Looking for Trouble (Jackson: Girls' Night Out 1)

at strange feeling taking her over again.

“Oh, Alex,” she sighed. “I think I love you, too.”

He smiled, his whole face going from dangerous to sweet with that one small thing. “You think?”

She nodded and kissed him one last time. “It’s scary,” she whispered into his ear.

“I know. I’m going to miss you.”

“I’ll miss you, too. But I’ll see you soon.”

He stood straight and slung his big bag over his shoulder as she smiled up at him. “Maybe you’re not going to miss me enough. You look pretty cheerful.”

“That’s because we’re leaving for California as soon as you get back.”

“All right. But try to miss me a little. Okay?”

She grinned. “Okay. Just a little.” She could see the mild confusion on his face, but he kissed her one last time, and then turned. He felt like he was hurting people each time he left, but he wasn’t hurting her.

He glanced at the car. “You can practice on my bike while I’m gone. Just be careful.”

“I won’t hurt your bike. I promise.”

“I’m not worried about the damn bike.”

“I’ll be fine, Alex. You’re a good teacher.”

“All right. And when I get back, I’ll take you anywhere you want on that thing. I promise.” He stole one last kiss and then he left, walking toward the tiny airport terminal.

“Send me lots of pictures!” she called.

He turned and walked backward. “Deal. I’ll call you tonight.”

She got in her car and pulled away, returning one last wave as she left. She’d enjoyed the way he watched her with such puzzlement, wondering why she wasn’t crying and clinging. But she wasn’t worried about him leaving. He was coming back. And then she’d go with him.

Plus, she had bigger things to think about.

After so many years without a life, she had plenty of vacation days saved up for her two-week trip to California. But she also had quite a bit of cash and a plan she hadn’t mentioned to Alex yet. If she liked the trip to California, if she liked life on the road, she might make it permanent. For a year or two anyway. She had a lot of savings, an offer to help with curation for an online research library, and a brand-new motorcycle permit burning a hole in her pocket. Two more weeks, and she’d have her license.

If things went well with Alex in California... He’d mentioned his next gig was in Texas. And she so wanted to see Texas. And every state in between.

It’d be hard to leave her family, but she’d have the perfect distraction. She smiled all the way home, then raced into her house to see if her last email had been answered.

Yes. It was hers. A black-and-red 1982 Triumph Bonneville that ran like a dream and only needed a little polishing up. It was hers. She could pick it up in Idaho Falls as soon as she had her license.

Alex had no idea. He thought she’d be riding with him. But she’d be riding all on her own.

She didn’t think he’d mind, especially considering her next purchase.

Sophie opened the page she’d bookmarked and stared lustfully at the leather cycling outfit. It was skintight and black leather, with a wide pink stripe that wrapped around the chest of the jacket. The helmet she’d picked out was black as well, with pink flames rising up the sides.

Sophie grinned. She loved it. And Alex would love it, too. Especially when she paired it with the new pink bra and panties she’d bought. Those didn’t have flames on them, but they were hot enough.

When Alex got back from Alaska, she’d be waiting with her new bike and her new leathers and a new plan for her life. Nobody needed her, but Alex Bishop loved her.

So many adventures just around the corner. She couldn’t wait.

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