High-Sided: An Armed & Dangerous Novel

by L. P. Dover

  Sean stood by the fence and I joined him, leaning on my elbows over the rail. There was a time when we were friends. “You don’t like me very much, do you?” I asked.

  He snorted. “Obviously.”

  I held up my hands, trying to gauge his reaction. As far as I was concerned, everyone around me was a suspect. I wasn’t about to tell Kassie, but Sean had as much motive to get rid of me as anyone else. If he wanted her, who was to say he didn’t sabotage my bike himself? I could sense a jealous ex from a mile away.

  I faced him head on, taunting him. If he was guilty of anything, I’d be able to see right through him. “I get it, I do. You hate me for leaving Kassidy the way I did. But I only did it to keep her from screwing up her life. I don’t see why you’re so angry. You got what you wanted.”

  His head jerked my way, but it wasn’t jealousy in his eyes; it was pain. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “You got her.”

  He shook his head. “No, I got a girl who was crushed by the guy she loved. She never loved me like that. I hoped it’d grow into something more, but it didn’t. So forgive me if I’m not exactly happy you’re back. I know nothing will ever happen with me and Kassidy again, but I still care about her.”

  “I do too,” I said.

  His jaw clenched. “Then prove it. Don’t leave her like you did last time. Because so help me God, if you break her heart again, I’ll fuck you up and not think twice about it.”

  It wasn’t exactly what I thought he’d say, but I was impressed. Maybe he wasn’t such a bad guy after all. I held out my hand. “Deal. I won’t leave her, unless she asks me to go.”

  He stared at my hand, then grasped it tight. “Deal.” We shook hands and watched the guys ride around the track in silence. “Thanks for helping with them,” he said, nodding toward my teammates.

  I smiled, especially when Daniel sped smoothly through the most dangerous turn of the track. “You’re welcome. It felt good to help out. I didn’t realize how much I missed being a part of this world.”

  “I’m surprised to see you racing again. Most of us thought you’d be crippled and stuck at a desk job somewhere.”

  I shook my head. “Not me. After I learned to walk again, I got right back on my bike. The accident made me see the world in a whole new light. When I wasn’t working construction, I taught motorcycle safety courses at the local college.” The former was false, but while I was earning my degree, I did teach the safety courses.

  “Seems like you did well for yourself,” Sean added.

  “I did. Now all that’s left is to come in first in the championship race.” I’d be up against the best racers in the world, after my last shot had been taken away from me. I wanted it back and I was determined to get it.

  Once my training at the track was done, I loaded up my bike and got in my truck. It was time to take Kassie on our first date in eight years. My phone beeped and I realized I’d left it in the car. All of the missed calls were from Micah.

  The phone rang and he picked up. “About damn time.”

  “Some of us actually have to train. I’m not like you, who gets to sit on my ass and play bad boy.” I started on my way back to the shop.

  He snorted. “You should try it sometime. I kind of like being an arrogant dick.”

  “No thanks. I’ve got it pretty good on my end.”

  “Oh yeah? Does that mean you got your woman back?”

  “Yep, and I’m going out with her tonight.”

  “Sweet.” He chuckled. “She’ll be safer with you anyway. You wouldn’t want me guarding her body.”

  “Exactly. So have you found out anything more on your end? I’m keeping my eyes open, but so far, nothing’s come up over here. It’s just the beginning though.”

  “I think I might have something,” he said, his voice serious. “I was eating lunch at this diner today, and Mark Danvers and Brad Hendrix walked in. I pretended not to notice, but they were talking about me. A few minutes later, Mr. Hendrix himself comes over and sits in front of me.”

  “What did he want?”

  He cleared his throat. “He wants to meet with me one on one at his house this Saturday. It’s the party I got invited to.”

  “Did he say what it was about?” I asked.

  “Only that he’s looking for a new rider. I’m gonna wire myself up, so you can listen in. I’ll see if I can back him into a corner.”

