Beth

I remember the first time I saw him. I was sitting on my daddy's porch a year after the world ended. Two days ago, some guy showed up carrying his son who'd just been shot. My sister rode out on Sorrel to find his group and bring them back. Because I am considered the family baby, I'd been left home of course, even though I had just had my eighteenth birthday days ago. Even though they still treated me like a baby, didn't mean I wasn't a woman.

When I saw him drive up on that Harley my heart jumped in my throat. Swallowing tightly, I swiped my heavy blonde mane off my heated neck and laid it across my shoulder. Yeah, it was unordinary hot, but I don't think that was the entire reason for this warmth spreading through me.

I couldn't take my eyes from him. He was the most rustic, beautiful species I had ever seen. His hair was wild on his on his head, his eyes squinted and distrustful as he glanced in my direction. He briefly gave me a once over before his blue gaze shifted toward the front door behind me.

Nibbling my lip, I followed his gaze, only just managing not to roll my eyes as I found my daddy standing just beyond the screen door. Bowing my head slightly, i ignored my daddy's warning glare, instead of going in as his look indicated I skipped down the steps toward the new arrival.

Bravely, I let my gaze roam the length of him. His shoulders were bare, a sheen of sweat coating them, highlighting the muscle that was on full display. I just barely stopped myself from licking my lips, my mouth felt drier then cotton suddenly. Somehow, I managed to speak and I'm not sure where the words came from.

"Hi, I'm Beth," I said, the crunch of gravel beneath my feet. His gaze looked me over, and with a grunt he turned away. While I found his response rude, and something I wasn't exactly accustom to, I couldn't help but look at his rear as he bent over his bike and released the saddle bags that were tied over the back.

I would have said more, my mouth opening to do just that, but the sound of vehicles turning into the drive down the way drew my attention. Pressing my lips together for the interruption, I backed off, wandering a few steps toward the motorhome making its way toward my house. Waving my hand, I directed them toward the stables where we kept the few horses we owned, "You can park over here."

Squinting my eyes past the glare of the sun, I could just barely make an old man driving the RV and a blonde woman sitting on the passenger side. A pang of jealousy sprang through my chest. What if the guy on the bike belonged to this woman? There were probably more people inside. What if he was with someone in there? Figured… I finally found someone of interest in this shitshow, and he was probably taken. With that thought tickling my brain, a feeling of annoyance spread through me.

Before the man in the driver seat could speak, I turned away, and headed toward the porch. The last thing I needed to do was get attached to someone who was taken.

"Hey," a gruff voice said as I approached the porch. I knew without looking it was him. Just the sound of his voice was enough to make chills run up my spine. My nostrils flared as I glanced in his direction. I just wanted to touch the whiskers on his chin, and jaw. Imagining the feel of those whiskers made me shiver.

After the cold response my hello had received, I couldn't help the way my chin tilted in speculation. Lifting a blonde brow, I had spent hours shaping, I said, "Yeah…"

"Can ya run along, and find some food and water for these guys?"

I wanted to tell him right were to go… Really, I did… Instead, I smiled the sweetest smile I could gather, and nodded, "Sure can. Mama and I will have supper done in a jiff… might even make you a plate."

Boldly I held his gaze… I'm not sure if was my imagination or not but a bolt of electricity zipped from his eyes to mine. After a longer pause then I ever gave anyone else, I broke the eye contact, and jogged up the steps. I would be seeking this man out soon.