Page 92 of Detour

The boys showing up as promised may be helping to keep Joe in line. Most days it’s been Coty or Beckett but yesterday Marc showed up when Coty had a meeting. They’ve been having a lot of those lately but none of them seem inclined to share what they’re about. Marc surprised me by waiting in the actual bay, which did a hell of a job scaring every man, woman, and child in the vicinity. Coty’s been picking me up on his bike, which causes a scene no matter how low-key he’s being, while Beckett’s been parking in the middle of the employee lot, music blaring, and walking into the wash to find me. It’ll be interesting to see what happens first—whether I can quit on my own accord or get fired from the guys’ antics.

Pulling up, I notice a small group gathered around the boys’ bikes. Coty immediately saunters over, meeting me at my Jeep and hauls me into a hug before my feet can touch the ground, kissing me thoroughly.

I can’t help but laugh. “You act like you didn’t just see me this morning.”

We’ve been spending every night together, either at his place or mine. He complains about my lack of air conditioning and I dislike the nonexistent privacy at his, so we take turns to even things out. Once we fall into bed together everything melts away though, leaving us in our personal cocoon to explore and enjoy each other. I’m quickly getting addicted to him, and it sounds like he’s having a similar reaction.

Today was the first day I took my own car to Hot Spots since I had the interview afterward, and I know it bothered him not having that reassurance.

“I miss you when you turn away from me. I miss you when you close your eyes at night. I miss you when your lips pull away from mine.” He leans down, softly nipping at my lips. “I miss your smell.”

I rear back. “My smell? And what’s that?”

“Strawberries.” He shrugs, then bends until his mouth teases my ear, whispering, “And cream.”

I whack his arm and push him away. “I knew it. That’s all you really care about, huh?”

Coty laughs lightly.

“Neighbor girl, this boy is so whipped I’m surprised you haven’t found him camped out on your doormat yet.” Beckett comes up behind Coty, putting his arm around his shoulders. “Don’t get me wrong though, the sex does sound amazing.” Beckett guffaws just before Coty shoves him off.

With a warm face, I drop my gaze to the ground, mumbling out, “I don’t have a doormat.”

The crowd’s gone quiet with Beckett’s words and is suddenly interested in what’s caught Coty’s attention—me. While I may have caught it, the question remains…will I keep it? If Beckett’s right about Coty’s feelings, then maybe I have a chance. If I want that chance is something I’m still trying to figure out.

“I’m messin’ with you, Angie.” He grabs the roll bar next to my head. “Anyway, come play with us.” I scowl at him and he chuckles, throwing his other hand up. “Not like that. Damn, you’re grouchy today. Anything happen with that needle dick boss of yours?”

“No, he was fine.” I leave out the odd looks Joe was casting my way, choosing to tell them about the interview instead.

When I’m finished, Marc calls from atop his bike, “Let’s go.”

“Where are you guys going?”

“Where are we going? You’re coming with.” Beckett gestures toward his bike. “Want to ride with me?” His eyebrows dance with mischief. Coty threatens bodily harm. We all laugh. There’s never a dull moment with these three.

After agreeing to go, I run upstairs to freshen up. I throw on a pair of shredded jeans and a black spaghetti strap crop top with some clean shell-toes. I quickly braid my hair over my shoulder before grabbing Coty’s black hoodie. Coming back down, I find everyone paired up on either motorcycles or tricked-out rides. Coty’s holding a different helmet than the borrowed one I’ve been using all week, so I cock an eyebrow, slowing my approach. Up close, it looks like it has two cat ears sticking from the top. It’s definitely a girl helmet, but I’d like to know exactly which girl he got it from.

I pop my hip out and fold my arms over my chest. Coty, reading the question on my face, answers before I even have to speak.

“Don’t worry, I didn’t get this from anyone else. This is yours.” My eyes widen. “It was supposed to be your graduation present but I kept forgetting to give it to you.” I can’t help the cheesy smile that paints my face. “Although I like seeing you jealous, so now I’m kind of glad I waited.”

Speechless, I take the smooth black helmet to turn it over in my hands. It’s sexy, I’ll give him that. He’s already attached a Bluetooth speaker so I can be connected to him and the others. I never pictured myself riding a motorcycle enough to own a helmet but Coty’s changing that. He’s changing a lot of things.

Coty teaches me how to actually put this one on by myself, and after a few clumsy attempts, I finally get it. I give him a bobble head kiss and thank him quietly, promising to show my appreciation later which earns me an enthusiastic smack on the ass.

Wrapping my arms around Coty’s waist, I prop my hands on the gas tank and he squeezes my thigh before starting the engine. Daily rides together haven’t changed the fact that I still feel more comfortable using my hands to support my weight instead of relying solely on him, and the stiffness in his back tells me he’s noticed. I run my hand up his stomach, letting him know I understand. He catches my hand, brings it up to his helmet’s mouthpiece demonstrating a kiss, then returns it to the tank in his own way of saying he understands, too. The tension in his back eases, and after losing myself in Beckett’s chosen music, we sail into the night.

CHAPTER 31

Angela

T he treeless plain we reach is already littered with people. Some are dancing to loud music pouring from speakers in trunks while others are showing off different tricks on motorcycles.

The boys park in perfect unison and I realize that, unlike me, this isn’t their first rodeo. I suddenly want this helmet, and everything I’m pretending to be in it, off.

Coty catches my fidgety hands in his and helps untie the straps, keeping my focus the entire time. His coffee eyes help to slow my breathing from the uncertainty knocking its way around my chest. Coty’s confidence quiets my apprehension as clusters of partiers pass, taking notice of the new arrivals.

Girls call out to the guys but Coty’s gaze stays glued to mine, never wavering. His smile widens each time mine tightens, telling me he’s aware of what’s going on. He’s enjoying the hell out of my reaction which only pisses me off further. Well, the girls are the real culprits for my foul mood, but still, he doesn’t have to be so damn happy about it.