by Elle James
They ran the track several times, even engaging in a little personal competition with some other riders who joined them. Duff had only one mode. Fast. Anything less was unacceptable.
On one jump and curve in the dirt track, he landed hard and almost lost control of his bike. He put down his foot, let his boot skim the dirt, and straightened the handlebars. As soon as he had it under control, he gave the bike all the fuel and flew over the next bump, rising fifteen feet before he slammed hard onto the track.
The more he thought about Ivy and her attacker, the harder he pushed himself. He didn’t want to worry about her—or anyone, for that matter. For the past eight years, he’d only been responsible for himself and his team. He had no wife or children to worry about while he was deployed. And he liked it that way.
He also didn’t have a wife and children to welcome him home when he got back from deployment. While some of his teammates were greeted at the airport, he walked on through and went home to his empty house and his motorcycles.
As soon as he could, he’d head to the track and ride his frustrations out, going as fast as was humanly possible.
Some would say he was running away from his past. Duff didn’t care what anyone said. By moving, he didn’t have time to regret his life, grieve for his wife, or the lack of a family. He gained a lot of satisfaction out of restoring things with his hands.
He didn’t need anything else or anyone else. He certainly didn’t need to start something with Ivy he had no intention of finishing.
By the time he’d snorted enough dust up his nose, it was well past five in the afternoon.
If he was smart, he’d cancel his date with Ivy, go home, pop open a bottle of beer, and find a game on the television. Going out with the woman only made it more difficult to break it off with her. And he knew he had to break it off before either one of them felt the need to be together.
Zip stopped his dirt bike next to the trailer ramp where Duff stood with his machine. He dismounted and pulled off his helmet. “Dude, how do you do it?”
Duff set his helmet on the motorcycle seat. “Do what?”
“Go so fast? How do you do it and not kill yourself?” Zip asked, shoving a hand through his hair.
“Takes practice,” Duff said. “I’ve been doing this for years.”
“I take it this is what you do instead of dating.” Zip shook his head. “Maybe I’m wasting my time dating all those women. Now that I have Destiny, I don’t have to date multiple women. I’ll have more time. Maybe I can start riding motorcycles.”
Duff chuckled. “Most women don’t like it when their men ride. Too dangerous.”
“I’m sure Destiny wouldn’t mind,” Zip said.
Duff cocked an eyebrow. “It might end up a choice between your lady and bike riding. You need to ask yourself which you’d rather give up.”
“Neither,” Zip said.
“Seriously, though. Which would you give up?” Duff asked.
“The motorcycles,” Zip said. “I wasted too many years thinking Destiny didn’t want to be near me after my brother died, and then I worked too hard convincing her to take me back after I fucked up. Without a doubt, she’s the one for me.”
“How’d you know she’s the one?” Duff asked.
“Knew it since we were kids, man. She’s brave, smart and she gets me.”
Zip loaded the motorcycle Duff loaned him on the trailer. Duff pushed his up behind Zip’s. They secured the bikes.
“What about you?” Zip asked.
Duff’s eyes narrowed. “What do you mean what about me?”
“Do you think Ivy could be the one for you?” Zip asked.
“We haven’t been out on our first date.” He raised his hand. “Real date.”
“Even if I was too young to realize it,” Zip said, “deep down, I knew the first time I met Destiny that she was the one for me.”
Duff frowned. Deep down, he couldn’t deny having the same thoughts about Ivy. That’s what had scared him so much. With those thoughts had come guilt.
Katie had been his high school sweetheart practically from his first day of freshman year. She’d been there through his graduation and waited for him when he’d gone off for Army training.
When he’d come back, they’d gotten married.
It had always been Katie. He hadn’t imagined himself with anybody else. From the time they’d met to the time Katie had died, they’d known each other for eight years.
Another eight years had passed since Katie died. Was eight years of grieving enough for someone who’d been with him as long?
Zip tossed his helmet into the truck’s back seat and climbed into the front passenger seat.
Duff laid his helmet in the back seat and slid in behind the steering wheel.
“So, what’s the story?” Zip asked. “You haven’t dated a woman for more than a one-night stand since I can remember.”
Duff’s team didn’t know his background. Katie had died before Duff had joined Delta Force. He’d seen no need to inform them about that part of his life. He didn’t need their sympathy. What was done was done. Katie was gone.
“No story,” Duff said.
“Oh, come on,” Zip said. “You must have had someone in your past who did you wrong and turned you against women.”
“I have nothing against women,” Duff said. A long pause stretched between them as the miles raced past.
Zip frowned across the console. “You’re not going to stick me with the silent treatment, are you?”
Duff nodded. “It’s worked for me so far.”
“Fine,” Zip said. “Wanna swing by that little shop in Copperas Cove where Ivy works? It’s on the way home.”
Duff’s lips twisted. “It’s not even close to on the way home. No.” Although, he’d had the same thought. He’d like to swing by Ivy’s shop and make sure she was okay.
Copperas Cove was a good twenty miles away to get there and back. Duff didn’t want to appear overzealous or like a stalker.
