by Elias Taylor
She felt the moment when he lost control with her. Hayden kept his eyes fixed on her flushed face with the intensity of a hot flame as his body shuddered. He reached his own release and finished inside her with a harsh groan of masculine satisfaction.
Hayden lowered his head and kissed Heather once, right on her clavicle. Then he rolled off her.
Without his body over her, Heather was exposed to a wave of cold air. She gasped, but in a moment, Hayden had his arms wrapped around her. He pulled her close to his chest and she nuzzled her face into his neck.
“I’ve been waiting ten years to fuck you like that,” Hayden said.
Heather was so overcome with satisfaction that she could only tell the truth.
“Me too.”
They lay like that for hours. They didn’t speak. There was nothing that needed to be said just then. Heather dozed in and out of sleep with her cheek pressed into the soft downy hair on Hayden’s chest.
At last, just before sunset, they stood up, got dressed, and headed back towards the bike.
When he dropped her off at her apartment, the sun had stained the morning sky a light pink.
Heather hopped off the bike and Hayden grabbed her arm. Still straddling his bike, he pulled her in for one last kiss. His lips felt urgent against her own and Heather gripped his shoulders.
She let go and pulled away. She had a lesson with Mrs. Newsome later that morning.
“Come see me tomorrow?” she asked.
“Alright,” Hayden said.
Heather turned and dashed back to her apartment. She peered out the window as Hayden drove away.
As she got into a scalding hot shower, Heather started to panic. What had just happened? That was completely crazy. She had just had sex with Hayden Russel on a beach.
And it had been amazing.
But confusing. So confusing. They had been so engrossed in the moment, and then they hadn’t said anything after.
What did this mean? Was this a one-time thing? Or did Hayden expect to start casually hooking up with her? Or did he expect more than that?
And what did she want or expect?
Once she stepped out of the shower, Heather pressed her hands to her tired eyes. She had to get to this lesson. She would figure Hayden out later.
Heather pulled on a black leotard and swallowed a granola bar before skipping down the steps to the studio.
Despite her mental turmoil, her body felt loose and lithe. Her limbs were buzzing with adrenaline and her knee, while it still had a dull ache, wasn’t throbbing in protest.
Heather had already run through a warm-up when Mrs. Newsome arrived.
She greeted her teacher and Mrs. Newsome started the lesson with some basic moves.
Heather danced better than she had in ages. Her knee still held her back from certain configurations, but for the first time, Heather managed to breathe through that. Instead of getting frustrated, she let go of anger and found the creativity to adapt her dancing.
“You’re doing splendidly,” Mrs. Newsome said. “You seem to float above the floor.”
Heather laughed. Lenora Newsome always had vivid ways to describe a dancer.
“I don’t know, I just feel good today,” Heather said.
She danced through a whole routine and when she had finished, Mrs. Newsome clapped her hands.
“Your knee may not be healing, but your soul is healing,” Mrs. Newsome said.
Heather was happy as she returned to her apartment after the lesson. Something inside of her had loosened after her night with Hayden. She had to tell someone, so she called Mel.
“Hey, girl, how was your ride?” Mel asked.
“Probably even better than you think,” Heather said. “We slept together.”
“No way,” Melinda gasped. “I def thought you would panic before anything happened.”
Heather could practically hear Melinda fist-pumping through the phone.
“Well, I’m panicking a bit now,” Heather said. “We didn’t really discuss anything afterward.”
“Do not freak out, this is good. Just let yourself have some fun.”
“I don’t know. It feels so weird, especially after what happened in high school.”
“High school is so over,” Melinda said. “Just have a good time. It was good, right?”
“Yeah...it was great.”
“Then don’t overthink. You need this time for yourself. Just do what makes you happy.”
After they hung up, Heather paced back and forth in her apartment. She wanted to listen to her friend. She deserved a little happiness in her life.
She couldn’t help but wonder: what if someone got hurt? There were going to be consequences at some point.
Then Heather remembered the feel of Hayden’s arms around her. She collapsed onto her couch. The lack of sleep was starting to catch up with her and she definitely needed a nap.
As she started to doze, Heather decided that Melinda was right. Heather needed to just do what made her happy. At least for the time being.
Chapter Twelve: Bored Stiff
Hayden sat next to his brother at Maverick’s, glaring at Sugar and Butcher. They seemed determined to ruin his good mood.
It was early in the day, so no one was drinking, but an emergency meeting had been called. A few of the guys had gotten in a fight the night before.
It had been a whole 24 hours since Hayden had dropped Heather off at her studio and he had been on a high. Even just thinking about how he had felt with her made him want to hop on his bike and go grab her immediately. But she had asked him to see her the next day. He had done his waiting and he knew she was teaching a class, but he was determined to be there when she was done.
And now this stupid fight with the Road Warriors was threatening that plan. Yeah, Hayden was pissed.
“It was Mellow and Franky,” Sugar said. “Over ’cross town, just a little scuffle with some Warriors, but the tension was out of hand.”
Butcher muttered a curse and Charlie pressed his mouth into a firm line. Hayden shook his head. This was bad. These little fights would escalate until it was an all-out war. It wouldn’t end well, that was for sure.
