to adjust a bit to find a comfortable position with all the dress’s tulle getting in the way. Putting a little space between Parker and me, I grip the handle on the back seat rest to keep myself stable. This is my first time ever riding on one of these things, so I’m not quite sure what to expect.
Parker turns his head to look at me and flips up the helmet’s face shield. “You might want to hang on tight,” he says, and I can tell he’s grinning by the look in his eyes.
He starts the ignition and I feel the entire motorcycle rumble between my legs. The vibration feels both awkward and exhilarating at the same time. The vehicle suddenly rocks forward, sending me crashing into Parker’s firm back. I hear the clank of our helmets bumping into each other before I lock my arms around him in a tight grip, to keep from falling off.
There was definitely nothing that could’ve prepared me for the sensation of riding on a motorcycle. The closest thing I can compare it to is being on a roller coaster, but with no restraints. With Parker driving, though, I feel safe the entire time because he’s patient and knows that I’m not much of a thrill-seeker. I won’t lie…I could really get used to this.
Chapter Eight
When we pull up to the outskirts of the forest where the party took place, there are three Holden Ridge deputy cars sitting there.
“Shit! If any of those guys see me, there’s no way it’s not getting back to my dad,” I say, feeling dejected after flipping up my helmet’s visor.
“Well, if they find your car, won’t that be just as bad?” Parker asks.
Why does he have to make sense all the time? It’s kind of annoying…cute, but annoying.
“You’re right. Maybe I should just bite the bullet and head in to get my car. Stay here and wait for me, okay?”
“Sure, I’ll be here,” he replies, as I go to get off the motorcycle.
“Thanks again…for everything,” I say with a slim smile while handing him the helmet.
He removes his helmet and rests it in his lap before taking the one from me. “My pleasure,” he answers with that damn gorgeous grin of his. That grin could melt chocolate—just sayin’. “Oh, and Dani?”
“Yeah?”
“Hey, about the whole us thing—”
“We’ll talk about us later, all right?” I answer.
He nods. “Okay.”
Making my way through the woods, I have yet to come into contact with anyone. As I reach the empty lot where all the cars were parked, I see one of the deputies filling out paperwork next to mine. Which, by the way, is the only one left in the lot. Awesome.
“Well, there’s no time like the present, I guess,” I say under my breath as I leave the security of the trees and move toward the deputy. Out of the corner of my eye, I see someone hurrying toward me. I’m afraid to look over once he calls out my name.
“You’ve got a lot of explaining to do, young lady!” My father’s voice pierces through me to my core, and I feel my stomach launch into my throat like I was just on a roller coaster that went backward. “What the hell were you doing here last night? And why are you dressed like that?”
So, if I didn’t already know he was pissed with me, the “hell” in his last question definitely cemented that fact. He’s not that big on cursing, and, yes, “hell” is a curse word to my dad.
“Uh…well…what exactly can I say right now that wouldn’t result in my permanent grounding?” I ask, not wanting to know his answer.
“Not much, but you can start with the truth.”
“The truth?”
He nods while crossing his arms over his chest, staring at me sternly. He’s holding his facial features so tight that his face looks like it’s made of stone.
For some reason, I’m suddenly infected with the worst case of word vomit I’ve ever had. So much for keeping secrets. “Well, the truth is that I did know there was a party going on here last night. I did lie about studying with Alex and Rory. I actually made the flyer for this party. I got drunk, passed out, and woke up in a guy’s bed, but nothing happened though. And that’s why my car is the only…one…here.” I notice that his face falls more and more as I keep talking, so I decide to shut up because I’m saying things I really