CHAPTER 2

My mind is out in space, I can't be on a date with this guy. He's talking but I can't understand him. Somewhere out there, Sonic is being a faithful boyfriend and here I am about to go somewhere with a man I just met without Sonic's consent. He's gonna be so pissed at me for just talking to Shadow. Just when I start having serious doubts and try to get the courage to turn and haul ass home I feel a nudge.

My bike is out this way, Amy. You're not afraid to go fast are you?

He said it with a smile, but wow I didn't notice those sharp teeth of his. I get this cold rush run across my lips, surely it wouldn't hurt just to show him the town right?

You kidding? I love going fast! But you can't really drive fast here in town, you'll get in trouble.

Great now he's gonna think I'm a stick in the mud. I wink so that he knows I'm kidding, but I'm really not.

Oh, I won't miss Rose, I have connections in high places. The police in this town work for me, they know my bike and if they pull me over they'll get a nice surprise.

He chuckled and patted the pocket on his leather jacket, what could he have in there? I heard a clinking noise, maybe it's a badge if the cops work for him… right? I smile and without realizing I flip my hair and accidentally bumped into his arm, knocking down his helmet. Smooth move Ames…

I am so so sorry Shadow! It didn't break did it? I'll buy you a new one if it broke.

I lean down and try to pick it up, but my backpack falls forward knocking me over. And of course, Shadow's reaching for it and I fall straight into him and we go crashing down. Ah shit. I open my eyes and pray my skirt isn't up.

Oh my gosh! Shadow I am so sorry! I'm such a clutz, I hope I didn't hurt yo-

I open my eyes and stop talking, not only did I fall on top of him but my boobs are directly on his muzzle. This cannot be happening. People in cars are going by whooping and hollering at us, telling us to get it on. His eyes are wide open and I feel his breath sucking in and out through my cleavage.

OH MY GOD!

I jump up and fall back on my butt, and he is still just there with a dumb grin on his face. Sitting up he looks down and smiles bigger.

You must really like the color pink, miss Rose. You wear a pink backpack, a pink headband and a pink thong. It's a good color on you.

I'm blown away. Did he just say that? My face is beet red and I jump up holding my skirt down, I feel tears welling up in my eyes. I'm disgusted with myself!

PERVERT! That's what you are! Did you think you would get fresh with me during this bike ride? Sicko! I'm out of here!

I grab all of my stuff and storm off in a huff, but as I'm five steps away Shadow is grabbing my hand. I want to turn and slap him!

Wait, Amy I'm truly sorry, it's just I can't contain what I say around a beautiful woman such as yourself. I didn't mean to offend you, please forgive me. I was way out of line and I don't want to lose you as a friend.

All of a sudden I feel bad for getting so angry. I look down at our hands and I freeze, oh my God he is holding my hand!

Well I guess I forgive you, but don't even think about getting fresh with me Shadow. I'll kick your ass.

I throw his hand off of mine and fix my clothes and hair. He smiles and we walk to the end of the parking lot row to this sparkling black motorcycle.

Wow… this is yours?

Yes ma'am, her name is the Dark Rider. 2014 Harley V-Rod Night Rod Special, 60 degree V twin. Custom black paint with ghosted blood red insignias. She's my pride and joy, bought her with my first paycheck from my job back in New York.

He seems so proud of this bike, it fits him. I look at him and his eyes are glowing with pride and love for this thing.

Wow, it's really nice Shadow. But where do I sit? I don't know much about bikes, but I bet my friend Tails knows all about them! He's my boyfriend's best friend.

Boyfriend? Hmph, he's a lucky guy miss Rose.

His smile fades and he hands me the helmet.

Put this on, you need it more than I do. Now you're gonna have to strap that bag to you good because we don't want it flying off.

I nod and put the helmet on, it smells like some really good shampoo or something. And I imagine Shadow in the shower, naked and soapy.

Hehehehe….

You say something Amy?

I snap out of it and wipe the drool off my lip, shaking my head I sit on the bike. He flips the visor on the helmet up so I can see clearly, and thank God too cas I couldn't see shit!

So what am I supposed to do? Do I just put my feet on yours? I don't know what's going on here Shadow ha ha ha...

I laugh like an idiot and he grins, shaking his head. Those magnificent quills flowing back and forth. I really want to touch his hair… is that weird?

No Amy, you'll put your feet back here on these.

Fixing my feet onto these little feet pegs, he sits on the bike and turns his head back. I can see all the detail in his eyes, they're so mesmerizing with this deep red with flecks of a fiery orange. I can smell his shampoo, and it smells wondrous… I'll have to ask what it is and buy that for Sonic.

Okay now you'll have to scoot as close to me as possible and put your arms around my waist and hold on tight. Don't forget to put that shield down too, hun.

Hun? My arms around him? I flip the shield down and slowly put my arms around him. But I can't get very close with his bag in my face so I decide to just put my head on it and slightly snuggle against him. God he smells so good, it smells like leather and cigarettes. He starts the bike and takes it off its kickstand, rolling forward he turns back.

Hang on Rose. Squeeze me if I'm scaring you.

Barely audible between the motor and my serenity, I whisper back

I trust you Shadow.

He turns slowly and whispers under his breath,

You shouldn't.