Better Than Friends Read Online Free PDF

only used for official documents. And the name my parents called me. But when he grabbed my hand in his larger one and drew me back into the shadow of the night, I didn’t give a fuck what he called me. Being with him was exhilarating, I thought, as I laced my fingers with his. I happily floated on a breezy cloud of contentment as I matched his stride through the garden and out to the parking area beyond. I felt lighthearted and starry-eyed just being near him, sharing the same space.
    And then he had to go and ruin everything.
    Jack stopped at a motorcycle, which if I’d paid any attention to my surroundings in the empty lot, I would have realized was the only damn vehicle still there.
    “Ah… no. Where is your car? Don’t you have a car? You couldn’t have ridden this in your tux, right?” I folded my arms across my chest decisively. No way was I getting on that death trap.
    Jack paid no attention to me as he unlocked a helmet attached somewhere to the bike. He gave me a sideways glance and then turned to hand it to me. I stared at it, then at him and shook my head. Not happening. Fuck. I took a taxi to the wedding and I guess I’d take one home. I pulled my cell phone out of my pocket, intending to dial up a ride with four wheels instead of taking my chances with the two-wheeled variety, when I felt the helmet being drawn over my head. Jack batted my cell away, shoving it back in my pocket before fastening the helmet properly.
    “What are you doing? No. I’ll call a taxi. Besides, what would you wear? This is entirely unsafe!” My voice had risen an octave as I warmed up with self-righteous indignation. Who did he think I was? I didn’t do motorcycles. Ever.
    “Hey, look at me.”
    I rolled my eyes and bit the inside of my cheek. Jack looked larger than life in the moonlight. He seemed powerful too and in charge. Whatever. I wasn’t budging. I knew the bubble would burst. I had just misjudged the timing. Badly. Back to reality. I was pissed at myself for letting my inhibitions go. I’d had too much to drink and was now in a situation I didn’t care to be in. Fuck! I was an idiot!
    “Curtis. Look at me.” His tone was low and commanding. I snuck a peek from the corner of my eye, not willing to comply completely.
    “Hey.” Jack gently took my chin between his thumb and forefinger, forcing me to focus on him. “Remember what we said earlier? Tonight is a beginning. Tonight anything is possible. Try something you never thought you would. I know you don’t know me, but will you trust me? Just for tonight. I’ll take it slow and easy. You’ll just sit back and enjoy the ride. What do you say, honey?”
    I gulped, mesmerized by his speech. Whether he meant for it to sound sexy or not, he seemed to be asking me to do more than hop on the back of his Harley and shut the fuck up.
    “You won’t have a helmet, though. It’s not safe,” I heard myself protest weakly.
    “I’ll go slow. Promise. Scout’s honor.” His eyes were twinkling again.
    I snorted, smacked his arm lightly, and rolled my eyes for good measure.
    “Puh-leeze. You don’t look like Boy Scout material.”
    Jack threw his head back, laughing at my undoubtedly astute estimation.
    “What makes you think I wasn’t a Boy Scout? I think you’re making judgments based on superficial observation. Tsk tsk.”
    “Well, were you?”
    Jack didn’t answer. He shot me a grin that turned the corners of his mouth up devilishly as he moved back to his big bike, making a show of straddling the monster before starting it. I jumped back at the harsh noise of the powerful motor. Jack laughed above the startling sound and revved the engine.
    “Hop on, Curtis. Time to ride.” His gloved hands were affixed to the handlebars. He inclined his head, this time in exasperation.
    Fuck. I felt a bead of sweat on my upper lip form in the cool night, and a flash of heat made my skin feel suddenly clammy all over. I was scared. Shitless. What did he say earlier?