Love or Luxury

by Heather Thurmeier

  "You're back. How are you?" She smiled, surprise and happiness sinking in.

  He smiled. "I'm good. It's nice to be back in town and settling into life here again. I missed the Meadow while I was away."

  Missed the Meadow, but not me. The sting of his abandonment sprang to life inside of her as if it had always been there lying dormant. But that wasn't true. He hadn't abandoned her. He'd gone away to college. He probably still had feelings for her, too. Probably. "That's great," she said. "So you're staying in town, then?"

  "Yep, I bought Dr Bryce's old office down on Cedar. I've been fixing it up for the last little while, and I just opened up on Monday. You should come by and check it out. It looks nothing like it used to."

  Thoughts of the old doctor's office flooded her brain. She'd spent many hours in that office for her allergies over the years. It was sad that Dr Bryce had moved on to retirement but also sort of heartwarming that Reid had decided to breathe new life into the place.

  He'd been in town a while and hadn't called her? After she'd waited all this time for him? After struggling to stay in the Meadow, he hadn't bothered to call her?

  He was busy. It had nothing to do with wanting to see me.

  "Maybe I'll stop by sometime—to say hi, not to be a patient or anything. That would be weird, given our history." Her cheeks grew hot. "Not that you aren't professional enough to look past our… past."

  He chuckled. The sound of it brought her back to all the nights they'd watched movies in his basement, cuddling on the couch together, hoping they wouldn't get caught kissing if his mom came downstairs with a sudden overwhelming desire to do laundry.

  "It's okay. I'm a cardiologist now. I would hope you're not one of my patients for a very long time." His smile revealed a set of beautiful white teeth that probably cost his family a fortune.

  Before she could register what happened, Reid swept her into his arms, hugging her tight against his body. The smell of his familiar cologne instantly took her back to the last time he'd hugged her. She'd been going into tenth grade, and he'd been heading off to college.

  "I missed you, Rebecca," he whispered into her ear. "I never stopped thinking about you."

  As if time had suddenly jumped backward, she melted into him at his words. How many times had she wondered that very thing after he'd left her so quickly and easily? Millions. And now she had her answer.

  He'd missed her. She'd always known he was worth the wait, the struggles.

  I missed you, too. She swallowed the words without speaking them, playing it cool so he wouldn't realize how much she'd needed to hear those words.

  "You did, huh? I'm not sure I believe you, what with all the studying and fun you must have had in college all these years." She laughed off the ache trying to root in her chest. She would not admit to him she'd missed him, too, even though she had. A lot.

  She thought it would be easy to take him back. But now, seeing him again, being held by him again, her heart hurt from the years spent apart.

  "Oh, man, you're not kidding about the work. Those last years in residency went by in a blur." He slid his hands down her arms before stepping back and letting go of her. "I'm on my way to an appointment, so I can't stop and chat, but would you like to get together next week? We could go out, get caught up. What do you say?"

  She saw the little crinkles around his amazing eyes that time and study had put there. Maybe time had changed more than his appearance. Maybe time had changed what they used to have, what she'd waited all this time to have again. Or maybe they'd fall right back into their relationship as if time had stood still.

  Only one way to find out.

  "Okay." She smiled. "Next week sounds good."

  "Great. Does Luna still make the best tapas in the Meadow?"

  "Hands down the best."

  He checked his Blackberry, his thumb scrolling. "How's next Wednesday at eight work for you?"

  She checked her iPhone calendar. Free and clear. Her date with Mr Motorcycle was this Friday. "Sounds great. I'll see you there."

  "It's a date then." He bent his tall frame and brushed his lips gently against her cheek. "I've gotta go, but it was great running into you. I'll see you soon."

  As he walked down the sidewalk, checking his phone, she couldn't help but stare after him. She rubbed the spot on her cheek where his lips had been only a moment ago. A sense of warmth and familiarity came over her as she thought of Reid and everything she'd felt all these years. And now she was going on a date with him. Not just old friends getting caught up, but a date.