Ivy had made it clear that she was an independent woman who could take care of herself. She might resent his interference or declare him creepy for checking up on her at the store.
“Have it your way,” Zip said. “I’m sure I could do a little shopping while there. Destiny likes jewelry and trinkets.”
“We’re not going,” Duff said. “I’m picking her up at six-thirty at her house in Copperas Cove after I’ve had a shower and washed all the dust off me.”
“You should wear something a little fancier. Not jeans and a T-shirt,” Zip suggested.
“I’m wearing jeans and a T-shirt tonight,” Duff said.
“Does Ivy even like motorcycles?” Zip asked.
Duff hadn’t thought about that. “She seemed okay with it when I told her I’d pick her up on my motorcycle.”
“Where are you taking her?” Zip asked.
“Out to Belton Lake,” Duff said. He’d only just thought of where he’d take her. He hoped she’d like it up there.
“Where all the local teens go to neck?” Zip said with a grin.
“We’re not going to neck,” Duff said.
“Then why go to the lake?” Zip asked, his brows raised.
“I’m taking her on a picnic.” Zip’s question reminded Duff he needed to pick up food.
“Did you ask her if she liked picnics?” Zip asked.
“No. Should I have?” Duff’s brow dipped.
“Not all women like picnics, or ants in their food,” Zip said.
Great. Duff was picking up Ivy in an hour and a half with a plan to take her on a picnic she might not even want to go on.
Well, he’d go prepared to ask her if she wanted to go on a picnic. If she said no, he’d have an alternative dinner in mind. There were plenty of barbeque restaurants that would serve them in their jeans.
In fact, there was a barbeque place with a dancehall in Lampasas. Maybe he’d take her there.
Zip brought up a good point.
Duff
really didn’t know all that much about Ivy, other than the fact she was Senator Freeman’s daughter, that her life might be in danger and that she made sweet love into the night.
Duff realized that if he hadn’t gone biking, the day would have stretched even longer than it had already.
Back at Duff’s place, Zip helped him unload the dirt bikes and park them in the garage. They were both covered in a fine layer of dust.
Zip held out his hand.
Duff took it and they shook.
“Good luck on the date tonight,” Zip said.
Duff nodded. “Thanks.”
“You might want to call Gwen and ask a few questions about Ivy,” Zip suggested. “You know, things like what she likes to eat, if she’s into motorcycles. You know, important things if you want to make a good first impression.”
Zip’s cellphone chirped with an incoming text. He glanced down at the screen and grinned. “Ah, there’s my girl. That’s my cue. I’m out of here. Thanks for the ride today. Let’s do it again.” He ducked into his Corvette, read his text, and responded before he shifted into gear and headed for the highway.
Duff chewed on Zip’s words as he closed the garage door and went inside. He could call Gwen and find out what kind of food Ivy preferred and if she had any food allergies.
Ivy had appeared to like whatever he cooked. She’d eaten everything he’d made. Then again, he’d only made quesadillas and scrambled eggs.
Hell, he didn’t even have Gwen’s phone number. To get it, he’d have to call Merlin.
“Yo, Duff,” Merlin answered.
“Hey, can I get Gwen’s number?” Duff asked.
“As long as you’re not hitting on my girl,” Merlin responded.
“No, I’m not. I had some questions about Ivy.”
Merlin chuckled. “Getting serious, are we?”
Duff already regretted calling his friend and teammate.
“I’ll share her number in text,” Merlin relented. “I hear you’re going out with Ivy tonight.”
Duff cringed. News traveled fast within his team. “I am.”
“It’s good to know a little about your date before you go out together,” Merlin noted.
“That’s the idea,” Duff said.
“Sending,” Merlin said. “Good luck on your date tonight.”
Why did his team seem to think he had to have good luck on his date? It was just a date.
Having asked Merlin for Gwen’s number, Duff couldn’t forget about it. Gwen would expect a call.
He dialed her number before he could change his mind.
“Gwen, this is Duff.”
“Hi, Duff,” Gwen said. “Merlin said you had some questions about Ivy. What do you want to know?”
“I just hung up with him.”
She laughed. “He texted me, letting me know you would be calling about Ivy. I take it last night’s fiasco didn’t end up too bad?”
“You’ve spoken with Ivy?”
“Not actually. She’s not answering my calls.”
Duff tensed.
“She did text me that she’s been busy at the shop,” Gwen added.
He relaxed.
“I have to admit, I’ve been dying to get all the details. I understand you stayed at her house last night.”
“I did.”
“Her attacker didn’t show up again, did he?” Gwen asked. “That scared me to know someone would attack a woman here in Killeen. You think of things like that happening only in the big cities.”
“It can happen anywhere,” Duff said.
“I know that, but you don’t hear of it that often around here,” Gwen said. “I’m glad you were there to rescue her. I had nightmares last night about the whole thing. But, back to Ivy… What is it you’d like to know?”
“Does she like picnics? Riding on motorcycles? What does she like to eat? Wine or beer? Her favorite color? Food allergies? Basically, the works.”
Gwen chuckled. “Whoa. Slow down. That’s the most I’ve ever heard you say. You planning on taking her on a picnic?”
