by Elias Taylor
We did agree to go for a ride in the next couple of days. I Had to break it to Phoebe about our reconciliation.
“I have something to tell you.” We were on the afternoon shift together. We always had a blast during that slow time. We were practicing for a new martini range we wanted to introduce. Phoebe was cutting passionfruit in half with her back turned to me.
“Guess who came in the other day?” I pulled the Grey Goose down from the shelf.
“Who?” she asked casually.
“Carter.” I measured out a shot in a shot glass.
“What the fuck did he want?” A reasonable response, given I spent a week groveling over the one-night stand we had.
“To apologize and be friends.” I poured a splash of elderberry juice in a shot glass.
Phoebe scooped out the passionfruit pulp. “You told him to fuck off, right?”
I laughed and licked the elderberry from my fingers. “No. Not quite. I heard him out and said I would go for a ride with him. Besides, it takes two to tango. I have more clarity now.”
“Seriously, babe. Take it easy. If it’s friends, let it be friends and not the type with benefits. He doesn’t deserve to have any more of you.”
“I hear you. No more hanky panky.” I said. I winked at her, and she kissed me on the cheek.
Phoebe added lime and cherry. Together, we placed all the ingredients into a metallic shaker with a little ice. “This looks damn good.”
“It does, huh? Very exotic. Maybe if it flies, I can incorporate it into the opening night at my new bookstore!” I clapped my hands together.
“Babe, I’m so excited for you. You’re really doing it.”
It was a dream of mine for many years to buy a place for my adult bookstore. My belief was that sex is part of life, and if we can bring it out in the open, it won’t be so taboo. I wanted to empower women in their sensuality. I had a few blocks to go look at. “I know, right? It’s been a long time coming.”
“So, when is this ride with jerkface?”
“Relax, Feebs,” I warned.
“What? I still have a right to be mad on your behalf. The guy was being a clown. I’m not ready yet.”
“You’re the best, Phoebe. I love you.”
“I love you, too. Just looking out.”
“I know. I know. I can handle myself now. I know what’s up.”
We filtered our concoction into a martini glass. Phoebe added the finishing touches with an edible flower on top. I sipped it and nearly fell to the floor. The tang of passionfruit and the sweet, and tartness of elderberry sang on my tongue. I could barely taste the vodka. This drink was dangerous!
“This is the business!” I pointed to the drink, and we high fived.
“Just like old times. We made some killer drinks back in the day. Right back on top.” We both burst out laughing.
“That’s for sure.”
As we both anticipated, the drink was a hit. So much so, I ran out of passionfruit. It was just a trial run, and we ran it as part of our happy hour. All the nighttime regulars came out, and we finished the shift on a high. My world was settling back into a groove.
The next day, I woke up well-rested and with a day off. I was due to meet Carter for a ride. We were headed out to the back roads of California, which I loved. I heard the bike pull up to the house and peeked outside the curtain. Damn, he looked good. He had on ripped black jeans, a white tee, and biker boots. Simple, but showing off every uber-masculine trait he possessed. I licked my lips. At least I could look, right? The doorbell rang.
“Coming!” I grabbed my helmet and came out through the garage, wheeling out my bike.
“Hey, gorgeous. Are you ready to ride?” he asked.
Those dimples were adorable. They melted any residual iciness I held against him. I still had my guard up, though, and I wouldn’t let it slip down again.
“Sure am. Can’t wait. I’m so glad I got back into riding. I love it. I love the freedom of it.”
“I’m glad you’re riding, too.” Carter replied softly. “The adrenalin of riding is something you will always crave. Once you’re hooked, that’s pretty much it.”
“You can lead the way,” I said.
“All right, let’s go.”
I got on my bike and cleared out the cobwebs of the engine, following behind Carter. The breeze whipped through my hair, and the cool edges of the breeze were magnificent on my face. I sucked in the air and enjoyed the moment. California palm trees lined the streets. People were out walking their dogs in the parks, throwing frisbees, and holding hands with their partners.
