by Tonya Brooks
Luke closed the door and turned to face the woman who had quite literally rocked his world. “Damn, you look good in my shirt,” he said with a wicked smile.
“Not as good as you look out of it,” Easy smiled up at him as she slid her arms around his waist. With his hair mussed and beard stubble on his handsome face he rocked the rumpled and sexy look. Last night had surpassed her wildest dreams and she was thrilled to have this time with him. She finally had the chance to convince him that she was more than some crazy biker chick. Maybe, just maybe, he might even come to see her as wife material.
Luke kissed her and felt the effects of it all the way to his toes. “You're more rejuvenating than coffee.”
“Umm. I'd love a cup of coffee,” she sighed.
“Then you're in luck,” he said as he slid his arm around her waist and led her into the kitchen. “I make a killer cup of coffee.”
“Do you mind if I call Dizzy?” she asked. “My phone is dead.”
“Help yourself,” he said with a wave toward the phone on the wall.
Easy called her sister who was relieved to hear that she was alright, thrilled that she was with Luke, and dismayed that the bike had left her stranded. Dizzy asked if she wanted to have Matt tow it to the garage. “I'll let you know after I have a look at it. It was too dark last night to be able to tell anything.”
When she hung up, Luke asked, “What was wrong with the bike?”
“It wouldn't crank,” she shrugged and didn’t have a clue why. “I'm not sure what the problem is. It's never happened before.”
“I'll take a look at it,” he volunteered.
That surprised her. “You know how to work on a motorcycle?”
“I've done it,” Luke admitted and handed her a steaming mug. “Try that.”
She inhaled the heavenly aroma, took a sip and smiled. “You really can make a good cup of coffee.”
“You doubted me?” he grinned.
“Apparently, you're a man of many talents,” she acknowledged as she sat the cup down on the counter and lifted herself up to sit on it as well. “The ability to make good coffee being the least of them.”
“Which one ranks at the top of the list?” he asked with that bad boy smile as he sat his cup down next to hers and fit his lean hips in between her spread knees.
“Last night it was your prowess as a lover,” she admitted with a catch in her voice since his hands were busy unbuttoning the shirt.
“And this morning?”Luke queried as he placed a kiss on the section of skin he had just uncovered.
“The fact that you can fix my bike,” she assured him with a mischievous smile. “It's a beautiful day and I'd love to take her out for a ride in the country.”
“Instead of spending the day with me?” he queried and nipped the tender flesh before soothing it with his lips.
“That's an offer I can't resist,” she admitted breathlessly.
Luke slid the shirt off of her shoulders and stole another of those soul stealing kisses before asking, “Are you choosing me over your bike?”
“Anytime,” Easy readily agreed.
“I'm honored,” he said seriously, and he was. Hell, the woman had ended her engagement to a freakin’ prince over a motorcycle. Damn right he was honored that she would put him first. That had to mean she cared, right?
“You should be,” she assured him just as seriously.
“Let's see if we can't get her running.” he teased and turned away just to see how serious she was.
“The bike can wait,” she insisted and grabbed his belt loops to stop him. This was the first time that she had seen his bare back and she was surprised and delighted to discover that Luke had a tattoo on his shoulder. “Nice ink,” she commented and ran her fingertips over it. The design seemed familiar, but she couldn't quite put her finger on where she knew it from. Although she did put her mouth on it and licked every delicate swirl.
The tattoo was a testament to his wild side breaking loose back in his college days. Thankfully he’d had enough sense to have it put on his shoulder where it wasn’t too noticeable. The women he made love to rarely saw his naked back and the few who had seen it had never done something so intimate. The erotic gesture fired his blood like nothing else could have done.
His jeans hit the floor and Luke whirled around, the wild gleam that she loved glittering in his eyes. He grasped her hips and yanked Easy to the edge of the counter as his mouth slammed down on hers. He thrust into her heated warmth as she wrapped her legs around his hips. They both froze in place at the exquisite and unexpected feel of bare flesh against bare flesh. She saw the question in his eyes and quickly shook her head, “I’m not protected.”