“I was. But if she doesn’t like eating outside, I can take her someplace else.”
“Picnics are fine. We went on one last month. Brought sandwiches and laid out in the sun, reading. As for riding on motorcycles, if her mother would disapprove, she’s all for it.”
Duff could understand that. And her mother would probably disapprove. Riding the motorcycle was a go.
“No food allergies. She’s not vegan or a vegetarian. She likes chicken. Red meat no more than once a week, and then it’s a steak or a big, juicy hamburger. Since you’re going on a picnic, I’d take wine, not beer. She likes beer, but only when it’s icy cold. A good, dry red wine like a cabernet sauvignon would be good to take along. It’s best served room temperature. Her favorite color is aqua, and she can’t abide people who lie to her.”
“Dogs or cats?” he asked.
“Definitely dogs,” Gwen said. “She likes cats, but she’s mildly allergic to them. Anything else?”
Duff scratched his dirty head. “Can’t think of anything right now.”
“The rest you can ask Ivy for yourself.” Gwen paused. “She’s special and she’s trying to make a life outside of her mother’s and father’s political careers.”
Duff doubted Ivy would ever be completely free of her mother’s political life. And if Senator Fremont had someone threatening her, it could bleed over onto her only daughter.
Duff had the urge to drive over to Copperas Cove despite Ivy’s insistence she would be all right.
If the senator was worried enough to hire even more qualified bodyguards to protect her, she had a serious problem.
Duff resisted the urge to go to Ivy’s shop. He hoped she’d call or text him to let him know she was all right. In the meantime, he had until a little after six to get ready for his date. He had to get cracking. His heartbeat picked up at the thought. For the first time in a lot of years, he looked forward to seeing a woman for a second time. He refused to let his time with Ivy be a one-night stand. She’d awakened him from what felt like a very long sleep.
Chapter 9
Thankfully, the store was busy all day long. Copperas Cove had an annual event going on and people from all over the state had come to enjoy its offerings.
Ivy’s store benefited from the influx and it kept her moving throughout the day, answering questions, showing merchandise, and ringing up sales.
She barely had time to think about Duff and their real date. Still, she found herself shivering with anticipation over what the evening had in store.
Several times that day, she glanced at her cellphone, wishing Duff would call or text to check in on her. She had to remind herself that she’d told him she was capable of taking care of herself.
As soon as he’d left that morning, she’d gotten her handgun out of her office safe and placed it under the counter beneath the cash register. Not that she expected to have to use it, but more to remind her that she needed to carry it with her and have it at her side at all times.
If her mother was worried enough about threats to herself to hire more experienced professionals to guard her, and then to call her daughter when they hadn’t spoken in weeks, the threats had to be real and potentially dangerous.
Halfway through the day, when she caught a five-minute break between customers, Ivy picked up her phone to call Duff. That’s when she realized she didn’t have his phone number. And she hadn’t given him hers.
She started to dial Gwen to have her get Duff’s number from Merlin but stopped before the call could go through.
Her hand froze before engaging the call.
No.
She didn’t want to appear too eager. She hadn’t needed a man in her life.
Up until now. And not because she needed protection.
She didn’t need anything.
But she wanted so much more.
And Duff had given it to her.
He wasn’t one of the stiff shirts s
he’d worked with at the law firm. He hadn’t passed the bar and he worked with his hands.
Oh, and those hands…
Her heart beat faster, as she remembered what he did with his hands…and his mouth.
Her core heated and she moaned aloud.
The bell over the door jangled, pulling her back to the present, and a gaggle of women came in laughing and smiling from spending their day exploring the area and shopping.
Ivy would have to wait until six-thirty to see Duff again. She hoped their first real date would be every bit as good as their first night together.
The day zoomed by, but as her closing time approached, Ivy found herself watching the clock and counting down the minutes until she could lock the shop and head home for a shower and a change of clothing.
The dress she’d worn throughout the day had wilted a little in the heat and dust of moving merchandise from the back storage room out to the front to fill empty shelves.
She looked forward to wearing jeans and a pretty blouse. Her mother never let her ride with the boys on the backs of their motorcycles growing up. This would be a new experience for her. She wanted to feel the wind in her face. More than that, she wanted to have her arms and legs wrapped around Duff.
A minute before five o’clock, a group of women entered.
“Are you still open?” one of them called out.
As much as Ivy wanted to tell her she closed in exactly one minute, she smiled and nodded. “Come on in.”
The ladies spent the next thirty minutes perusing the candles, pillows and jewelry Ivy had on display. Finally, they selected items and came to the register to check out.
At five forty-five, Ivy left the shop, climbed into her SUV and hurried home. By the time she walked into her house, dropped her purse on the counter and glanced at the clock, she had only thirty minutes to shower, do her hair and makeup and be ready for Duff to pick her up.
Her heart pounding, she raced through the house, gathering jeans, a pretty pale yellow knit top and sexy underwear.
In the bathroom, she turned on the shower and stepped in before the water warmed. She thought it was just as well that it cooled her libido before Duff arrived, or they might not make it back out of the house to go on that motorcycle ride.