  “Good deal. It’ll be nice to bust his ass.”

  He scoffed. “No shit. The guy’s a fucking douche. I’m supposed to meet Mark and Jacob so we can ride through Deals Gap. You headin’ out that way?”

  “Not tonight.”

  “Dude, we need people to see us at each other’s throats.”

  “I know, but now’s not a good time. Before the party Saturday night will be perfect. We’ll work something out.”

  “Good. I’ll be ready.”

  We said our goodbyes and I arrived at the shop. Kassie was still there. Her blue Jeep was in the same parking space from when I left earlier. I made my way inside and watched as she worked. She’d changed so much, but yet she was still the same girl I fell in love with. I’d told her a month was all I could spend on her father’s case, but there was no way I could leave knowing her family was in danger. No matter how long it took, I was going to stay until the very end.

  Kassidy

  I was almost done with the bookkeeping when a knock sounded on my door. I looked up and smiled. Logan’s hair was in disarray from riding. It was that sexy, tousled look. “Hey, you. How’d it go today?”

  Grinning from ear to ear, he entered my office and sat down. “Not bad. Sean and I had a heart to heart.”

  I groaned. “Was it bad?”

  He shook his head. “Nah, he just said he’d fuck me up if I hurt you again.”

  My chest ached. “That’s Sean for you. He’s overprotective, like you.”

  “Nah, I’m much worse. If I was him, I would’ve already kicked my ass.”

  I burst out laughing. “Glad you could admit that. Are you ready to go on our date?” I asked, getting to my feet.

  “Yep. Waiting on you.” I followed him out into the shop and he stopped. “Do you have your helmet with you?”

  “For what?” I always kept a set of motorcycle gear in my Jeep.

  He grinned wide. “You’re gonna ride with me, like you used to.”

  “I’m perfectly capable of taking my own bike.”

  As soon as we got outside and away from prying eyes, he came up behind me, his lips brushing against my ear. “I know, but I want to feel those legs of yours straddling me.” He ran his hands down my thighs and pulled me back into him.

  My whole body trembled, even the spot between my legs. “I have a helmet in my Jeep,” I whispered. After our make out session in the office today, there was no way I could do that again and not completely lose myself. I wanted him more than I wanted anything else. While he unloaded his motorcycle out of the back of his truck, I fetched my helmet. “Where exactly are we going?”

  “You’ll see.” He put on his helmet and took off the back seat cover, patting it with his hand. “Let’s go, babe.”

  Before I could get on, my phone rang. “Hold on a sec.” It was my sister. “Maddie, what’s up?”

  “Nothing much. Just wanted to let you know I’m coming into town tonight. I finished up with work early, so I thought I’d spend some more time out there.”

  That was some of the best news I’d heard all day. “I can’t wait to see you. Feels like it’s been forever.”

  She sighed. “I know. I’ll see you tomorrow and we can catch up.”

  “How’s Madison?” Logan asked as I hung up.

  “Good. You’ll get to see her tomorrow.” I strapped on my helmet and hopped on the bike behind Logan, wrapping my arms around his waist.

  “Ready?”

  My heart raced. “Yep. Let’s go!”

  His bike roared to life and he took off down the street. I hadn’
t ridden with anyone since I’d learned to ride on my own. You had to have a certain level of trust to put your life in someone else’s hands. I trusted Logan with my life, even more so now.

  We rode through East Franklin until we got to Highway 68. I couldn’t help but smile; I knew where we were going. Our first date was like this, me holding onto him as we rode through the curvy, mountain roads to the beautiful waterfalls just a few miles away. His riding was always so smooth and perfect. I was never afraid of riding with him, even when we leaned into the tight curves. All I did was hold him tight and enjoy the ride.

  We came up on Cullasaja Falls and he pulled off to the side of the road. It was the same spot we stopped at on our first date. He hadn’t wanted to take me out to eat and to the movies like everyone else did at our age. We’d been more adventurous and carefree.

