Beautiful Ties (21 page)

I stopped dead in my tracks at the threshold of my bedroom, staring at the two packages placed on the edge of my bed.

Jason stopped behind me and gathered me in his arms. He buried his face in my neck, placing languid kisses along my damp skin. “They’re presents,” he breathed in between kisses.

“Presents?” I whispered delightedly, feeling my heart seize with his thoughtfulness.

He nodded against me. “Yes, for you,” he responded, bumping me forward while still holding me. “You have to open them before we can leave, too.”

“Thank you.” I turned my head to kiss his cheek. “You didn’t have to get me anything for our trip.”

“I know, but I wanted to.” He smiled kindly at me. “Go ahead, and open that one first,” he said, pointing to the smaller box.

“Okay,” I replied, eyes beaming. After reaching the bed, I pulled the wrapping paper off the first package, revealing a box with
Harley-Davidson
written across it. I lifted the lid and removed the white tissue paper.

Underneath laid a white tank top, displaying
Harley Chick
in shiny studs across the front. I picked it up and saw a pair of fitted jeans with the Harley-Davidson logo stamped on the back pocket.

“You can’t ride on the back of a Harley without the matching gear,” he said in a sexy tone.

“Wow, they’re gorgeous.” I smiled back at him.

“I’m glad you like them. Now, open the next one.” He laughed softly.

In the second package was a pair of black Harley ankle boots with a cute zipper on the side, and the heel was the perfect length. I gasped, instantly falling in love with their sleek feminine design. I spun around, throwing my arms around his nape. He smiled broadly at my surprise attack.

“Thank you so much for my first Harley outfit.”

“You’re welcome,” he said sincerely before kissing my forehead. “I can’t wait to see you in it.” He kissed me once more before letting me go. “The faster we leave, the sooner I get to feel you wrapped around me on my bike.” He grinned.

“Then, we better get a move on.” I winked before strolling over to my dresser.

I reached for my seven-way bra and cinched the straps together, so they wouldn’t be seen under my tank. Then, I quickly slipped it over my head. I pulled out a pair of matching black panties before slipping on my jeans and new shirt. They both fit like a glove. Next, I put on my new boots and then rocked from the balls of my feet to my toes, getting a feel for them. I ambled over to the bathroom and hurriedly dried my hair. I pulled it back into a ponytail, so it wouldn’t get knotted during our ride. Then, I applied a light foundation and mascara before taking a step back to give myself a once-over in the mirror.

Whoa…Harley-chick outfits are hot.

“Damn,” Jason breathed. “We are definitely stopping at another Harley store to get you some more outfits.”

I pivoted to see him leaning against the doorjamb. His eyes were dark with that look—the one that usually had him undressing me in seconds.

I walked over to him. “So, you approve, I take it?” I asked teasingly, lifting my hands to take full advantage of running them down his taut chest.

“Baby, the way you’re dressed right now”—his eyes traveled up and down the length of my body—“has me wanting to strip you naked, so I can show you how fucking hot I think you look in that outfit,” he growled in a suggestive tone.

With my heels, it was easier for me to reach up, and when I did, I paused mere inches from his lips. “You can do that later…after you give me the ride you promised,” I whispered.

I could have sworn that he groaned under his breath as he turned and yanked me out of the room. I inwardly chuckled at being able to affect him so. It was a door that swung both ways, but in this instant, I relished in having the upper hand. We emerged into the kitchen, and I grabbed my phone, Visa, and camera off the counter. I was hoping to snap a few pictures along the way.

After locking up my condo, we strolled out to the front parking lot, hand in hand. I came to a halt when I saw Jason’s bike for the first time. He must have driven home last night to get it, so we wouldn’t have to pick it up today. He continued forward, distracting my attention away from the motorcycle to see this new side of him. He lifted his jean-clad leg over the seat. My eyes caught on the way his black Harley tee hugged his thick biceps and then how it traveled down his waist. I thought of the perfected abs hidden beneath. Continuing downward, I gazed at his masculine pair of Harley boots. They were square-toed with a flash of silver at the tip. My insides warmed, and my lips parted on a heavy breath, thinking he was one mighty fine–looking biker.

Needing to sidetrack myself, I glanced back at the stunning Super Glide propped up with its kickstand. The motorcycle was a mixture of lustrous black paint and chrome that reflected in the sunlight. Two chrome pipes ran down from the cylinder heads of the motor all the way back to the back tire, widening as they reached the end. His leather seat seemed to sit lower than the second one, and his appeared to be much larger and wider. As a matter of fact, mine looked to be about a quarter of the size of his.

“Uh…” I murmured nervously, pointing at the pea-sized seat behind him. “How is my ass going to fit on that?”

Jason threw his head back and busted out laughing. It was so not funny. I was a woman of curves, and said curves were not the size of a toothpick.

He recovered, tilting his head over at me. “It’ll fit, trust me.” He winked. “And I think the manufacturer makes it that small with the intention of having the passenger squeeze her thighs around the driver,” he responded with a cocky grin.

“I’m sure that’s exactly what they were thinking about,” I replied jokingly, slowly making my way over to him.

Jason chuckled again, extending his hand out to me. “Right now, the pipes are cold. However, they’ll quickly get hot, so don’t touch them, even with your legs covered in jeans.” He lifted his other hand and tapped his shoulder. “Just put your hand here and hop up.”

