Texas Pride. Gerry Bartlett

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СКАЧАТЬ Mr. Pagan has a surprise for you.” Janie chuckled.

      “What is it? Maybe I should back out.” Shannon walked over to the window overlooking the front of the house. She couldn’t tell what he’d arrived in though because he’d obviously parked under the portico. “Janie?”

      “Come on down, honey. I think you’re in for a fun night.” She hung up.

      Shannon grabbed the cross-body bag where she’d stuffed her driver’s license, cell, and lipstick then gave her hair a final pat. She’d decided to just pull it back and tie it with a scarf that coordinated with her bright blue top and matching jacket. No, she wasn’t trying to please Billy, though she did know blue was his favorite color. It was also a color that brought out her eyes.

      A woman should always look her best, no matter who she was going out with. You never knew who else you’d run into. That was why she fussed with her earrings, changing them at the last minute from studs to silver dangles. Oh, this was ridiculous. She had no reason to be so worked up about a casual dinner with Billy Pagan. But a surprise? Her stomach knotted as she finally threw open her bedroom door and headed down the stairs.

      He stood at the bottom, a helmet in his hand. What the hell?

      “Billy, that looks like a motorcycle helmet.” Shannon frowned as she reached the last step, staying there before joining him in the entry.

      “It is. I picked up one with a shield. Wouldn’t want you to be bothered by the wind or, God forbid, insects.” He grinned. “Try it on for size.”

      “Since when do you ride a motorcycle?” She ignored his outstretched hand. They were eye-to-eye as long as she stayed on this step. Otherwise he’d be taller, above her, making her look up and feel small and feminine to his big and masculine. She didn’t hate that feeling, but it wasn’t something she liked about herself, that tendency to let him overpower her with his strength.

      “I borrowed it for our date. I thought it would be fun for a change. What do you think?” He grinned. “Come on, Shan, let’s do something a little wild. A little adventurous. Are you up for it?” He settled the helmet gently on her head and fastened the strap under her chin. His smile shined in his eyes too, as if his enjoyment of life, of being with her, was going to make for a great evening if she would just loosen up and go along.

      “Billy…”

      “Of course if you’re afraid to get on the back of a motorcycle, I can call a cab.” He was daring her to be Shannon the wet blanket, throwing cold water on his plans. Well, maybe she’d surprise him for a change.

      “Afraid? Not on your life.” She grabbed his hand. “Let’s go!”

      He took her elbow and showed her to the door, throwing it open so she could see the enormous Harley parked at the bottom of the front steps.

      She pushed past him. “I haven’t been on the back of a motorcycle in years. Tell me you’re a good driver.” She glanced back at him. He was grinning. Of course. He’d manipulated her. Damn it. Well, so what? She was going with it. It was a beautiful night and this looked like fun. She needed to cut loose. Her life had been nothing but dreary disappointments lately.

      “I took a few practice runs on my way over here. It’s a powerful machine. I admit it took me a few minutes to get the feel of it. It had been a while for me.”

      “Who does it belong to?” She ran down the steps and touched the shiny chrome. “It’s beautiful.”

      “A client who also works as my investigator. It’s his baby. So you’d better believe I’ll drive carefully.” Billy showed her where to sit behind the driver’s seat. “Watch for the tailpipe. I’m glad you have on jeans but those holes may give you trouble.”

      “They’re not anywhere the pipe will touch me.” Shannon grinned, liking the way the bike felt between her legs. “Didn’t you notice? I have rips in very strategic places.”

      “Oh, I noticed.” He winked. “I’m on my best behavior, Shan, in case you didn’t notice.” He picked up a second helmet that he’d left on the seat and slipped it on. “But that can change in a heartbeat.” He stared at her for a long moment. “We’re starting over. I hope you’ll let me do that. Start fresh with you.”

      “Billy.” Shannon held onto the leather seat. When they took off, she’d have to hold onto him. Hold his waist and maybe lean against his firm back. She’d be able to inhale his male scent, so familiar, making her remember… “I want to think that could happen, but…”

      “I know. We have history. I made mistakes.” He smiled sadly. “I hope you’ll admit that you did too.” He dragged his leg over the bike and settled into the seat. “Brace yourself. This hog is loud.” He turned the key.

      Mistakes? She wasn’t touching that one. And could they really start fresh when there were so many things she couldn’t forget? Shannon grabbed him when the roar felt like it was going to blow out her eardrums.

      He revved the motor then yelled at her to hold tight as he eased them down the driveway. The house where her inheritance forced her to live had been her late father’s dream home. It was in the middle of sedate River Oaks, the mansion-filled neighborhood where the rich in Houston lived. The loud motorcycle was no doubt drawing attention and frowns from everyone on the quiet street as Billy drove them toward one of Houston’s many freeways.

      Zipping down the highway once they hit an interstate was exhilarating. Billy seemed to know what he was doing and didn’t take chances. Yes, it was a little terrifying when large trucks zipped past them. But then many people in small cars honked and waved, some of them men with obvious Harley envy. By the time Billy pulled up in front of a popular Cajun restaurant and parked, Shannon was windblown and thirsty but hooked.

      “What did you think?” He was grinning as he helped her climb off.

      “I loved it. Now buy me a drink.” She handed him her helmet and glanced at the restaurant. “I hope they make a good martini here.”

      “Will you humor me? Remember why we keep breaking up?” He put his arm around her shoulders and squeezed.

      “How could I forget?” Shannon had always enjoyed a party. Billy had been serious and had disapproved of her lifestyle. “What’s the deal, Billy?”

      He faced her and looked into her eyes, so serious she braced herself.

      “Billy?”

      “Would you mind not drinking? I would really love for us to make this date alcohol-free.”

      Shannon wanted to kick over that damned bike. Not that she could manage it. Now it started. He wanted to change her. Always had. Hated her drinking. Thought she was an alcoholic. She swallowed, licked dry

      lips. Suddenly the thought of a martini made her almost desperate. He just stared at her, waiting. Damn him. Why couldn’t he ever just accept her as she was?

      Chapter 3

      “Do you really want to bring that up now? When we were having such a good time?” She stared into his eyes—hers were big, blue and shiny with tears.

      “When should I bring it up? After your fourth martini?” Billy hated to do this. Here, in a fucking parking lot. But it was the big thing that СКАЧАТЬ