Rock Star Billionaire

"Okay then, Kayla. Hop on one, and I'll teach you everything you need to know about riding a motorcycle."

I chose the blue one and the lessons began. The garage was spacious enough that we could ride around in it, but after a short time, Ethan surprised me by saying, "Okay, you're doing great. Now, let's take it out on the open road."

"You're kidding." I thought he was being like Mick and teasing me with a lie, but he was dead serious. Feeling my stomach tie up in knots, I said, "But I've never even been on a bike before today."

"Well, you've mastered brakes, using your mirrors, safety, accelerating, and even turns. The only thing you need to learn now is the joy of riding, and that is best found out on the open road. Follow me. I won't go anywhere you can't keep up. You're safe with me."

As he said the words, I knew it was true. Ethan wasn't the kind of man who would push me too far or take me out of my capabilities. He'd been nothing but patient and encouraging during our lessons that afternoon, gently guiding me when I needed it and even giving me the courage to push myself to try things I never would have dared before. All the while, I knew he was looking after me and keeping me safe. He was a protector and a teacher, not a bully. I could trust him.

He rode out of the garage into the bright, afternoon light, and I followed behind him at an easy pace. Soon, he had guided me out onto a country road I never would have known was there, hidden against the hills behind the corporate offices and high-rises. The road sloped and turned, and when it came to a long straight away Ethan opened up the engine and took his bike up to high speeds.

I surged forward to catch up with him, gasping at the thrill the sudden acceleration caused me. It was exhilarating, freeing, and fun. He slowed down so I could catch up with him, and feeling playfully daring, I passed him. Now, I was in the lead, and it was up to him to follow me. It was so wonderful, like being a child at play again. It had been a long time since I'd had that feeling. Too long.

When we came to a large, open clearing with a large oak tree growing in the center, Ethan waved and gestured with his hand, indicating for me to pull over. I came to a slightly awkward halt under the tree, and Ethan pulled up beside me and took off his helmet. His hair was a mess, and he was grinning widely.

"You did great. How do you feel?"

"I think I've got the hang of this." I smiled. I had pulled my helmet off, too. I knew my hair was just as messy as his and I tried to smooth it with my hands, but that only made it worse.

"I think you're ready for the shoot next week. Let's take a rest before we head back."

He'd packed some bottled water and some trail mix in the container on the back of his bike, and I accepted some gratefully. We sat in the tall grass under the shade of the magnificent tree and just enjoyed the afternoon breeze through our hair and the sunshine on our faces.

"I finally understand why bikers like to ride so much. I always thought they were crazy. Why would anyone want to be exposed to the weather when they could be safe in the comfort of a car? Now I know, this is so much better. It's so freeing and fun."

"I'm glad I could make a convert out of you." Ethan's eyes danced as he grinned at me.

"Have you always been into motorcycles?" I asked and listened with interest as he told me about his years working for Kruger in the motorcycle parts division and how it slowly turned into a passion for bikes and riding.

"You must have been scared when you put your first motorcycle on the market. I mean, starting your own company like that and having it all depend on the success of that one bike; that's a lot of pressure," I said, feeling somewhat in awe of the courage it must have taken to leave a secure career and go for his dreams.

"I guess, but I didn't think of it that way when I was living it. You just follow your gut and take each moment as it comes. It must have been similar for you, leaving your hometown to come to L.A. to be a model."

"I guess it was. I didn't think about the consequences, at all. I just packed my suitcase, threw it in the back of my boyfriend's car, and off we went."

"So, you came here with a boyfriend? What happened to him, if you don't mind my asking?"

"Oh, we're still together. In fact, I'd better let him know what time I'll be getting back home to him. He never cooks his own dinner, and I bet the house is a mess. He'll want to know when I'll be back to take care of everything. How much longer will this lesson be?"

"I guess it's over. Let's go back." Ethan looked strange, like he was disappointed or angry. He kick-started his bike to life and rode off into the distance.

It was too bad. I had enjoyed spending time with him, talking and sharing our stories. He made me feel interesting, and I loved the way his eyes twinkled when he laughed. I hated for this moment to end, but I knew Mick really would be helpless without me. Sometimes I felt more like his mother and housekeeper than his girlfriend.

Bewildered by Ethan's sudden curtness, I followed him onto the country road and back to the Speed Motorcycles corporate offices. Even though something was clearly bothering him, he still held back enough on the throttle for me to follow him without feeling rushed or strained, and when I started to lose control of the bike going over the storm grate entering the garage, he was immediately concerned.

"All you all right?" he pulled up to a stop beside me.

"Yes, I'm okay. I remembered the technique you taught me for regaining control."

"Good, I wouldn't want anything to happen to my new cover model." He was staring into my eyes, and I got the impression I meant a lot more to him than that, although I didn't see how that was possible. We hardly knew each other. I'd been in a relationship with Mick for five years, and he wasn't that concerned with my wellbeing, so why would this man who was practically a stranger care so much about me?

We parked our bikes, and his assistant guided me back to the changing room to return the riding suit and put my regular clothes back on. When I came out, I disappointed that I never got a chance to say goodbye to Ethan. Somehow, I had half expected to see him waiting for me by the exit, but I don't know why he would be. He was an important CEO and owner of the biggest motorcycle company in the country, and I was nothing more than a struggling model.

Still, something told me that I would see him again before the shoot, and what surprised me most of all was how much I hoped it would be soon.

Chapter Five: Ethan

"What time is the cover shoot today?" It didn't appear anywhere on my itinerary for the day, and I couldn't wait to see Kayla again.