  So what if she already had a date lined up with Mr Motorcycle. It wasn't like she could cancel since she didn't even know his name. And so what if when she'd seen him in the diner the other day and her heart had felt as if she'd sprinted a marathon.

  Reid, on the other hand, was who she'd been pining for all this time. And he was a doctor. Seeing him brought back a few more feelings of hurt than she'd expected, but not enough to dampen her desire to have him in her life again.

  No dating prospects in months and now she had two men asking her out. Had her luck with men finally changed, or did fate just like messing with her?

  Chapter Four

  Finn sat sideways on his bike, his legs outstretched and crossed at the ankles on the edge of the curb. He'd gotten here early, so he could make sure to find a parking spot as close as possible to the crosswalk where they'd first met. He'd moved the bike three times as closer spots became available, but it was worth it.

  She was already worth the effort, and he didn't even know her name.

  The redhead in question strolled down the sidewalk toward him, looking fan-fucking-tastic in tight dark jeans, black knee-high boots, and a sparkly silver shirt hugging her curves in a way that made him jealous of the damned thing. Her hair was loose and as wild as it had been the other day. He could already imagine what it would look like streaming out behind her from under her helmet as the wind whipped through it.

  As she came to a stop in front of him with a smile on her face, he stood and couldn't help but grin back like an idiot. Damn she was hot.

  "You look amazing," he said.

  "Thank you. You look pretty good yourself."

  He'd dressed in a simple striped, button-up shirt, the sleeves rolled up to mid forearm, the top button open, and a pair of dark wash jeans. Dressy enough for the place he was taking her, yet he could still be comfortable. He wasn't much for suits and certainly wasn't about to wear one while on his motorcycle if he could help it. Thick denim was a much safer choice.

  "You ready to go?"

  She eyed his motorcycle, then the sidewalk, and nodded.

  Not quite the confidence he expected to see from her. She must be a first timer. "Have you ever ridden before?"

  She shook her head and met his gaze. "Nope. I thought it sounded fun and exciting, but now I'm just… nervous."

  He set his helmet on the seat and put his hand on her jaw instead. "What's your name? I've been trying to guess it for days now."

  "Rebecca," she said quietly, peering into his eyes.

  His mind said her name over and over again. She absolutely looked like a Rebecca. "It's nice to finally meet you, Rebecca," he said, her name flowing from him like he'd been saying it his whole life. "I'm Finn."

  She opened her mouth as if to say something, but she didn't.

  "I know I'm basically a stranger, but I promise you I'm a very safe driver. You don't have to be scared with me, Rebecca."

  She nodded.

  Finn unlatched the bungee net securing the extra helmet to the back of the bike. No one ever rode without a helmet on his bike. He slid the helmet onto her head and attached the chinstrap, adjusting it to make sure it was on tight. "Hop on." He pointed to the back of the bike and slid his helmet into place.

  Rebecca swung her leg over the back of the bike and settled herself into the seat. The sight of her straddling his bike was enough to make him fumble with his helmet's chinstrap. Damn. She really was gorgeo
us.

  He finished with his helmet and climbed onto the seat in front of her. "You're going to have to hold on tight." Her small hands slipped around his sides, gripping him softly. That wouldn't be tight enough to hold on, but it was certainly tight enough to stir a reaction in him. When was the last time that had happened?

  Her hands on his sides felt so good. He couldn't help but imagine what her hands would feel like elsewhere on his body. The engine revved to life beneath him, the rumble of it doing nothing to help calm the thoughts now racing through his mind.

  "Everything okay?" Rebecca yelled from behind him, her voice barely carrying over the noise of the engine and through the obstruction of his helmet.

  Sure. Great. Fine. If only he could get his mind off of her hands on his body. He needed to focus on the road, not her.

  "Just checking all the gauges and whatnot," he yelled back. An innocent lie.

  Get it together. She's already nervous without me acting like I don't know what I'm doing.

