I looked out into the darkened parking lot, spotting Jake’s motorcycle near the far corner. I knew in the back of my mind that this was a crazy idea. Smart women didn’t simply “leave” with a virtual stranger. Nor did they agree to ride in the rain on the back of a motorcycle. Yet the combination of both only aroused me more. “Unless we take your car, we’re going to get wet.” He spoke over the rain, just loud enough for me to hear. “It doesn’t matter. I’m already wet,” I replied, meeting his eyes. With much haste, he ran with me to his motorcycle, and I applaud myself for not falling on my face in the five-inch stilettos and floor-length dress, although Jake’s strength was a major part of it. Now soaked, he opened a side compartment and handed me a heavy leather jacket. A sweet gesture, and one I never expected from him. The leather was soft and dry, smelling of Jake’s cologne. I closed my eyes a brief second, simply breathing him in. “Let’s go,” he barked.