Luke reared backward so fast he almost lost his balance. Jesus freakin’ God! He’d never had unprotected sex. Never. After witnessing the hell that Matt and Harley had gone through with an unplanned pregnancy and forced marriage, he’d known better. The fact that he’d been so far gone that he hadn’t even thought about it scared the hell out of him.
“My bad,” he said shakily as he grabbed his jeans and pulled his wallet out of the back pocket to get a condom.
“They removed my patch while I was in the hospital recovering,” Easy babbled in explanation and felt like a complete idiot for not getting a replacement. “The doctor said something about it not working with the antibiotics they were giving me. But they did a complete physical and I’m clean so no worries there.”
“Me, too,” Luke assured her as he sheathed himself and slid slowly back into her heated depths. Her pupils dilated with pleasure as she wrapped those sleek legs around his hips again, her hands sliding up his arms to grab his shoulders as he eased partially in and out oh so slowly. His blue eyes glittered as he teased, “It’s too bad my prowess as a lover dropped below my skill as a mechanic. Otherwise this could be much better.”
“I take it back,” Easy moaned as she shifted her bottom closer to the edge of the counter in an effort to deepen the penetration. “Nothing ranks higher than your prowess.”
“Not even your bike?” he queried and even though it damn near killed him, he kept the same languid pace. He had to know, dammit. He needed to know how much she cared.
“Nothing,” she swore and tightened her legs around Luke to try and pull him closer.
“You wouldn’t lie to me, would you?” he pressed and leaned forward to nip her earlobe with his teeth.
“I’ll sell the damn bike,” Easy gasped. “Just stop teasing me.”
More than satisfied with her answer, he lifted her off of the counter and turned to press her back up against the wall. Easy moaned her appreciation and tightened her grip as he sank balls deep. “Is this what you want?” Luke rasped and forced himself to remain still as sweat broke out on his brow with the effort.
“More,” she panted and rocked her hips against his when he just stood there motionless.
“You sure?” He asked devilishly. “I can stop now and fix the bike so you can ride.”
“The only thing I want to ride is you,” Easy growled. “Now move, dammit!”
Luke gave her exactly what she asked for and Easy went wild in his arms. She met him thrust for thrust as he slammed his body into hers harder and faster and deeper with each stroke. Her nails scored his shoulders as she cried out her pleasure. God she was magnificent. So passionate. So damn beautiful. And she cared. Dammit, he knew she cared about him. She had to because he couldn’t let her go. Not now. Hell, not ever.
Easy cared alright. She cared so much she proclaimed her love in damn near every language she spoke as Luke made love to her with a fervor that she’d never tire of. God, how the hell was she going to live without this? Without him? Leaving him would kill her, but for now, he was hers and she reveled in his passion. And his amazing prowess.
“Yes.” she moaned and arched her back as every nerve in her body lit up like a fireworks display. “Luke! Oh, God, Luke!
Her muscles gripped him so tightly that Luke didn’t s
tand a chance of resisting. His vision blurred as his release surged through him with the force of a tsunami, leaving him drained and yet rejuvenated. He dropped his forehead against hers and they both clung to each other as they trembled in reaction and fought for air.
“Damn, you’re good,” she breathed.
“It’s all you, baby,” he grinned. “You inspire me.”
“Mmm,” she purred. “I like the sound of that.”
“How does a shower sound?” he queried as he let her feet slide down to the floor.
“Love showering with you,” Easy sighed and placed tender kisses across his chest.
“You keep that up and we’ll never get around to your bike today.” he warned.
“What bike?” She queried and could care less as she raked her teeth lightly over his nipple.
Luke growled his pleasure at that, scooped his lady into his arms and carried her upstairs to the shower.
