“I promise.” He said, rubbing his hand over mine before starting the engine.
The bike roared to life, and I was instantly covered in goosebumps. It wasn't that I lived a sheltered life, I just never had any reason to do something like this before. Derek and I both had cars, and motorcycles never really interested me before. Until now of course. I'd be lying if I said seeing Owen on the bike didn't turn me on.
He was so completely out of my league, and yet he was here with me. Taking me out on his motorcycle. A part of me began to wonder if he was another one of Morgan's plants. Did she see him before me? Did she hire him to show up at the record store? I shook my head, trying to will those kinds of thoughts away.
“You alright?” He asked, as he put the bike into gear.
“Yes.” I said, locking my hands around his middle.
Without another word he revved the engine, and the bike began to move. He started out slow as he pulled out of the parking lot, and onto the main road. The speed limit here was only forty-five, and I was internally grateful for that. It would give me some time to adjust, and feel comfortable.
After a few minutes we switched roads, and this time the speed limit increased to fifty-five. I found myself holding onto him tighter, causing my body to move closer to his. Soon, my chest was pressed snugly against his back, and I turned my head so that I could rest that there too. I was no longer feeling nervous. Instead, I was focused on Owen. The way he smelled, and the way his hard body felt against mine.
I smiled, and then I closed my eyes to really let myself enjoy it. I felt the bike pick up speed, and I relished in it. I slowly let go of him, and spread my arms out wide as if I were flying. I had never felt more free than I had in this moment. I could vaguely hear him laugh, and I couldn't help but smile. I smiled so wide that my mouth grew sore, but I didn't care.
I wrapped my arms back around him then, and I felt his ab muscles flex beneath my touch. I found myself thinking about his tattoos again. He said he had too many to count, and my imagination began to run wild. Picturing his chest, and abdomen covered in the same art I'd seen glimpses of on his arms. I never thought about tattoos being sexy, but with Owen... I couldn't help but go there.
I let myself get lost in my thoughts. Imagining what he'd look like with his shirt off. I thought about dancing with him again, and how close our lips were last night. Would he have kissed me if Morgan didn't mention Derek? Or was I really just that easy to read? In that moment, I wanted to kiss him. I told him as much, but I couldn't fault him for being a gentleman.
If I had met him under different circumstances I'm not sure that he would be someone I'd even approach. Derek could have been a spokesperson for Brook's Brothers, with his pressed khaki pants, and ironed button downs. He never had a hair out of place, and was always clean shaven. I thought that was what I wanted. I thought that we fit together, but being here with Owen really has me wondering.
My new found freedom had more to do with the experiences I was having, than being single. It wasn't like Derek had me on a leash. I could come, and go as I pleased but everything with him was just so mundane. We always went to the same restaurants, and vacationed at the same places. Getting out with Morgan to see more of the world, even if it was only a few states had me questioning every decision I ever made.
The first time Derek, and I got into an argument I let him have his way. After the fourth, and fifth, the fire inside of me died a bit. I got to the point where there was no use in arguing anymore. I'd let him win just to appease him because I was afraid of losing him. Afraid of being alone. Afraid that the only reason he, and I even started was because of Morgan's power of persuasion.
The bike suddenly came to a stop then, and I opened my eyes to see where we were. Owen shut the ignition off, and began to remove his helmet as I looked around. We were parked on the top of some kind of overlook. You could see the town down below, and the people walking around the square looked like ants.
“You can let go now.” Owen said, and I immediately released my grip from his waist.
“Sorry.” I said, feeling a blush creep up on my face.
“Take your helmet off.” He instructed.
I did as he asked, before climbing off the bike, and setting it down onto the seat. My legs were a bit shaky, and he laughed as he came to stand beside me.
“I come up here to think sometimes.”
He reached for my hand, and led me towards the edge so that we could get a better view.
“What is this place?” I asked.
“It used to be a drive in. They put the screen right here where we're standing. After it closed, the teenagers used it for a make out spot.”
“For someone who's passing through, you seem to know a lot about the area.”
“My mom lives here. After my parent's divorce she moved here for work. I split my time between here, and New York when I was younger until I moved myself to Nashville.”
“I've never left Raleigh. Until now.” I said.
“Not even for college?”
“Nope. I sighed.”
“May I ask why? I mean, with your degree... you could have gone anywhere.”
“Derek.” I shrugged.
“You wanted
