“Aisling Margaret O’Donoghue,” I shriek, whacking her in the chest. “You’re not helping with the no-puking situation!”
“I’m sorry.” She’s trying not to laugh.
“No, you’re not.” I pout.
“No, I’m not,” she agrees, scooting across the bed when I reach to whack her again. “I let my mind run away with me sometimes, but I’m just excited. You two looked so cozy last weekend, and Ro said Dillon’s been writing up a storm all week, which is a sure sign he’s feeling shit.”
“And Ro is really okay with it?”
She bobs her head. “He’s fine. I told you he would be. He’s officially seeing Zara now.”
“Wow. He’s a fast worker.”
“Told ya. Relax. It’s all good. There won’t be any need for pistols at dawn.”
“You’re so weird.” I shake my head, grinning.
“But you love me anyway.”
I throw myself at her, hugging her tight. “I do. Thank you. I needed that pep talk.”
“Just relax and enjoy yourself. Hopefully, my brother won’t irritate you too much!”
“I am not getting on that thing,” I say, setting foot on the sidewalk outside my building and stalking toward the curb to my date. I plant my hands on my hips and glare at Dillon. He’s slouched against the side of his motorcycle, wearing a leather jacket, black jeans, and his usual smirk.
“Scared, Hollywood?” he teases, unfurling to his full height.
“Straight up.”
He moves in close to me, looking hotter than any man has a right to. His fingers curl around my chin. “I thought we agreed we’d be scared together. Hmm?”
“There’s scared, and there’s insanity.” I point over his shoulder. “That is insanity. I saw how crazy you are on that thing, and this might be hard to believe, but I’d love to live to see my birthday in eleven days.”
He chuckles. “You have such little faith.” Leaning in, he presses a lingering kiss to my cheek. “I promise you’ll survive the ordeal.”
I thump him on the arm, as he turns to the side, frowning a little. “This is no laughing matter.”
He sighs, losing the snarky humor. “Vivien Grace.” His fingers sweep along my cheekbone. “I promise I will take care of you. I will go slow, and I won’t make any risky moves. I’ve been riding for three years, and I’ve never had an accident. You can trust me. I swear.”
“Trust isn’t easy for me.”
“I’ll bet.” He drops his hand, and his pinkie hooks in mine. “I’m guessing you’ve never been on a bike.”
“I haven’t.”
“Then you’ve got to do this. It’s Saturday. The sun is shining. We’ll hit the open road, and as soon as you feel the wind on your back, it’ll blow all the troubles from your mind. There is nothing as exhilarating as this.” He wraps his hand around mine. “C’mon, Hollywood. Take a risk with me.” He presses a kiss to the corner of my mouth. “Live a little,” he whispers.
His words could be construed as condescending, but I can tell it’s not. “Okay, but don’t make me regret this.”
“You won’t.” He looks over my shoulder, frowning.
“What?” I whip my head around, spotting a man dressed in jeans and a navy jacket leaning against the wall by my building. He’s wearing shades while he whistles under his breath and scrolls through his phone.
“Is that guy familiar to you?” Dillon asks.
I shake my head, peering into Dillon’s eyes. “No, why?”
“I thought I saw him outside Whelans last weekend.” He shrugs. “Must be my overactive imagination at work.”
Alarm bells blare in my head, and I swallow back bile. Dillon smiles while I cast a shaky glance at the guy, but he’s gone. Prickles of apprehension wash over my skin. I haven’t noticed anyone hanging around, and I sincerely hope Dillon is mistaken. If the paparazzi have discovered my location, I will legit cry. Especially since I already told my parents I’m staying here until August and Moira is in the middle of extending my rental agreement.
Dillon helps me to put my helmet on, and I climb onto the motorcycle behind him, jumping when he kick-starts the engine, and it roars to life. He grabs my hands, pulling my arms tight around his waist. My body is flush against his, my core pushed up against his ass, and his spicy scent swirls around me when I press my helmet against his back.