~~~~
An hour later, Easy stepped into the garage and froze in place, her eyes locked on the massive hummer in fear. Luke had noticed her peculiar reaction to his vehicle before but hadn’t paid it much attention at the time. Now he was pretty damn sure he knew the reason for it. Sliding both arms around her trembling body, he pulled her into a comforting embrace. “Is it just the hummer, or vehicles in general that send you into a panic?” he queried gently.
Easy looked up at him blankly as if she were in a daze and replied automatically, “The hummer.”
“The accident,” he acknowledged. “You were in a hummer.”
“Under it,” she answered, her breathing as short and choppy as her words. Her pupil’s dilated as her mind pulled her back into the wreckage again. “Trapped. Can’t get out.”
“Shhh,” he crooned as he held her tighter, protectively. The fear in her eyes ripping his heart to shreds. “It’s okay. I’ve got you.”
But it wasn’t Luke’s voice she heard. It was the voice of her driver saying almost the same thing. “It’s burning.” She said in horror, her nails digging into his back, scoring his flesh through the shirt. “Gonna explode. Help me. Help me!”
“It’s okay, baby. I’m here. You’re safe now.” Luke soothed and pressed his lips to hers.
Easy blinked and realized that Luke was kissing her. Needing to hang onto the connection that he provided to reality, she lifted both hands to frame his handsome face. The kiss was so gentle and tender that it brought tears to her eyes. When it was over she buried her face against his shoulder and just enjoyed the sense of absolute security she felt in his arms.
“You okay?” he asked after she finally stopped trembling.
“Yes. I’m sorry.” She said with a weak attempt at a smile. “I don’t freak like that very often.”
“Let’s go back inside.” He suggested and wanted to get her as far away from his vehicle and the painful reminder as possible. “I’ll borrow John’s truck.”
“No.” she denied adamantly and shook her head. “We’ll take the hummer.”
“Are you sure?” he asked and hated the thought of anything hurting her. Hell, he’d get rid of the damn thing before he’d let her be tormented by riding in it.
“If I don’t face my fears I’ll never overcome them, Luke.” She explained. “I’m stronger than a bad memory.”
His knuckles brushed over her cheek softly. “So beautiful and so damn brave,” he praised. “I never had a chance resisting you.”
“I’m glad.”
“So am I,” he agreed, and he was. No matter what happened, he was glad they had this time together. Damn, she was worth it. Once they were inside the vehicle, he reached over and took her cold hand in his. “I’m right here with you. You’re safe.”
“I know,” she said with a brave smile. Easy did feel safe with him which was dammed strange since he had the power to shatter her heart. She did just fine on the ride to the park and was pleased with herself when they arrived. If Luke could get her bike to run then her day would be perfect.
“When was the last time you had her tuned?” He asked as he turned the key and nothing happened.
“Last week before I went to Daytona.”
“The battery is dead,” he deduced after he knelt down and looked it over.
“Are you sure?”
“Positive.” Luke said as he stood. “The Harley dealership is open today. We could take a ride down there and pick up a new battery. How’d you like to spend the day on the beach soaking up some sun?”
“You wouldn't mind?” she asked hopefully.
His blue eyes were smoldering when Luke asked, “Mind spending the day staring at a smokin’ hot woman in a bikini? Best idea ever.”
~~~~
Once they arrived at the beach, Luke stopped for breakfast at a restaurant that catered mostly to tourists where he was sure that he wouldn’t run into anyone he knew. It damn sure wasn’t because he was ashamed of being seen with Easy, but he didn’t see any reason to publicize their association in Lakeside. At least not until he found out if there was a chance it could become an actual relationship and not just the casual sex she was interested in.
“Hey, Luke,” the manager greeted him when they walked inside the Harley dealership, but his eyes never left Easy. “It looks like your taste in women is improving.”
“Tim.” Luke said with a nod, his arm firmly around her waist in a show of possession. “Meet Easy.”
“Easy.” Tim repeated as if he liked the sound of it.
“Hello, Tim,” she greeted the tatted up biker with a friendly smile.
“What can I do for you folks today?”
