Loner by Harloe Rae Page 0,69

he cranks the throttle and an explosive roar cracks into the silence. He revs the engine, and a plume of exhaust spits out behind us. The final warning I get is Crawford reversing onto the road. Then we’re soaring, heading east out of town.

Within moments, a calm awareness hooks into me. There’s already a natural buzz flooding my system, this state of utter relaxation that cradles me in a protective embrace. It’s no wonder people escape the grind by cruising along the open road. I could be one of them after an experience like this. The rumbling growl of the pipes soothes me as signs of civilization thin out, leaving room for endless fields to get lost in. After about five minutes, a powerful floating sensation washes over me. The strong scent of gasoline and oil are carried away by the whipping wind. Out here, nothing can reach us.

We ride far enough that I lose track of direction. Crawford pulls off the highway and aims straight for a narrow gravel path. The bike slows to a crawl as we weave up a steady incline. An overgrown prairie with shallow dips and hills surrounds us on all sides. The climb crests at a flat plot to our right. The grass isn’t quite as long on this random patch, allowing the motorcycle to navigate with minimal bumps. Crawford veers to one side and cuts the engine.

The silence is almost jarring after nearly an hour of booming noise. He yanks off his helmet and I do the same. Crawford dismounts, offering me a hand to get down. I wipe the dust off my clothes before attempting to tame the nest my hair has become. Once some semblance of normal settles in, I finally glance up to take in the scenery. The exhale in my chest stalls with a strangled hitch.

To the unsuspecting visitor, this section of field appears ordinary and blends in with the landscape. But I can hear the whispering breeze hinting at what’s hidden below the surface. The view alone is enough to leave me motionless. From this perch, unobstructed miles of rolling meadows are visible. There’s a stream cutting through a far end, and I wonder if that leads to the creek we swam in. A lone tree calls to me next. The weeping willow is a rarity to this part of the country; I assume someone planted it once upon a time. Strands of wispy branches wave at me, beckoning with a call I can feel in my bones.

I feel him approach from behind, his body a furnace engulfing me in flames without a single touch. “Another natural treasure,” I breathe.

He spans an arm out in front of us. “It certainly is. This sight alone is worth the drive.”

“This is quite a whimsical setting. Did you bring me here for a reason?”

“In all my years coming out here, I’ve never seen anyone else along this path.” His raspy words brand the back of my neck.

I shiver despite trying my damndest not to. “You’ve got a lot of these secret gardens.”

“Something like that.”

“You do seem to enjoy isolation.” I fiddle with a fraying rip in my jeans.

“I’m learning that it’s better when shared with a chosen few.”

Another wave of heat swirls in my lower belly. “Oh?”

He brushes against me. “That’s why I’m showing you all of my hiding spots. They can be yours, too.”

I let my eyelids flutter shut. “Be careful, Ford. You’re bordering on being romantic.”

“If it gets you naked faster, I’ll be Prince fucking Charming.”

“I thought you prefer being a beast?” But hell, for the record, I won’t complain either way.

“People can change.”

“Just part of the plan?”

“For now.”

My pulse speeds up until the pounding feels like a marching beat. “If I didn’t know better, I’d guess that you’re trying to get lucky.”

“What was your first hint?”

I motion to the vast beauty cocooning us. “Spelling it out isn’t necessary.”

“No?” Crawford presses his arousal into my ass, leaving very little to the imagination. “That works in my favor.”

“Yes, you’re all set. Very solid.” Damn, my voice is one gasp away from labored.

“All for you, Kee.”

That’s a good enough commitment for me. I turn and grip the open edges of his jacket, tugging him into me. Crawford erases the remaining distance, slanting his mouth over mine. I sigh against his lips, melting a bit more on the inside. His arm circles my waist when I sway on unstable legs. Good grief, this man can kiss. I part for him, granting his