  Logan held onto my hand as I hopped off his bike. The view of the falls was breathtaking. I’d ridden past them numerous times over the years, but I never cared to stop and actually look at them, not after all the memories Logan and I shared there. I took off my helmet and so did Logan.

  “Remember when we used to come up here all the time?” he asked, putting his arm around my waist.

  I smiled up at him. “How could I forget?”

  Taking my hand, he helped me over the guardrail and we climbed down the rocky slope toward the water’s edge. The sound of rushing water grew louder the closer we got. We were right at the top of the falls, where the water cascaded over. There were large boulders in the water and we hopped across them until we got to the one we used to always sit on. Just one minor slip and we’d be in the water, tumbling over the falls. It was an exhilarating feeling to be close to something so powerful. Sprays of refreshing cold water misted across my skin.

  Logan wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me closer. “I’ve missed this place. Don’t get me wrong, Charlotte has its perks, but there’s nothing as amazing as this.”

  “What are you going to do when you go back?” I asked, knowing the inevitable was going to happen. He had a house and a life he’d just up and left. Plus, he knew I couldn’t leave Bennett Racing behind. My home was here, in the mountains.

  He stared over at me, obviously hearing the trepidation in my tone by the way his brows furrowed. “Are you asking if I’m going to forget about you?”

  I shrugged. “You have a life over there. I don’t know what you left behind.” Or who, but I didn’t want to say that.

  Sighing, he leaned in and kissed me. “To be honest, I don’t consider Charlotte my home. I was never there much to begin with. I threw myself into work for the most part. I could be working on a case for months.”

  I didn’t like the thought of him leaving town for months without seeing him, but I knew it was his job. Sooner or later, he’d have to go back to it. “Is that how it’ll always be?” I asked.

  A small smile spread across his face. “You worried about me?”

  “Of course, I am. When I knew you were in school to be an agent, I never thought about all the danger you’d be in. I don’t want anything bad to happen to you.”

  He leaned over and kissed me, his hands firm against my cheeks. “Don’t worry about that, Kassie. I’m good at what I do. No matter what I have to do, or where I have to go, I’ll always come back to you. I don’t want to lose you again.” The wind blew a strand of hair into my face and he brushed it away. “What about you? You’re about to fully take over Bennett Racing. How does that feel?”

  I chuckled. “Scary as hell. I think one of the reasons my dad hired Sean was so that I’d have back up. We’ve had some riders tryout who blatantly have no respect for women. When my dad’s around, people fear him, and in return, fear me. I just don’t know how it’ll be when he steps down.”

  “You’ll do fine,” he murmured. “Besides, if anyone tries to fuck around with you, I’ll kick their ass. That is, if Sean doesn’t beat me to it.”

  “Is it going to bother you that I’ll be working with him for the rest of my life?”

  His jaw clenched and he looked away. “As long as he doesn’t try anything with you, we’ll be fine. But I’m not going to lie, it’s worse knowing you two have slept together.”

  I’d be livid if he had to work closely with a woman he’d had sex with. “I promise, you have nothing to worry about. And speaking of which, I’m going out to dinner with Sean and Janie tomorrow night.”

  His brows lifted. “And I didn’t get an invite?”

  I shook my head. “It’s not like that. I have a plan and I’ll need your help. I want Sean and Janie to hit it off.” By the look in Logan’s eyes, he wanted them to work out too.

  We rode further up the highway to see more waterfalls before turning around and heading back home, since it was getting dark. When he dropped me off at the shop, there was no one there. He loaded up his bike in the back of his truck and strapped it down. I couldn’t blame him for wanting to keep it away from people who could sabotage it. The last thing I wanted was to see him hurt on the track. However, it made me feel like we couldn’t trust the guys on our team.

  I leaned against Logan’s truck and he blocked me in.

  “Is there anything else you want to do, or should we call it a night?” he asked. I was nowhere near ready to let him go.

