urned to see Miss Speedy McBikerson winging her way back down Kensington.
You know when they say things happen in slow motion? Or when life flashes by your very eyes?
Lies.
The sweets-filled pink box started off in my arms and ended up pinned under my armpit when I crashed into the sidewalk in a blink.
When I opened my eyes, a bike tire spun about three inches from my nose as the biker popped up off the ground a hell of a lot faster than I did. Then again, she wasn’t covered in caramel, chocolate, or some oozing cream filling.
Lime Helmet hauled up her bike. “If you broke my bike, I’ll sue.” She hopped back on her bike and took off.
“I’m fine, thanks for asking,” I shouted as I rolled onto my hip with a wince. I didn’t even want to look down. I could feel all the sugar congealing to my skin.
I peeled the box off my sweater just as Dre rushed outside.
“Are you okay?”
“Here, let me help you up.” Silver Eyes hauled me off the sidewalk without even a grunt. I wasn’t a small girl. Both height and curves meant I was a good handful.
“Oh, Ryan.” Dre’s horrified face told me all I needed to know.
A donut fell out of the box and plopped next to my shoe just as my phone shrieked from my bag. It wasn’t any of my usual ringtones, which meant it had to be PMS.
“Perfect.”
“Let’s get you inside and cleaned up.” Dre hooked a hand through my arm. “I’m not sure I have enough napkins for this.”
Hot Guy glanced at his motorcycle. “I could take you home.”
I sighed as my phone rang again. I gave the delicious guy—who’d now seen me at my graceful best—a weak smile. “I’m late for work.”
“Think this qualifies as a get out of jail free card.”
I sidestepped the delighted pigeon who was now getting a sweet treat. “You don’t know my boss,” I muttered. “Hell, I don’t really know him either, and I know this isn’t going to go over well.”
Silver Eyes gave me an arched brow.
“First day.”
“Ah.”
I glanced at Dre. “Got a bag I could borrow?” I threw the box in the green trash bin attached to the crosswalk pole.
“Let me get you another box.”
I waved her off. “It’s okay. I don’t have time.” I used the tips of my fingers to pick up the bag that surprisingly wasn’t dented too badly. “I just need to get this off.”
Dre nodded and ran back into her shop.
Silver Eyes looked at me. “Can I help?”
“Not the way I envisioned asking a guy to help remove my clothes.”
He laughed and lifted my mangled braids off my shoulders and skillfully tucked the ends back into my fractured bun.
I glanced over my shoulder in surprise.
“Three younger sisters. I braided a lot of hair.”