Enamored Page 5

  But as much as she wanted to raise onto her toes and see how firm his lips would feel against hers, she couldn't risk anything that could potentially blow up in her face and cost her the job. She tucked her hair behind her ear and dragged her gaze away. "So, um. We should..."

  Liam's hand fell to his side. He'd probably reached the same conclusion. "We should head over to the kids' zone."

  "Right." She backed up a few steps and he used his crutches to put another few feet between them.

  Where the chemistry between them on the field and in the office had energized her, their almost kiss initiated an awkward tension that felt as heavy as the humidity weighing down the air. Sipping the rest of her water, Claire did her best to look anywhere but at Liam.

  When they finished, he tugged his mask in place and waited for her to do the same. Then he tossed her the keys to the golf cart. "You drive. I'll navigate."

  Claire nodded and slid into the driver's seat. She'd done without a lot of things over the years. Ignoring her attraction to Liam wouldn't be that hard, would it?

  CHAPTER SIX

  SAVANNA

  FOR THE THIRD TIME in an hour, Savanna checked her appearance in the full-length mirror by her closet. Slade had been mysterious on the phone. Dress casually and don't wear high heels had been his only clues. Not knowing their destination bugged her like crazy, but he'd had a point: if she didn't know what to worry about, then she wouldn't waste time worrying.

  Instead, she'd spent the week thinking of him and trying to guess what he might have planned.

  Hopefully, the dark jeans, white shirt, shrunken red leather jacket, and brown leather ankle boots would be appropriate.

  She didn't think he'd suggest they go skydiving or anything that extreme, but who knew? An adrenaline-junkie might not see that as extreme.

  The loud rumble of an engine burst over the late afternoon stillness. Rather than fading away, it cut abruptly in front of her apartment. She lifted the curtain away from her bedroom window. In the parking space directly across from the small patch of lawn separating her building from the parking lot, Slade swung off of a large motorcycle. A black leather jacket molded to his shoulders and torso and faded jeans encased long legs. With his boots and dark Aviator glasses, he looked sexy and a hint dangerous.

  Her pulse pounded, lit with nerves and anticipation. She dragged her gaze back to his bike. Black and chrome, it gleamed in the sun. A far cry from her safety-first gray sedan parked in the next spot. Maybe she should offer to drive.

  Unless that was the date. Her clinging to him while he sped the bike along the roads with nothing more than their clothes as protection from possible collisions.

  Swinging a black helmet, Slade strolled toward her sliding glass door. A moment later, the intercom buzzer sounded and Savanna rushed to answer it. He smiled and waved through the glass and then pulled off his glasses and tucked them into his shirt collar.

  She tugged the door until it slid wide enough to gain him entrance. "Hey."

  His gaze roamed from her eyes to her boots and his smile widened. "You look great."

  "What I'm wearing is okay for what you have planned?"

  "It's perfect."

  "Good." She self-consciously tugged at her jacket. "Then what do you have planned?"

  "Do you really want to know now or should I keep quiet until we get there?"

  Her flat shoes put her eyes level with his neck. She raised her gaze until it connected with his laser blue stare. "You mean the exciting date isn't riding on the motorcycle? I heard you pull up."

  "No, but I thought we'd take my bike to get there."

  "I've never ridden on one."

  He stepped closer until only a foot separated them. The scent of leather mixed with cologne beckoned her closer. "Do you want to? I promise I won't go too fast. It's a great ride. There's nothing like it."

  When he put it that way, with the promise in his voice and the heat in his gaze, how could she say no? But fear wiggled its way through. "What about a helmet? I won't ride without one and I won't take yours."

  "I have that covered." His fingers linked with hers and he pulled her through the open door and over to his bike. He opened a side compartment and pulled out a helmet painted in teal with tiny particles that sparkled in the sun. "This one is yours."

  The bright color made her smile. "Teal is my favorite color."

  "I know. You told me when we were in the cafeteria." He pressed the helmet into her hands. "I picked this up for you yesterday."

