Thirty-four

It was hot again today, the sky a clear blue. I took a deep breath and relaxed. The air was crispy and the grass swayed along the mantra of the wind. I stopped just outside my door and took the scenery in. It was beautiful of course.

A hook took me out of my reverie. My heart missed a beat – Bradley was leaning against a black and red motorbike – a breath-taking smile planted on his lips. I knew my answer then; yes, yes Bradley was worth my reputation. I stared, mesmerized.

“I was hoping you’d ride with me today.” His voice was seductive and furry. His black eyes tender.

I stumbled, my knees weak and wobbly as I walked down the driveway.

"Err…hi.” I was surprised he still had that effect on me. My words still stuck in my throat each time he smiled at me. It was just like the first time I’d laid my eyes on him.

He glared at me.

“You’re angry.” I said. “What have I done this time?”

"I’m not going anywhere with you dressed like that.” He said through clenched teeth.

“I can’t change.” I said outraged, I couldn’t be away from him even for a second.

“I’ll lock you in the house for the whole day if I have to.”

I smiled. Me and Bradley, locked in the house together? That was my kind of heaven. I scowled challengingly at him.

He scowled back. “Don’t get any ideas.”

“What’s so wrong with what I’m wearing?” I asked dropping my gaze. I’d lost.

He sighed. “I’m not sure I’ll be lenient with the boys who’ll no doubt have perverted thoughts when they see you.”

“Ow?”

“I’m having a hard time restraining myself as it is; don’t give me a reason to run wild.”

I pouted.

He closed his eyes. “Please don’t give me that look.”

“We’ll be late.”

He crossed his arms over his broad chest, his biceps flexing – I gulped. “Then we’re bunking school today.”

I sighed. “Fine, give me five minutes.”

He smiled wide, flashing his luminous teeth. “Yes… princess.”

I dressed in a long purple skirt that touched my ankles, black crop top and a blue cardigan.

When I came out of the house he whistled.

“I look like my great grandmother.” I complained.

“You don’t even know your grandmother, Beth.” he mumbled. "You're exaggerating."

I pouted.

He rolled his eyes. “You look good in anything you wear.”

It was my turn to roll my eyes.

He scooped me up in his arms as though I didn’t weigh a hundred and twenty pounds.

I squealed. I hadn’t expected that. “I can walk.” I said.

“I know.” He said smiling and then his eyes thinned in immorality. “But with your gaucherie I wouldn’t want you tripping over your skirt.”

“Thank you so very much for reminding me I’m inept.” I said sarcastically.

“I’m sorry if I upset you.” He said, the seriousness in his voice made my heart flutter.

“I’m still mad.”

“There must be something I can do to earn your forgiveness.” He said his expression pained.

I smiled. “There is.” I wound my arms around his neck and laid my head against his chest listening to the calming sound of his unusual heartbeat.

He was sceptical as he said, “I’m listening.”

“Can I drive?”

He smiled. “I never let anyone behind my wheels.”

“I’m not just anyone.” I said, lowering my voice, attempting to make it as compelling as his.

He laughed. “Your attempt at flirting is disappointing.” He burst into another fit of laughter.

“Bradley Carter put me down... now!”

He smiled looking at me with seething eyes. I stared back at him. I was suddenly aware that Bradley had his arms securely wrapped around me. The air round us stirred, wrapping us in an electrifying silence. My stomach filled with something larger than butterflies.

“Maybe you should’ve worn jeans if you were thinking about driving.” His voice was low, grumpy.

“I can manage.” I said my tone matching his, my anger toward him forgotten.

He sighed and sat me on my feet.

I instantly missed the heat searing from somewhere in his body.

He dropped the keys in my hands.

I smiled and stopped myself before I hugged him. I didn’t think he’d want me to. “Thank you.” I mumbled.

“Whoa.” He shouted as I sped down the road. “Are you trying to get us killed?”

“You wouldn’t die.” I reminded him.

“You didn’t even stop at the red light.”

“You’re holding on so tight.” I said. “I can’t even breathe.”

“You drive like a lunatic.” He complained. “I’m making sure that when you crush, we both survive.”

“Your faith in my driving skills is insulting.” I said.

“Will you stop talking and focus on the road?”

“Now you know how I feel when you drive.”

“A car is much safer than a motorbike.” He argued.

“Depends on the driver.”

“Don’t miss the corner.” He mumbled the grip on me tightening.

I laughed as I waited until we were by the pavement to make a left. The bike moved unsteadily from side to side. I almost lost my control. But the adrenaline pulsed faster in my veins. I wished there was another corner so I could do it again. “I thought you said you could get us out of a crush alive.”

“I don’t want to take a chance with you.” He sounded frightened and panicky. Oh, what I would give to see his face.

“Oh man, you’re no fun.” I whined decelerating from two hundred and forty to sixty.

“My version of fun is definitely something that doesn’t involve you endangering your life.”

I slowed to twenty.

He sighed in relief and I felt his rigid body relax slightly behind me.

When I pulled up at school I knew I was in trouble – it took him a full minute to let go of me and he left without talking to me – his hands were clenched into fists, his eyes narrowed into thin slits, his body rigid, his jaw clenched. I was scared. He looked like he could snap any second.

I didn’t stop him as he marched away from me. Each step he took breaking my heart further. The adrenaline pumping through my veins wasn’t worth him not speaking to me.

I looked for him all over South Coast Academy before school started but to no luck. I even went as far as going to Christopher’s office. He wasn’t there. None of the other students had seen him either. He didn’t show up for class second hour and at lunch he still didn’t show. I was losing my mind with worry.

Now I understood what he’d felt earlier today.

When school let out I walked slowly to the parking lot, my head down, ready to walk home. Bradley was waiting for me with the helmet in his hands. I tried not to smile in relief.

“Hi.” I said. “I think you should drive.” I informed him.

He took the keys without a word and drove me home in silence. I felt so awkward.

When he stopped in front of Jennie ’s house I said, “I’m sorry.”

He wiped my tears with his gloved hands, shook his head and he was gone before I could utter another word.

I had an early night. I wasn’t looking forward to tomorrow.