“Rattler’s with Franky,” Sugar said. “He got a bit bruised up, but nothing too bad.”
“These bastards need to learn a lesson,” Butcher said. “We gotta draw a firm line.”
“There’s gotta be a way to smooth this over,” Hayden said.
“Keep quiet, boy,” Butcher said. “Your dream ain’t gonna keep us safe.”
Butcher stood up and made to exit. Sugar shrugged and followed. Their leader was clearly done with the conversation.
Hayden stood up and paced in front of Charlie.
“Biker clubs across the country figure out alliances or pacts,” Hayden said. “If we approach the Warriors leader, we could try to figure out a truce that would work for both of us.”
“I agree,” Charlie said. “It’s worth a try.”
“You do?”
“Of course. I’ll reach out to a few friends, see if I can get a message to the Warriors.”
“That would be great.”
He was surprised Charlie was willing to go behind Butcher’s back, but Charlie must think these were desperate times.
“You got somewhere to be?” Charlie asked.
Hayden rubbed his neck and gave his older brother a sheepish smile.
“Yeah, actually, I’m gonna go pick up Heather.”
“No shit,” Charlie said. “Well, don’t let me hold you back from destiny.”
Hayden threw his brother a grin and headed for the door.
“And don’t worry about this,” Charlie said. “We’ll set up a time to make a plan.”
It was impossible to not worry about the situation with the Road Warriors, but Hayden could definitely push those concerns to the side as he rode his bike toward Heather's studio. Had it really just been a few days ago he had been vowing to never drive by this studio again?
H
ayden had no idea how Heather felt about the other night. He didn’t know what it had meant to her or if she wanted to repeat the incident. He didn’t quite know what it meant for himself. All he knew was that he was desperate to see her again.
When he pulled up at the curb outside the studio, Hayden could see Heather teaching a class through the big windows. He should have known the dancer he had seen that one night had been her. No one danced like Heather, at least as far as he could tell.
Hayden dismounted and drifted closer to the door. He hoped Heather wouldn’t mind if he watched, just for a little bit. He crept into the little room where parents could watch their kids through a glass window.
In his leather jacket and massive black boots, Hayden felt out of place. The room was painted pink and filled with little tutus and ballet shoes. A few of the moms gave him strange looks. He hunched his shoulders and focused on Heather.
She stood at the front of two neat rows of dancers, but she wasn’t just giving orders. She constantly moved as she spoke, demonstrating each dance position and hopping from kid to kid to make corrections.
Hayden took in the way her hair was tied in a messy bun on top of her head with strands escaping down her neck. She was wearing dark green leggings with a white tank-top that was cut in the back to show a lot of her skin. As she twirled around to give an example of a move, Hayden imagined lining kisses up the little valley of her spine.
When a kid messed up, Heather wasn’t discouraging. She just told them they could be better. When a kid got a move right, Heather beamed and clapped her hands and got so excited. Warmth spread through Hayden’s stomach.
Yes, Heather was gorgeous. And he had appreciated her body the other night on the beach. But there was also something more. Something about her that made him ache for her on more than just a physical level.
The kids loved her, Hayden could tell. They responded to her enthusiasm and worked hard to impress her.
After a few minutes of watching, Hayden caught Heather’s name from the group of moms watching the class.
“She’s truly amazing,” one mom said. “My Bella adores her.”
“You know she was massive in Chicago,” another mom said. “Was on the fast track to being a star, then she got hurt.”
“Poor thing,” the first mom said. “She must be bored stiff in a small town like this.”
“Well, I’m glad she’s here for my Sara’s sake, she’s never been so excited about dance class.”
Hayden glanced back at Heather, reminding the kids to stretch as she wrapped up the class. Could it be that she had just been bored the other night? Had she figured she might as well get laid while she was back in her lame hometown?
And how long before she took off? She had mentioned going back to Chicago or New York.
Hayden shook his head. He couldn’t think about that right now. He wanted to focus on whatever delicate thing had begun between them. He wasn’t going to be scared off by some gossiping dance moms.
Hayden waited with patience in the corner while Heather said goodbye to each and every student and mom.
When she was done, she turned to him. Hayden’s stomach tightened at the way she smiled.
“You waiting for me after dance,” Heather said. “It’s just like old times.”
“You looked good in there.”
Heather glanced down and blushed.
“I mean, you were good at teaching,” Hayden said. “Obviously, you look good too.”
He cursed himself for stumbling over his words. He had planned to play it cool. See how Heather responded to his presence. Now he just looked like an idiot.
“Thanks, it’s just an intro class,” Heather said.
Hayden stood and fiddled with his helmet. Heather stared at her feet.
“The other night was really nice,” Heather said. “I hadn’t planned on it or anything, so it was a surprise. But, still nice.”
“Yeah,” Hayden said. “I hadn’t planned on that either.”
It had been better than fucking nice, at least for him, but Hayden wasn’t going to say that.
“I wanted to ask you out to dinner tonight,” Hayden said. “If you don’t have any other plans.”