  "You bought me a helmet?"

  "I want this to be fun for you. I thought if you liked it enough, maybe you'd go for a ride with me again sometime."

  "Slade." Her nerves quieted. "Thank you."

  A shrug accompanied his grin. "We should get going so we don't miss our reservation."

  "We're going to dinner?"

  "Dinner will be included." He walked back with her and waited while she grabbed her purse and locked her door. "We're actually doing something that I've never done before."

  She pulled up short. "Wait. What?"

  "But it's safe. I swear. I did my research." He drew her helmet over her head and fastened it before donning his own. "I can't wait to share it with you."

  The excitement glinting in his eyes was a contrast to the apprehension tensing her muscles and slowing her steps to the motorcycle. When he swung his leg over the bike with practiced ease and tapped the seat behind him, fresh frustration washed through her. She didn't want to be afraid anymore. She needed to break whatever it was inside her that so strongly resisted taking chances.

  She climbed on behind him. "I'm ready."

  "Hold on tight." He moved her hands from the sides of his waist to fully wrap around his hard torso.

  Pressed against his back, she inhaled the scent of leather and Slade. The warmth of his jacket seeped through her shirt and when the engine roared to life, her pulse leapt and goosebumps dotted her skin. His hand closed over hers and squeezed, and then they were moving. Out of the parking lot, away from her home, and into the unknown.

  Deathly fear rolled through her as the streets rushed by. Several minutes passed before her heart slowed its pounding. The grip she had on Slade's waist didn't ease until they slowed and came to a stop by a large gray building.

  "We're here. So, what did you think of your first motorcycle ride?"

  Savanna eased her hands away and climbed off the bike. "I actually liked it. Where are we?"

  Slade pulled off his helmet, then unfastened hers, and locked them both to the bike. "We're taking a sunset ride in a hot air balloon."

  "Wow. Of all the scenarios I pictured, that one didn't come up."

  "Don't tell me that you've done this before."

  "Never."

  He slid his hand against hers. "First step is meeting the pilot and crew. Come on."

  Slade introduced her to the guys she was about to entrust with her life, then they drove to the launch site. While they drove, Derek the pilot spoke about his several years of experience in piloting the balloons. When they reached the site, he explained how the basket and balloon envelope were laid out so that the wind aided the inflation process. Then he had Savanna and Slade help hold the envelope open while the inflation fan forced air into the balloon.

  Savanna's trepidation surged when Derek lit the burner and fire blew into the envelope, but watching the colorful balloon come upright was a very cool experience. She shared a smile with Slade and allowed him to help her into the basket. She was tall, but climbing inside wasn't her most graceful moment.

  Derek nodded at them. "Ready to take off?"

  Her palms grew damp and she gripped the basket. "Sure."

  Slade's arm slid around her shoulders. "Let's do it."

  Her stomach rolled as the basket moved and rose into the air. She breathed in deep, concentrating on the feel of the wicker against her palms, and the strength of his arm around her shoulders, and not on how the trees, buildings and cars grew smaller and smaller.
Derek had said the balloons could go as high as several thousand feet, but that he'd keep it to fifteen-hundred for them. He'd probably taken one look at her and seen the nerves spiking and worries spinning.

  "Hey." Slade's murmur tickled her ear. "You okay?"

  "Honestly, I keep thinking about errant wind gusts coming along and carrying us far out to sea. I know it's silly and he explained how the basket can't tip over, but still." She lifted her shoulders as heat burned into her cheeks. "Irrational fears strike again."

  Slade cupped his other hand against her cheek. "Maybe this will take your mind off of them."

  He turned her until their bodies faced each other and she released her grip on the basket. The arm around her shoulders pulled her in closer. Slade inclined his head and brushed his thumb over her cheek. Her breath caught and her lips parted, ready to welcome his. She watched his eyes and the way they seemed to darken as he drew closer. Her heart pounded all over again, but in anticipation, not fear. In need and desire.

