Dust of My Wings by Carrie Ann Ryan Page A

here. Keep your cellphone on and be careful. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do, and if you do, make sure you take pictures.” She winked and gave her a hug, Jamie following soon after.
    Her friends left, and Lily was alone in her home, nervous as all hell. A moment later, a knock at the door startled her, and her pulse quickened.
    He was here.
    Okay, you can do it. Just don’t throw up.
    Lily laughed. That was a great thing to think before a date. She opened a door with a smile on her face then froze in her tracks.
    He was even more handsome now. How on earth was that possible?
    His midnight black hair hung loose, framing his face.  He wore a black button-down shirt tucked into jeans with the sleeves rolled up so she could see his forearms. Damn, she wanted to lick them. Just a little taste.
    Who knew forearms were sexy?
    His dark jeans encased thick thighs and make her think of what else could be thick…
    She raised her head and blushed.
    Oh. God.
    “Hi.” Shade smiled and tilted his head.
    “Hi,” she said on a quiet exhale.
    “You look beautiful, Lily.” He tucked a stray hair behind her ear, and she shivered.
    “You do, too.” She blushed again. Soon she’d be Crayola red. “I mean you look handsome.”
    He traced her jaw with a calloused finger. “Thank you. Are you ready to go?”
    She swallowed hard. “Uh-huh.”
    Okay, she really had to remember the English language. This was getting embarrassing.
    “Okay, then.” He trailed his hand down her arm and wrapped his hand around hers. His warm skin felt like heaven against hers.
    She shook her head, clearing her thoughts. How was she supposed to get through a whole date if she couldn’t even formulate enough of a conversation to get out of the door?
    With a nod, she gripped his hand tighter and closed the door behind her. He led her to his bike, and she smiled.
    “I love it, Shade.”
    He gave a huge grin. “Thanks. This is my baby. No matter where I am, I try and take her with me.” He rubbed the leather seat, and an irrational urge to knock the bike down went through her.
    She would not be jealous of a motorcycle. Would not.
    “So, here is your helmet.” He placed it on her head and fixed the strap beneath her chin, his fingers grazing her skin. “I have some night glasses for you.” He placed yellow-lensed glasses on her face and he smiled. “I know they aren’t too fashionable, but they will keep the wind out of your eyes and help with glare.”
    “That makes sense, thanks. I’ve never been on a bike before.”
    “I’ll show you, baby.” He called me baby! “I’m going to get on first and stand the bike up straight. When I say so, I want you to put your left hand on my left shoulder, and your left foot on the peg.” He pointed down to show her where the peg was located. “And then, throw your right leg over the seat.. If you need to move around, just do it is small movements, okay? My feet are planted, so we won’t fall.”
    He got on the bike. She watched his thighs bunch as he righted the bike. She licked her lips. This was going to be a long night.
    “Ready, Lily?”
    She followed his instructions and got on behind him. His heated body lay flush against her, and she held back a groan.
    “Wrap your arms around my waist,” Shade said.
    She did so, and she clasped her hands together so they wouldn’t roam the hard planes of his chest.
    “Okay, hold on and lean with me in the turns. I’m going to go slow, but we’ll be okay. Just do what I do, and you’ll be fine.” He patted her hand then started the bike.
    The vibrations rumbled right to her core and she gasped. Dear God. Was this why people loved riding? She might have to get one of her own.
    He pulled out onto the street, and Lily held tighter. It was so invigorating. The wind lashed against her face, and she felt like she was flying. She wasn’t scared like she normally would be. Maybe it was because she was with Shade. He revved the engine, the vibrations running