  “We could order take-out and eat at my house.” I bit my lip, waiting for his reply. It felt like we were on a first date. I couldn’t help but be nervous around him.

  He noticed me biting my lip and smiled. “Is that Italian place we liked still open?”

  My stomach growled. “Yep and it’s even better than before. The garlic knots will always be my favorite.”

  “I remember,” he murmured. “Why don’t you call it in, then we can drop off your Jeep at your house and pick up the food.”

  “Sounds good.”

  We arrived at my house and he carried the food inside, setting it on the kitchen table. I went to get plates and silverware. “What’s the one thing you couldn’t live without in Charlotte?” I asked.

  “That’s a good question. The nightlife was pretty good in downtown, but I enjoyed the football games. In fact, I got to meet several of the Carolina Cougars. Some of them were good friends with the local cops I hung out with. We used to all get together at a place called the Second Street Bar.”

  I fetched the sweet tea out of the refrigerator and poured us both a glass. “That sounds awesome. Looks like you got to know a lot of famous people while you were away. First, Hadley Rivers, and now the Carolina Cougars. Is there anyone else I should know about?” I gave him his drink and he chuckled.

  “I think that’s it.”

  We sat down and I took a bite of my baked ziti. “I met Luke Collins last year in Georgia at the supercross race. Other than that, I haven’t met any other famous people.”

  His eyes widened. “Wow. He’s the best dirt bike rider around.”

  I nodded. “I know. Ever since I started riding them, Levi and I would go to some of the supercross races together. I thought it might be a good investment to hire dirt riders.”

  Logan froze, his fork at his lips. “That’s not a bad idea, Kass. Have you talked to Richard about it?”

  Shaking my head, I tore a garlic knot in half and stuffed it in my mouth. “Not yet. Right now’s not a good time with everything going on. But in the future, I’d like to see it happen.” My father wasn’t as knowledgeable with riding the dirt like he was the road, but I knew we could tap into a whole different market if I explored it.

  “I’d like to see it too,” Logan replied. “Bennett Racing has to grow with the times, if you want it to survive.”

  That was exactly what I was going to tell my father. “You’re exactly right.”

  We finished our dinner and Logan helped me clean up the table. He glanced around the kitchen and smiled. “Your place looks exactly the same.”

  “Because it is. I did get a new bedroom set a couple years ago though.”

  “I know. I saw i
t when I broke into your room.”

  I burst out laughing. “I wish I could’ve seen your face when you saw me ride away on my bike.”

  He tossed the dishrag into the sink and I washed it out. “Believe me, I was shocked. You ride pretty good . . . for a girl.”

  “Hey,” I exclaimed, flicking water on him. “It took you a while to catch up with me. I think I’m better than good.”

  We both laughed and finished up the dishes. Once we were done, we sat down on the couch; nothing but silence all around us. That was what I liked about living in the middle of nowhere. You couldn’t hear cars or any other sounds, only nature.

  Logan put his arm around me and his thigh brushed against mine. I placed my hand on his leg and traced circles on it, thinking about the past. “Were you scared when you didn’t think you’d be able to walk again?”

  He looked down at me and sighed. “Terrified, but I refused to let it get me down.”

  My eyes burned. “I often wondered how you were doing. I searched for you on the internet to see if I could find anything, but nothing ever came up. Levi was the one who told me you were on the mend. After that, he never spoke a word about you.”

  He nodded. “He was only doing what I asked. It took a year to walk again. My parents found the best physical therapists around and they worked with me nonstop. After I got all my strength back, my parents moved to Florida and I transferred to a different college so I could finish my degree. I was able to join the FBI shortly thereafter.”

  Tears fell down my cheeks and I turned away. We were supposed to go to the same college so we could be together. “I wish I could’ve been there to help you. I can’t imagine what you must’ve gone through.”

  “It wasn’t easy,” he murmured. “There were times I’d wake up in a ball of sweat and reach for my phone, wanting nothing more than to hear your voice. Only, I never could finish the call.”