  Warm, firm lips closed over hers and his fingers continued their gentle caress. Savanna clutched his jacket, both to keep him close and as an anchor. Slade made a small sound of approval and slanted his mouth, taking the kiss deeper. A thread wove between them, binding them together. Whatever this was, it was huge, overpowering, and as heady a sensation as the most dizzying buzz she'd ever experienced.

  Slade lifted his head and trailed his finger over her lips. He looked a little dazed. "So, yeah. I know my favorite part of this experience."

  Smiling, she leaned into his embrace and relaxed, enjoying the peaceful glide along the air against a backdrop of reds and golds streaking across the sky.

  They pointed out landmarks to each other and laughed over Derek's stories. Too soon, he said, "We're coming up on our landing. The wind is picking up, so we might have a bumpy one. I want you to crouch down, turn sideways from the approaching ground and bend your knees slightly to soften the impact. The balloon may drag and turn sideways so use the basket to lean against to ensure no injuries occur."

  Injuries? Savanna tensed as the basket drew closer to the ground. She peeked at Slade. He watched the landing with the same determination she'd seen him exhibit while waiting for a pitch. Concentration, but no fear. As though he felt her gaze, he glanced up and smiled, then covered her hand with his. "No worries."

  The basket bumped along the ground and came to a stop.

  Derek continued to issue instructions. "Wait in the basket for some of the hot air to be released. That way the balloon doesn't take off again when you dismount."

  "Now, that would be a story." Savanna moved closer to Slade, exhilarated over the ride and relieved they'd had a safe landing. She glanced around the area outside the basket. They were in the field behind the gray building where they'd started.

  "No kidding."

  At Derek's okay, they climbed out of the basket and then he waved them toward a table draped in white linen. A bottle of champagne, clutches of tapered candles, and dishes of various hors d'oeuvres covered the center.

  Savanna turned to Slade. "This is nice."

  "This is the rest of the experience. The crew will dismantle the basket and pack up the balloon and we can take our time out here. I'm glad the wind cooperated and we were able to land here instead of another spot. My bike's in the parking lot, so there's no rush to get back anywhere." He poured a drink for them both.

  She filled her plate and settled into one of the chairs. They were situated so that she and Slade would be next to each other.

  He handed her a glass and then raised his in toast. "To a successful flight."

  The bubbles fizzed over her tongue. Savanna set her glass aside and touched Slade's hand. Like every other part of him, it radiated heat and strength. "Thank you for tonight."

  His smile bloomed, lighting his face as bright as the sun. "I'm glad you liked it. I wasn't sure what you'd think. But that and riding on my bike? I'm proud of you."

  "So, you'd want to do this again?" Biting her lip, she waited for his response. Her earlier worries hadn't scared him off?

  In a flash, he twisted his hand and linked their fingers together. "Just wait until you see what we're doing next time."

  The promise, the heat in his words, and his mischievous expression were a powerful combination. He intrigued her like no one else. They were as different as could be, but somehow he understood her. Being pushed outside her comfort zone was so hard, but he didn't laugh at her fears, didn't scoff at her reactions, and didn't demand that she simply "get over it". Those things alone made him stand out. Add in the way he'd held her when they'd kissed, and the show of sweetness when he'd bought that helmet, and whoa...

  Life wouldn't be dull with him around. It was time to break out of her safe little bubble and live and for once in her life, not worry over the why's and how's and simply enjoy.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  SLADE

  SLADE SMOOTHED HIS hands over the front of his button-down shirt and glanced at his jeans. He'd been on edge all day. The guys had noticed it at the ballpark and given him a wide berth. Except for Dom and Adam. They'd flanked him from the moment he'd set foot in the clubhouse, to their time in the dugout, to the after-game meal.

  They, and Liam, were still with him now, as he made his way to the Pasadena coffee shop where he was due to meet his half-sister, Melanie.