  Revving the engine one more time to clear his thoughts, he looked over his shoulder and carefully pulled out into the street. Her grip on him tightened with the movement, and he didn't even bother to try to stop a giant smile from spreading across his lips. Her hands felt so good.

  Maybe he couldn't allow himself to entertain too many thoughts of those hands roaming his body at the moment, but that didn't mean he couldn't still enjoy the feel of them right now. The way her body pressed against his back wasn't too bad either.

  Yes, this was definitely a drive he would enjoy.

  Maybe he'd take the long way to the restaurant.

  * * * *

  Rebecca's heart thundered in her ears inside the tight-fitting helmet. Why, why, why hadn't she said she'd drive herself to the restaurant? The thought of riding a motorcycle was so much more thrilling than actually doing it. They hadn't even moved ten feet yet, and she was already terrified.

  She knew she was gripping Finn's sides hard, her knuckles looked white, but she couldn't help it. No matter how tightly she squeezed, she still felt like she was going to fall right off the back as soon as the light turned green and he hit the gas. Just the thought made it harder for her to breathe.

  She'd seen lots of girls ride on the back of motorcycles before, and they always looked so completely comfortable. Rebecca didn't feel comfortable at all. Nope. Not a little bit.

  Although, there was something nice about the feel of Finn's sides under her hands. His body felt lean and strong like a man who played sports for a living, instead of a hobby.

  Rebecca squealed as the light turned green and the motorcycle shot forward. Logic told her they were on the main street running through the Meadow, so there was no way he was going fast, but her fear told her to shut the hell up and hold on tighter. Wind whipped around her face.

  Her palms moistened with fear as she held on, knowing she was probably ruining his nice, crisp shirt. But there wasn't anything she could do about that right now. Holding on was her first priority, not the appearance of his shirt.

  He could lose the shirt for all she cared.

  Actually, that would probably help in this situation. If his chest was as muscular as she suspected it was, then she'd be too distracted to be terrified. Yep, that sounded great.

  They pulled out of the gates at the edge of the Meadow and onto the highway that ran into the city. The same highway she loved cruising down on her way to and from work each day with her windows rolled all the way down and her music cranked all the way up.

  This experience was nothing like that.

  The second the bike began picking up speed, she slipped her hands around his waist and hugged him tighter. She didn't give a damn if this was too close to get with a guy she'd only just met. It was either snuggle or risk falling off.

  His abs constricted under her touch, and she couldn't help but notice she currently hugged a full six-pack. He felt so solid under her hands. Perhaps riding a motorcycle on a first date wasn't such a bad idea. She got a little sample of what was normally hidden away for a while.

  Resting her head on his shoulder, at least she thought it was his shoulder since she couldn't feel anything through her helmet, she closed her eyes and focused on her breathing. Deep breath in. Slowly let it out. All those years of yoga were finally coming to good use.

  A few minutes later, they pulled into a spot along a road she didn't recognize. The street was lined with cafés and restaurants; music and people filled the sidewalk. The atmosphere reminded her of Lark Ave in the Meadow, but with less Jags and diamonds.

  "You can let go now. We're here," Finn's said. He'd already removed his helmet.

  She realized a moment later that she still clung to him as if they were flying down the highway, instead of parked with the engine off. "Sorry," she said, trying to hide the embarrassment in her voice.

  She relaxed her arms and sat back. The cool air slipped between them, making her shiver. She probably should have worn a warmer shirt. Now that the sun was setting, and she didn't have Finn's body heat to snuggle with, the chill in the air hit her.

  Finn hopped off the bike and held out his hand to her. She took it for balance as she climbed off her spot on the bike, her legs feeling like wet noodles beneath her. With shaking fingers, she tried to unfasten her chinstrap, but she couldn't seem to make it come undone.

  "Let me help," Finn said, quickly releasing her from the helmet.

  She smoothed her hair with her hands.

