“It doesn’t feel very... hang on... oh my gosh, it’s Ozzie. He’s calling on the other line. What do I do?”
“Answer it, you nutcase! I’m hanging up. Call me as soon as you’re done.”
Sofia took a deep breath and accepted the incoming call.
“Hello.”
“Hey, you answered.”
“I did.”
“I’m not going to lie. I was a little scared you wouldn’t.”
“Why wouldn’t I?”
Sofia was in a panic. The first thought she had was to yell at him for not responding, but then she realized it was not like she had tried calling him back. So maybe just pretending like nothing happened would work.
“I kind of disappeared on you for a few days. The other morning when we were texting, my phone fell, the screen shattered, and the back busted. It was a mess. The replacement got delivered to the hotel this morning right before my flight left.”
“That’s kind of crazy.”
“You don’t even know the half of it. So, did I ruin my chance to take you out tonight?”
“Do you still want to go?”
“It’s kind of the only thing that got me through this week. I’ve been looking forward to debating the best flavor of ice cream with you.”
“Chocolate. It has to be chocolate or I refuse to go.”
“I will give you this one. We can debate toppings when I see you.”
“Alright then. Where should we go?”
“I have something special in mind. Would you be comfortable with me picking you up?”
“I guess so. But just know I’ll be packing mace just in case.”
“Sounds like a plan. Text me your address and I’ll be by around 8:00.”
The next few hours were torture. Sofia couldn’t remember the last time she went on a date and spent her time between trying on every article of clothing she owned and convincing herself it wasn’t actually a date. Hattie didn’t help any. She was too busy squealing with excitement over the whole thing when Sofia called. The doorbell rang just as she stuck her mace in her purse. Ozzie may have thought she was kidding, but she wasn’t a fool. He was still a stranger, and she wasn’t going to become a statistic. When she opened the door, her breath caught in her throat. He looked just as good as she remembered. He had on a pair of tight faded black jeans, combat boots and a long sleeve Henley that fit him in all the right places.
“Damn, you are beautiful,” he said as he leaned forward and placed a kiss on her cheek.
“Thank you.”
“Now don’t hate me, but you should change.”
“Change?” That’s when she realized he had a helmet in his hand. “What’s that?”
“Your helmet.”
“For?”
“My bike.” His smile was so big she couldn’t help but laugh. Ozzie Ashford was like an overgrown boy with a new toy.
“So you ride motorcycles too?”
“I ride one, and her name is Louise.”