It was a great day. It felt like heaven to be like this with Carter with no pressure. Maybe friends were all we were supposed to be. Buildings passed, and a large grey warehouse caught my eye as we weaved through the back streets. Nobody else was on the street, so I rode abreast of him and pointed to the side of the road. We pulled over. A look of concern filtered over his face.
“What happened?”
“Nothing happened. I just want to take a look at this warehouse. Remember, I told you about opening an adult bookstore?” We parked our bikes as I let my hair fly free from the helmet.
“Yep. I remember. You think it might be something?”
I took an interest in the fact he looked genuinely excited for me.
“I saw the for sale sign. Maybe.” I walked closer to the building. It was of medium size, just behind the main commercial strip, and only seven minutes from town. So, also discreet. I peered in the windows. The place already had shelving set up, too. The vision of how I would set everything up started flooding through my mind. I walked around the side of the building, and I saw it had a reasonably-sized parking lot. I could do this. The possibilities were endless.
“Wow! I can feel it. This might be my spot. I gotta get the number down. I wish it wasn’t the weekend. I would call right now.”
I watched Carter’s eyes light up as he laughed at my enthusiasm. I made out the shape of a sign. “The sign can go right here. The Vixen Room.”
“That’s what you’re calling it? The Vixen Room.”
I couldn’t stop the smile from lighting up my face. I was already claiming the space. I did a little dance and spun around.
Carter applauded. “I love the name, and it fits with you, that’s for sure.” He hugged me in close to him, and his musky cologne made me swoon. Our faces were inches from one another as we untangled from the hug. I shifted away quickly.
“It took me months and lots of brainstorming to come up with the name. It feels right. Everything just feels spot-on here. The location is ace.”
“Autumn, this is so cool. You’re really getting it together. I’m so happy for you.”
“Look at me.” I held my arms out wide. “I’m celebrating before I even have the place. But I don’t know. It just feels...perfect.”
“I get it. When you know, you know.”
“Agreed. Let’s keep riding. I’m having fun.”
“Me too, Autumn. Me too.”
Carter’s caramel eyes searched mine. It was as if our souls were connected through one look. I broke the trance in discomfort and put my helmet on. My eyes moved to his athletic build. His strong movements made my heart race. His thick, toned thighs held steady on his bike. I remembered what they looked like without jeans, and it had me questioning myself. I vowed to myself that we would stay as friends. That’s what he wanted. That’s what he would get.
We rode for another hour and stopped for a coffee and lunch at a cute spot. We were a few miles out of town, and the fresh country air was doing wonders for me. It made me nostalgic for some reason. Probably because I spent a lot of time outdoors with my family. The warehouse kept popping up in my mind, and I knew I had to call and find out more. I needed to know if anyone else was making bids on it. I had my little nest egg tucked away for the right timing.
“Carter do you mind? I want to make a call to this warehouse. I know it’s the weekend, but I need to know.”
“Sure.�
��
I stepped away from him and made the call. “Hi, I wanted to make an inquiry about the warehouse on 55 Cedar Street. Is it still available?” I crossed my fingers as I spoke.
A man with a deep voice spoke. “Yes it is. I just put it on the market officially last weekend.”
“What’s the price outright?” I asked.
“Two-hundred thousand, but I’m willing to wiggle a little on that if you can do a quick settlement.” Butterflies were fluttering in my stomach. I knew Carter’s eyes were on me, waiting for an answer.
“How much wiggle room?”
“Oh, say fifteen percent off.”
“Why? Can I ask, is something wrong with the building?”
“Nope. I spent fifteen years in the location. It’s a shame I have to sell it. I have a sick mother to take care of, though, so I’m selling up. I have to head back down to Georgia.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. If it’s going to make your life easier, I would be happy to do a quick settlement.”
“Do you have the deposit? Because by the time you clear it with the bank—”
“I have it.” I did a little hot shoe shuffle on the spot. “I’m Autumn, by the way.”