  Great. First I'm chicken about the ride here, now I have helmet head. Way to make a good impression.

  "You still look completely amazing. Don't worry about your hair." Finn tucked his helmet under one arm, still holding her helmet by the strap, and took her hand in his other. His hand felt large and warm wrapped around hers. And just as strong as the rest of him.

  He led her down the sidewalk to a building with a red brick façade. The sign outside read Eclipse and gave no indication of the cuisine. Inside the restaurant, soft lighting and live music greeted them. After only a few minutes, she could feel the vibe of the place was warm and welcoming and relaxed.

  As they sat in a cozy booth overlooking a small dance floor in front of the stage, they ordered their meals. Rebecca sipped on a Long Island iced tea, and Finn looked happy to have his dark ale in hand.

  "Do you come here a lot?" she asked.

  "Not too often. But when I want to hear live music and grab some great food, I think of this place."

  "How did you find it?"

  Most of the men she'd ever dated always took her to places within the gates, unless they decided to take her to the fancy revolving restaurant in the city that sat atop a skyscraper. She'd never come to this part of the city before. Hell, she didn't even know what part of the city she was in. But she liked it.

  Of course, she'd never dated a man from outside the Meadow before either.

  "I did a job for one of the other restaurants on this street. While it was under reconstruction, we used to come in here for dinner before heading home."

  "Lucky find."

  "I love it here. The music is loud enough to dance to, but not so noisy that you can't have a conversation. Speaking of, care to dance?" He nodded in the general direction of the dance floor.

  She glanced over at the people dancing. They all looked as if they were having a good time. The music was fast and upbeat. Her boots weren't exactly made for dancing, but what the hell; it wasn't everyday a hot guy wanted to dance with her. She'd be a fool to say no to Finn.

  She left her handbag sitting in the booth, where she could easily see it, and followed Finn out onto the dance floor. He was a surprisingly good dancer. And every now and then, he'd make an old school move he must have seen on some 80's rerun on MTV, and she couldn't help but burst out laughing. He was too cute.

  The song ended as she was getting into it. The next song was still upbeat, but not quite as fast as the first. They quickly fell into step together, finding their rhythm. The distance between
them grew smaller with every chorus and by the time the song ended, they were practically dirty dancing. God. Who knew guys could dance like this?

  The song changed again, this time to a slow, melodic tune. The female singer's voice turned sultry, bleeding out of the speakers and into the air like a poison designed to inebriate the senses and relax inhibitions.

  Rebecca wrapped her arms around Finn's shoulders, pulling herself to him, the distance between them now non-existent as they swayed to the soft music. His hands were warm on her lower back as he pressed against her. Their bodies moved together as one unit as the singer went on about something, singing words Rebecca couldn't concentrate on. It didn't matter what the song said. Nothing mattered, except the way Finn was looking at her—his gaze hot and penetrating, clearly as affected by the music as she was.

  She felt one of his hands dip slightly below the waist of her jeans, ever closer to being on her rear. She wanted him to touch more, lower. To grab her and pull her as close to him as she could get while fully clothed.

  But he didn't. Instead, he kept his hand just where it was, wavering on the edge of improper and acceptable. Improper definitely would have been fine with her, but she appreciated his respect for her boundaries.

  Even in her stiletto boots, she still had to tilt her head to really look at him. She went up on her toes and brushed her lips against his cheek. When she pulled back, his eyes were questioning.

  "For being such a good dancer." She answered his unspoken question.

  He smiled a crooked smile, his eyes looking every bit as lust-filled as she felt. "Can I thank you for the same?"

  She nodded. The expression on his face too powerful to let her even dream of saying no, not that she wanted to.

  He slid his hand up her back and settled at the nape of her neck. Tingles of anticipation sparked along her skin under his fingers as he brought his mouth to hers. His lips were soft and tender on hers as he kissed her. A sigh escaped her mouth, her lips parting of their own accord against his. His tongue found hers, eager and cautious at the same time.