Heather straightened up and smiled.
“Sure,” she said. “I can do dinner.”
“Cool. I’ll pick you up around 6.”
Heather walked over to a table in a corner and picked up a pen and paper.
“Here’s my new number,” Heather said. “In case you need to text me.”
“I thought you said it hadn’t changed.”
“I lied, but I was being stupid.” She handed him a slip of paper with her number scrawled across it.
“Not stupid, just cautious,” Hayden said. “That’s your classic style.”
“Well, I’ve been thinking I should change it up. Throw caution to the wind a bit.”
“Don’t change too much.” Before he could second-guess it, Hayden leaned forward and pecked Heather on the lips. She looked surprised, but not displeased. “Alright, I’ll see you at 6.”
Hayden headed for the door. When he got back to his bike, he turned and saw Heather waving at him from the window. Hayden grinned as he pulled his helmet on.
He was going to take her out to a nice dinner. Heather needed to see how good life with him could be.
As he drove towards his own apartment, Hayden decided he would take her to San Diego for a real night out. He knew a good restaurant where he could make reservations.
Heather was not going to get bored with small town life. Not if Hayden had anything to do with it.
Chapter Thirteen: San Diego
Heather frowned at her reflection in the mirror and fiddled with her hair. She had piled most of it on top of her head with tendrils hanging loose around her face. She knew it looked good especially paired with her sparkling stud earrings.
She was just worried it was too fancy. Hayden might think she was overdone between the dramatic maroon lipstick and the lavender dress with spaghetti straps and the flowing skirt. She was even wearing silver block heels, but she couldn’t wear the dress without the heels; they looked too good together.
What if Hayden showed up on his bike and wondered why the girl he wanted to just casually hook up with was dressed to the nines.
Then again, he had texted her that he made reservations at a nice restaurant in San Diego. Heather was no relationship expert, but she was pretty sure a guy didn’t make reservations in the big city for just anyone.
Heather checked the time. Ten minutes until six. She picked up her mascara and applied another coat. Then she tossed it back on the ledge of her bathroom sink.
Why was she trying so hard? Yes, she had decided to lean into the happiness and go with the flow. But now she was acting like this was a real date to kick off a real relationship. Not just a fling that Heather needed to cheer herself up during troubled times before she got back to her real life.
Hayden probably wanted a fling too. He was bound to be cautious to get in too deep with her. Plus, Heather was a shell of her former self. She wasn’t the perfect girl with an amazing future. She was just a washed-up former dancer with a bum knee.
The sound of a honk made her dash to the window. Hayden was five minutes early and he was in a car. Heather was glad. She wouldn’t have wanted to sit on the back of a bike all the way to San Diego. Not in this dress.
She grabbed her purse and headed out. When she exited the studio, Hayden was standing by the car. Heather noted with glee that he was holding a bouquet of daisies. Not just a casual fling after all. And he had remembered that she loved yellow daisies.
“Thank you,” Heather said as he handed her the flowers.
Hayden grinned and opened up the passenger door for her. Most guys always put on a show of gentleman-like manners. They made a big scene out of opening doors or pulling out chairs for their dates as if to say Look at me, I’m such a good guy. Not Hayden. He did it quietly and simply, with no bravado. It was
n’t a show. It was just how he was.
“Whose car is this?” Heather asked.
Hayden pulled out and raised his eyebrows at her. “It’s mine.”
“You own a car?”
“I’m not a teenager anymore.”
His tone was light and joking. Heather giggled.
“Sorry,” she said. “It’s just, you’ve always been so into bikes.”
“I love bikes, but every now and then, it pays to have a car,” Hayden said. “Like when I’m taking Heather Carlson to San Diego and she’s wearing a dress like that.”
“You like it?” Heather asked.
“Don’t fucking play dumb,” Hayden said. “Of course I like it.”
Heather tipped back her head and laughed. She turned towards Hayden and admired how a lock of his hair fell over his forehead. She wanted to reach out and push it to the side, but she kept her hands on her purse.
He had made an effort too. He wore jeans and his leather Hogs jacket, but instead of his usual white T, he wore a crisp button-down. He hadn’t needed to go the extra mile. As far as Heather was concerned, he could have shown up in his grease-stained mechanic shirt and still looked like a million bucks.
They listened to the radio and chatted as the drive flew by. Heather fiddled with the radio dial, getting excited when she found a station she remembered listening to in high school.
When they got to San Diego, Hayden led Heather into a nice but not extravagant Italian place. They settled down at a table for two in the corner and Hayden asked the waiter to bring them a bottle of red wine.
“So, tell me everything about the Hogs,” Heather said as she picked up her glass.
“Honestly, things are tense right now,” Hayden said. “There’ve been some fights with the Road Warriors and my dad is getting tempted to do some shady business.”
“We don’t have to talk about it if it’s stressful.”
“No,” Hayden said. “It feels good to discuss it with someone outside it all. A fresh perspective.”
Hayden explained the issues and Heather listened. She admired how he had such strong core values. He wanted the Hogs to stay true to their traditions and be a biker club that did good for its members.