“Nice to talk to you, Autumn. You’ve made my day, whether you know it or not. My name is Gervis. But you can call me Gerv. Would you be able to come in tomorrow, and we can talk to the real estate agent? I know it’s directed to me, but Berkeley real estate is handling the sale.”
“I can do that. How does ten-thirty tomorrow morning sound?”
“Fine by me, Autumn. If anything changes, I’ll let you know. I look forward to meeting you.”
“Me too.” I clamped my hand over my mouth. Dreams did come true. They absolutely did.
Carter waited anxiously. “And?”
I sat down. The whole thing was surreal. “I think I just bought a business. My very own building. I have a meeting tomorrow!”
Carter grabbed my hands. “Incredible!”
“Carter, you could do the same thing as me.”
His head went to his coffee cup as he twirled it in his hands. “I’ll get there. Buying a building is hella expensive, especially for a motorcycle garage. I’m just not quite there yet.”
Shame leaked into his words, which I didn’t understand. From what I heard, he had a string of business, and a lot of people recommended him. Including me.
“I mean, you can always get help with a loan. It can happen. There’s always a solution.”
Carter rubbed his arm nervously. Maybe he thought I was grilling him about it. I really wasn’t. I wanted to see him thrive. I knew he was a master with a bike, and I knew he’d been in business a lot longer than me.
“Nah. I’ll wait. I don’t wanna owe the man anymore than I have to.” His lips tightened, and I wanted to give them a soothing kiss. “I’m happy for you, though. It inspires me to keep going.”
“Well, that’s something. Thanks for sharing the moment with me.”
“It’s a pleasure, Autumn. It really is, and I’m glad we’re friends.”
“Me too.” That tough outer shell covered up an honest, hard-working, and sexy biker. I would let him keep the secret for now.
“Shall we head back? I gotta organize a few things,” I said.
“Sounds like a plan.”
We rode back into town, and I dropped him off near his bike shop. I gave Carter a tight hug and denied the spark fizzling between us. I wanted to invite him to my place. Just to kick it, nothing else. But last time, that led to another scenario entirely. I feared it would again, so I left it alone.
What a special day, and one I would never forget. I skipped into my house like a little girl. I opened a drawer that housed my dream—drawings of logos, the floor design, and the type of merchandise and books I would stock. I smiled as I picked up the phone to call my girl.
“Hello?” She sounded groggy. Like she’d been sleeping.
“Hey. Are you napping? I can call back later.”
I heard her yawn and stretch.
“No. No. It’s all good. I need to get up, anyway. I’m feeling lazy today.”
“We all have those days. Rest up, but while you’re doing it, think of all the erotic books you want to read and where you can get them from.”
“Umm. What the hell are you talking about? Have you lost it? That was so random.”
I let my voice shift into high gear. “No, it wasn’t, because guess who just bought their first adult bookshop?”
“Shut the hell up! You did it!” I heard squealing and clapping. Phoebe was my biggest cheerleader and confidant. More scuffling came through the phone from her end.
“Yep. I did it. I’m still letting it sink in. You’re doing an awful lot of banging over there.”
“That’s because I’m coming over. I have to see you. This is the best news ever.”
I laughed from the heart. “Not feeling so lazy now?”
“Hell no! We got margaritas to make and my famous olive and cheese dip to eat. We got things to discuss.”
I sat back on my sofa and sighed with happiness. “That we do.”
“Just don’t call your shop fifty shades of anything, and we’ll be okay.”
“No way! Come on, Feebs, I’m insulted. I have a name. I’ll tell you when you get here.”
“Okay, consider me already there. Get the glasses ready, babe!”
“I will, for sure.” Life was getting better and better for me.
When I had my eye on the prize, I always got it.
Chapter Nine: Can You Keep A Secret?
California Ryders filled in my time, and for the most part, I’d been satisfied with my life. The angst of losing the business had temporarily gone. Custom Made was firmly in the clear. In fact, the amount of work I had was scary. I had a long waitlist, and the phone started to ring off the hook.