“I need a battery for a Sportster 1200 Low,” she explained as Luke placed the dead battery on the counter.
“Nice,” he nodded his approval of the machine. “Are you sure the batteries dead?”
“I checked it,” Luke admitted and the other man nodded his consent.
“One battery coming up,” he agreed and went into the back to get it. After they had completed the transaction and the couple was leaving, Tim called after them, “Don't forget the meet at the club Saturday.”
“I'll be there,” Luke agreed as he led her outside.
“Club?” Easy queried.
He stared at her blankly before saying, “Rotary club.”
She smiled in amusement. “Tim didn't strike me as the average Rotarian.”
“He's a great guy.” Luke assured her.
~~~~
Worst. Idea. Ever. Luke decided as he glared a warning at yet another man who was ogling Easy’s sensuous body. Who the hell knew there was such a thing as a leather bikini? He sure as hell hadn’t, and goddamn it was awesome. He’d been as hard as granite ever since she’d shed her clothes and stretched out on the towels he’d brought along. Being the lucky man who got to cover her in suntan lotion was priceless.
Turning a woman like Easy loose on an unsuspecting male population was a dangerous thing, he discovered. Men stared at her and didn’t pay any attention to where they were walking. Several of them had plowed right through the sand castle that a couple of kids kept doggedly rebuilding, and one teenage boy had face planted in the sand after he tripped over a cooler. The woman at his side was oblivious to it all.
Easy lay there the perfect picture of relaxation and he wanted nothing more than to hide her incredible body from view. Okay, he’d much rather drag her off someplace private and make love to her until they were both unconscious, and he would have if she hadn’t seemed to be enjoying this so much. She was obviously still dealing with the trauma from the accident and probably needed to just relax and unwind.
Easy was so relaxed that she never wanted to move. After a night in Luke’s bed, she was more satiated than was decent to admit and she couldn’t keep a satisfied smile off of her face. She had known they would be highly combustible, but my God. His mattress had to be flame retardant otherwise it would have caught fire. She sighed contentedly and rolled onto her side.
Oh, mama. She looked over the
sinfully handsome man reclining on his elbow beside her and practically drooled at the sight. A half naked Luke Baker was simply breathtaking with all those gorgeous muscles on display. The man was ripped like a washboard and the rather noticeable bulge in the front of his board shorts was impressive as hell. His eyes were hidden behind wraparound shades, but she could feel the heat of his stare.
“You looked so relaxed that I thought you were asleep,” he said as his eyes dropped to where her nipples were hard pebbles against the finely woven strips of leather covering them.
“Umm. The beach always makes me mellow,” Easy sighed and propped her head on her hand. “What do you do to unwind, Luke?” she asked curiously and was eager to learn everything there was to know about him.
“I run,” he admitted and dragged his eyes away from her barely covered breasts. “Or spar with Matt if I’m really stressed.” Sparring with his older brother was guaranteed to release any pent up aggression and leave him completely exhausted. Much like having sex with Easy, but not nearly as satisfying.
“Martial arts?” she queried.
He nodded. “A combination of disciplines and hand to hand.”
“We’ll have to spar sometime.” Easy suggested and saw his brows shoot up above his shades.
Damn that was hot. A gorgeous, sexy as hell biker babe who practiced martial arts? Holy hell, could this woman be any more perfect for him? “Which discipline?”
“Krav Maga,” was replied with a perfect Israeli accent.
Luke pulled his shades off and stared at her in astonishment. Krav Maga was the deadliest form of martial art there was. “You’re kidding?” he choked.
She gave him a self-deprecating smile and replied, “Oh, I’m no expert like Ace, but I’m good enough to keep him on his toes.”
Who the hell was Ace? “Ace?” he asked with a narrow eyed stare as he slid his shades back on and hoped like hell he wasn’t a boyfriend, past or present.
“My older brother.” she clarified. “When we were teenagers, his best friend’s father was the Israeli ambassador and his head of security, a Moussad agent, trained them both.”