  The late hour ensured the shop wouldn't be full, but still, the guys wore ball caps advertising the city's football and hockey teams, pulled low over their faces. His moral support squad had insisted on tagging along and Slade hadn't fought them. He winced as a passing car's bright beams cast a spotlight on them. He loved meeting Riptide fans, but not when one of the biggest moments in his life was about to take place.

  Dom clapped him on the shoulder. "You ready?"

  "I guess." It was just coffee. Just a meeting. Only, it wasn't and he knew it. It was his first interaction with someone who shared his genes—well, half of them anyway. His heart beat uncomfortably and his muscles filled with frenetic energy. After so many years of wondering, hopefully, some of his questions would be answered.

  Liam paused by the shop's door, leaning on his crutches. "It's going to be fine. She's probably just as nervous as you. But whatever happens, we're here."

  He nodded, beyond grateful for his friends. "Thanks."

  Adam's hand rested for a moment on his other shoulder. "We'll hang out but if you want us gone just say the word."

  He pulled the door open and waved the guys through. The shop was empty, except for the barista behind the counter and the small, dark-haired woman standing by the counter. She turned and her brows rose.

  "Slade?" She looked just like the picture she'd sent him.

  "Yeah. Melanie?" Silly, he knew it was her. He walked closer.

  "That's me."

  He extended his hand, but she waved it aside and hugged him. Taken aback, he encircled his arms around her. And it hit him.

  He was hugging his little sister. His gut churned with emotions he couldn't name.

  She drew back, grinning and hands fluttering in animated gestures. "I can't believe you're here. Sit, please. Can I get you anything?"

  "Ah..." He doubted he'd be able to stomach anything, but couldn't sit there without ordering.

  Liam met his gaze. "Slade, we'll take care of the drinks. You go and sit down."

  "Thanks." He gestured toward the guys. "These are my friends Dom, Adam, and Liam."

  Melanie shook their hands and then led Slade to a large seating area in the back of the room with two couches, some chairs, and a coffee table.

  Slade took the end of one couch. "So..."

  Melanie sat at the other end. She tucked her hair behind her ear. "Maybe I should start. How much about your parents do you know?"

  "Not much. Only that they were fifteen or sixteen when they had me and they gave me up right away."

  Melanie nodded. "Okay. That's really not much at all. We'll start with names. Mom's name is Tiffa
ny. Your dad's name is James. They broke up after they graduated from high school but actually reconnected seven years ago and got married five years ago."

  His mouth dropped open. "Really?"

  "It's a sweet story. High school sweethearts who reunited through an alumni planning committee."

  "I can't believe it. When I found you, I'd hoped to be able to reconnect with one parent but I didn't expect getting to reconnect with two." He glanced over as Liam settled on the other couch and Dom and Adam set drinks down and sank into the chairs. Dom reached over and patted him on the shoulder. The guys knew how bad his home life had been growing up, but he didn’t need to dump that on Melanie.

  "They really want to meet you, but James got called to the hospital for an emergency tonight and Mom didn't think it would be fair if she got to meet you before he did. They want to do it together. But I didn't want to postpone tonight. I've known that you've existed since I was sixteen. I had to meet you."

  "What does James do?"

  "He's a surgeon. Mom is a financial planner."

  Mom. He couldn't think of Tiffany as Mom. Or James as Dad. He reached for a coffee to have something to do with his hands. "So, James isn't your dad?"

  A swift shake of the head was his answer. Then Melanie set her coffee aside. "My dad was bad news. I haven't seen him since I was eight, when he and Mom divorced. You also have two more half-siblings. Chloe is eighteen and Caden is sixteen."

  Two more half-siblings? Whoa. "How old are you?"

  "Twenty-one."

  "And you all have the same dad?"

  "Yep." Her lips pressed into a thin line. "But James has more than made up for him. He stepped in and has been amazing to all of us."

  "I'm glad for that." Blown away by more information—hell—more family than he'd expected, Slade's heart felt like it had swelled to the point of bursting.

  "Don't think that Mom and James have forgotten you. And all of us kids know about you. They talk about you all the time."