“Derek! Hey, my man. What can I do for you? A service? No problem. Consider it done. Bring her in.”
“Anton. Your son needs a bike. Okay. Okay, custom-built?”
“Mitchell. Hey, I haven’t seen you around the club lately. When are you coming down?”
A lot of requests came through out of the blue. Just like that, it went from being dry to us juggling so many orders. I knew I was stalling on buying a place, but that feeling of sleepless nights and not being able to pay made me nervous. Another few months, and then I’d re-visit the idea again.
It had been one month since our bike ride. Autumn’s carefree and fiery spirit was like a breath of fresh air, just like an autumn breeze. The taste of her on my tongue woke me up in cold sweats in the night. I’d spun her that lie of just wanting to be friends, even when I knew that my whole being wanted only her.
I found myself not being able to follow through with women. I would go to the bar and run my usual flirting game, and it didn’t work anymore. I recently turned down a stunning Spanish girl. Physically, she was banging with long, black hair, and all that did was remind me of Autumn. She had some surgical enhancements, but she still looked like a cover model. If I had been in my right mind, I would have hit that easily.
“Hola.” Her perfume hit me first and made me look, but I felt nothing. Nothing, but numbness.
“Hi.” I sipped my drink and kept gazing behind the bar. I wanted to drown in the drink and go home.
“Why so sad? Maybe I can help you with that sadness. I got the cure.” She had this cute Spanish accent. If Magner were sitting beside me, he would have told me I was crazy and that I needed to get my act together. My glassy eyes floated to hers over my drink.
“I bet you do. And normally, I would take you up on that, but not tonight, sweet lady.” I drained the rest of my beer and had my eyes firmly fixed on the exit.
“That’s too bad. I’ve been watching you from over there with my friends all night.” She was pointing to her friends, huddled in the back corner. One of them gave me a wave as they started whispering amongst themselves. I threw them a drunk wave back.
“Look. You and your friends are smoking. I appreciate the love. But it ain’t happening today. Sorry. I got a buddy you might like, though.”
That’s when her Spanish fire came out. The chick turned into a raging lion. “Listen, motherfucker! I came to talk to you. Not to be handed over to your friend. That’s so disrespectful!”
She stormed off, leaving me gobsmacked. I couldn’t even get the game right, and it made me rethink being at the bar at all. I didn’t even want to be with anyone else. So I could care less. Something similar happened another time when I was out with Magner, too.
“Dude. You don’t wanna take that home? You see her? Let me check your temperature,” he had said.
Magner and I went out a few times to a local haunt of ours. None of the women could hold a candle to Autumn. None whatsoever. I was in some sort of weird place, and I didn’t know what it was.
“I’m good. I’m talking to a few. I have enough to handle on my plate,” I lied to Magner, but he didn’t seem to buy it.
“So, you’re taking a time-out, is that it?”
“Just for a minute. Like you said, I gotta focus on the business, and I’m close to looking at a warehouse.”
Magner narrowed his eyes at me. “That’s not your problem, and you know it.”
He let me slide, but I knew he was right. Autumn, the sexy siren, had put a spell on me. I was so proud of her. She’d made it. She was smart. Confident. Headstrong. Fiery and free-spirited. I mean, what more could I want? Instead of wallowing, I decided to do something about it.
I went to work like I normally did. My mind was colored with Autumn’s laugh and her energy. She didn’t come to the Ryders club anymore, and I missed seeing her there. The other guys did, too. Last weekend, we were on a ride out west and had taken a lunch break. Gus started asking about Autumn. I could only imagine why, and it made me a little jealous. I didn’t want other guys lusting over her.
“Where’s that gorgeous woman with the pink helmet? What was her name? Something to do with the season...” Gus, the club secretary, clicked his fingers to recall. His eyes sprang to life when he remembered. “Autumn!”
He missed the part where I winced under my helmet. I didn’t want her name mentioned.