with Evan. As he did so, other club members got out of their seats and walked towards Luke. “Time to go, buddy.” He wanted to deck the guy now but knew better than to do it in the restaurant, or in front of Emily.

“Fuck off. I’m not your buddy.” Evan pushed Luke’s hand away. “You gonna try and make me leave?” he jeered.

“No. My friends will.” Luke nodded in the direction of the four jacketed club members who stood glaring at Evan.

Evan took a look at the grim-faced men and his face blanched. “Fuck,” he mumbled under his breath. “Whatever. Emily, if that’s how you want it. I’ll see you in court.” Evan walked quickly towards the door.

Luke took a step to go after him.

“Don’t. Please, Luke.” Emily’s soft voice stopped him.

He turned to the club members. “Thanks guys.” He took that moment to calm himself and hide the anger from Emily.

“No problem.” They went back to their tables.

Luke turned back to Emily, who looked to be on the edge of a nervous breakdown. He slid in next to her and put his arm around her. “That the asshole who’s been bothering you?”

“Yeah.” She let out a shaky breath. “He’s been making phone calls to my attorney since I filed a police report against him. I get the feeling I’m watched sometimes. Guess it was more than a feeling.”