Destiny Calling Read Online Free PDF Page B

icy tentacles licked at my neck. I closed the few steps between us.
    “You’re cold.” When he enveloped my hand in his, a feeling of well-being and relaxation overwhelmed me. I startled, and his grip tightened. Warmth emanated from him into me, dispelling the cold. Closing my eyes, I relished the thawing of my uneasiness. The wind picked up, and the trees sounded as if I was holding a seashell to my ear with the ocean roaring.
    Perhaps I was being difficult. Maybe it is a good idea to ride with Griffith.
    “It’s a good idea,” Griffith said.
    I opened my eyes. Had I spoken aloud?
    Griffith’s unusual, intriguing gray eyes caught my gaze and trapped me there. I sank into their depths and forgot the cold, wondering why I didn’t want to ride on that bike with this stranger. I leaned toward him and stumbled a bit, breaking his grasp on my hand as he reached to steady me.
    “Let’s go.”
    “What?” I stepped out of Griffith’s reach, unsure what happened, but more wary about the woods than him or riding his motorcycle.
    “You coming?”
    I looked at the metal machine that could easily crush me with its weight and sought the only excuse I could think of. “You only have one helmet.”
    He raised an eyebrow. “It’s for you, of course.” He grabbed it, spinning it once in his hands, and offered it to me.
    That sounded like a challenge. Plus, anyone who can successfully lift one eyebrow and look intriguing while doing it frustrated me. I’d always ended up with both eyebrows raised, looking surprised instead of sexy. “You should wear it. It’s your helmet.”
    “If you insist.” He turned toward the bike, shaking his head. “But I think you’re crazy.”
    “A lot of people do.” I shot back, before I could stop myself.
    Griffith paused in his stride and then mounted the bike.
    As I was figuring out how to swing my leg gracefully over the bike, he turned and placed his palm on my cheek. My breath caught in my throat and my lips parted.
    “Wear it for me.”
    “Why?” At that moment, I would do whatever he asked. I nodded and allowed him to slide the helmet over my head, closing my eyes when his fingertips pushed the hair out of my face. His hands rested on my shoulders, then slid up my throat, gripping gently. I tilted my head back. He pulled the strap tight then placed his finger between it and my chin, tugging as he clasped the buckle. He placed a hand on each side of the helmet and tilted my head so I was eye level with him.
    “I want to keep you safe.”
    It was what he’d said in my dream. “Why?”
    “I don’t know.” He turned away and sat waiting for me to mount the bike.
    He’d never answered me in the dream either.
    I threw my leg over the bike, and the wind receded. The trees slowed, then stilled, as I settled into the seat. There was nothing to hold onto. I groped the sides for something to grab to keep from tumbling off the back.
    “Have you ever felt truly alive?”
    I tried to think of a clever retort like I usually relied on to keep people at bay, but found I didn’t want to. “I’m not sure.”
    “You’re about to. Hold on to me.” He studied the road ahead of him. “Trust me.”
    I didn’t know if he meant the bike ride or him, but I tentatively gripped his waist. He reached back and pulled my arms around him, pressing my hands against the firmness of his stomach.
    My tension lifted, and I sighed, resting my cheek against the smooth leather cloaking his broad back. Heat radiated from him, soothing my anxiety.
    The engine of the motorcycle roaring to life cut through the silence.
    As we took off, I clamped my arms in a death grip to keep from falling off as my body jerked backward. The scenery whizzed by with amazing speed like a rush of adrenaline. When I closed my eyes, I was flying.
    Trust him? No. But for now, I was going to enjoy the ride.
    ****
    “This is your house?” It was bigger than the last apartment complex I’d lived in.
    Griffith shrugged. “The