Seeking Karma by Melanie J. Cole

climbing on the back of a freaking motorcycle?  I don’t have a clue.  Well, actually I do.  Trent just looked so damn good in his tight jeans, and black t-shirt.  He’s not usually the type I go for.  He’s definitely a bad boy.  Hell, he’s got me wrapped around him on a Harley, for Christ’s sake.  He even has tattoos, which are pretty sexy.  But I can’t let myself get involved with him.  It’s too soon!  I can’t trust any guy, not after the way Aaron treated me.
         “Hold on tight.”  Trent tells me , gripping my hands beneath his.  “I don’t want you to fall off.”
         I bite down on the inside of my jaw, to keep from jerking away from him.  Sure, being on a motorcycle, holding onto a hot guy, is exciting, but I’m terrified too.  My heart is pounding, as I lean my cheek against his back.  God, he smells good, and I can feel his tight muscles through his shirt. 
         He revs it up a couple of times, and now we’re moving.  I’ve never been on a motorcycle before.  All of the air rushing around us is exhilarating.  I feel like I’m flying.
         “Is this too fast?”  Trent practically yells.
         I lean up so my mouth is next to his ear.  “No, I like it.”
         He bops his head up and down.  “How about this?”
         He picks up the speed, and I actually giggle.
         By the time we reach the diner, I’m holding onto him so tightly, I’m not sure I’ll be able to let go.
         “So, you like motorcycles, huh?”
         He gives me a big cocky grin.  I hadn’t noticed before, but he’s really good looking.  His eyes are a bright green, with small flecks of gold here and there, and his hair is almost black.  It’s a really good mix.
         I nod my head.  “Yeah, that was fun.”
         He takes my hand and helps me off the bike.  “Well, I’ll have to borrow it again.  You look beautiful when you smile.  I’d like to see it more often.” 
         I have to drop my head, so he doesn’t see me blush.  He keeps his distance as we make our way inside, and I really appreciate it.  I’m pretty sure he’s figured out tha t Aaron abused me.  Hell, he saw it firsthand, that night at the bonfire.  It bothers me a little that he knows, but it’s not like I can do anything about it.
         “Ha ve you ever been here before?” he asks, as we slide into a booth.
         I shake my head.  “No. I’ve heard about it, though.”
         “You should get the BLT.  They’re the best.” 
         I know Trent’s just being nice, but Aaron controlled me for so long.  He told me what I could and couldn’t wear, who I could hang out with.  Screw that! 
         “I think I’m going to order the pancakes.”
         Okay, so maybe I would prefer the BLT, but I feel like he’s trying to control the situation.  I’m not going to let anyone control me - ever again.  I don’t care how hot they are.
         He grins at me.  “Order whatever you want.  It’s on me.”
         I shake my head.  “Thanks, but I’ll pay for my own.” 
         I know, I sound like a complete bitch, but - I can’t help it.  I don’t want to come across as some little weakling.  I want him to know up front, that I can take care of myself.  I don’t need to depend on anyone.  I’ve been there, and done that.  This is the new me.
         He chuckles softly.  “ I get it.  You’re Miss Independent.”
         That’s right, Ms. Independent.  I like the sound of that.  I give him a big grin.  “Thank you.”
         He grabs the salt shaker and spins it around.  His expression is suddenly really serious.
         “No, thank you, for having breakfast with me.”
         “You’re welcome.”
         “Okay, I have to ask you a question,” he says, still spinning the salt shaker round and round.
         I swallow hard.  Where is he going with this?