I did as he’d said. Surprisingly, my rear end fit on the seat, and I wrapped my arms around his waist as I nestled my chest against his back, holding on to him snugly.

“Mmm…” he said in a suggestive voice. “I’m definitely thanking the manufacturer right about now for the small backseat.”

I couldn’t stifle my amusement at the tone in his voice.

He rotated his head back toward me. “You good to go back there?” he asked with care.

“Yep,” I said, tucking away my nerves.

I had driven dirt bikes before, but relinquishing the control and sitting on the back felt different. I trusted Jason completely, so it was silly to feel nervous. I let out a deep breath as he started the bike. The sound of the throaty motor helped put my worries to rest.

He popped the clutch, and we started to roll forward. I instinctively tightened my arms around him as he turned onto the main road, heading north for Highway 89 toward Tahoe City, to begin our journey around the lake.

After the first half an hour of riding, I felt myself relax as we covered mile after mile. I had spent my entire life in Lake Tahoe, and I knew it well. However, viewing it from the back of a motorcycle with the warm summer air blowing across my face made it seem like a whole new experience.

Our first stop was at Emerald Bay State Park where I pulled out my mini point-and-shoot camera to take pictures of the magnificent scenery overlooking the lake. All of the rocks and scattered pine trees contrasted the brightness of the blue water. In the center of the lake was a little rock island covered in green. At the far north side of the lake, I could even see a few mountain peaks. It was a breathtaking sight from our location.

After walking around for a bit, Jason bought us hotdogs and french fries at a local concession stand along the way. We sat at a wooden picnic bench overseeing the beach, conversing about all the different glorious sights we’d each spotted on our trip so far. Once finished, we strolled back to the bike, ready to continue our adventure. I pulled out my phone from his saddlebag and noticed I had a text from Lily.

Hey, Abbey! Kyle and I are heading home tomorrow. Yay! Kyle said we have a family dinner on Sunday. Can’t wait to see you all there! ☺

My entire face glowed. I was so pleased to hear from her. I started typing a reply.

Excited to see you guys, too! Hope you both had a great time while soaking up the sun. I look forward to hearing all the details! ♥

Lily’s response was immediate.

Oh, and Kyle said something about bringing your A-game because we are all playing volleyball in the pool. Should I be worried? LOL.

I laughed out loud. My brothers and I had played in that pool so much while growing up, and they had taken their water sports very seriously. The whole family had always had a blast.

You should definitely be worried. Kyle plays dirty when it comes to sports. Ha-ha. ☺ And tell him I said to bring it!

I put away my phone as Jason looked over at me.

“Who has you in all smiles?” he asked.

“Lily.” I beamed at him. “She and Kyle are flying back tomorrow, and they are excited to see everyone,” I informed him, leaving out that Lily had mentioned dinner tomorrow.

“I hope the two of them had a great time,” he responded.

“They did,” I replied, stepping closer to him.

He turned, too, until we were facing each other. I took a deep breath, taking in my fill of the stunning scenery surrounding me as well as the gorgeous man right in front of me. I could not think of a more perfect time than now to ask him to join me tomorrow.

His eyes studied me as he curled his arms around my waist and drew me closer. “You okay?” he asked tenderly.

“Yes, I’m more than okay.” I smiled, setting my hands on his chest. “I was hoping you’d come along with me to my family’s Sunday dinner, so you could meet them,” I said, feeling suddenly nervous again.

He stared at me, perplexed, for a brief moment. “I already met your family at Kyle and Lily’s wedding,” he responded. His lower lip lifted in amusement.

“I
know
that.” I chortled nervously.

The look in his eyes told me he knew where I was going with this, but he was going to make me work for it.

“I meant, for us to go
together
…” I murmured, trailing off.
Crap, I am so not good with words.

“Go together as…” he teased, leisurely caressing his hands up and down my sides. His eyes danced with mirth.

“As a couple,” I exhaled. “You know, so I can introduce you as my boyfriend.”

“Yes, of course. I thought you’d never ask.” He chuckled and then kissed me.

My nerves dissipated as I gave myself over to his scrumptious mouth. He suddenly drew back and lifted his hand, stroking the pad of his thumb along my lower lip.

“There—now, was that so hard?” he asked with an adorable grin.

“It’s just that…I’ve never brought a man home before, so it’s kind of a big deal to me,” I answered truthfully, needing him to know how I felt about us.

All playfulness left his expression as his eyes softened, boring into mine. He constricted his hold on me. “I’d love to go with you, Abbey,” he breathed sincerely, shaking his head. “There is nowhere else I’d rather be.”

My eyes burned at the second part of his speech, and those seven words were all I needed to hear.

Feeling overcome with the way I felt about him combined with the beautiful setting around us, I didn’t want to let the moment slip by. I captured his mouth, reveling in the familiarity of his kiss. The warmth and softness of his lips molded to mine. My heart never failed to skip a beat when he was touching me. He consumed my every thought.

By early afternoon, we reached Sand Harbor, which was notorious for its fine granules of sand along the beach. I was amazed at how easily Jason had navigated us through all the winding roads with only stopping to glance at the map twice throughout the day. The wide expansion of the beach was much longer than I would have guessed. A few pine trees bordered either side. Since this was a location with a lower altitude, it felt like the mountains were enclosing around us.