Chapter Nineteen

As I apply the second coat of red glitter on my toenails with my ear buds in as "I need a doctor" by Dre tunes out the racing thoughts, my phone lights up with a text message.

Doni: Hey

Me: Hey…

He responds right away as if he typed the message beforehand.

Doni: Got any plans today?

Me: No, just painting my toes.

Doni: Sexy.

Me: Shut it.

Doni: That's not very nice.

Me: *rolling eyes* emoji

Doni: *sad face* emoji

Doni: Wanna go for a ride?

Hm. A ride? A ride to where?

Me: Sure.

Doni: Sweet. I'll see you in 30.

Me: K

After my toes are dry, I head to my closet and pick out an outfit. I'm not much into wearing make-up, but I add a little blush, and lip gloss, giving my lips a shine. After I refresh my curls giving them a bounce, I tuck my phone in my back pocket. As I walk out the back door and turn the lock, my ass begins to vibrate. Pulling my phone out, it's a text from Doni.

Doni: Here.

Stepping out to the backyard, I take a quick glance over my shoulder and peek around the corner of the house. When I know it's safe, I hop the fence into the neighbor's yard. As I stand on the sidewalk looking both ways, I don't see Doni's car. I wonder if he is on the wrong block. Pulling out my phone to shoot him a text, the roaring sound of a race car burning on the pavement catches my attention. Turning toward the sound, a sleek dark red and black Superleggera V4 Ducati pulls up next to me.

Oh, yeah. I know a lot about motorcycles. I guess that's what happens when you grow up surrounded by guys. Any man who owns one is sexy as hell riding it. The guy on the bike removes his helmet and my jaw drops.

Holy…

"Hey you." He removes his helmet and gives me one of his flirtatious winks.

"No way." I laugh.

He lets out the sexiest laugh, running his hand up and down his soft hair. God. I want to run my hands through it. He smiles wide, revealing his adorable dimples.

"So, this what you meant by going for a ride."

"Yep." He turns around and hands me a full-face helmet with swirls of dark purple and pink with a unicorn design. The patterns and graphics are stunning.

"For me?"

He nods. "It's yours whenever you ride with me."

OMG this boy.

"I don't know what to say." Don't cry. Don't cry. "It's beautiful. Thank you so much."

"You're welcome. Now, hop on back." He pats the padded seat behind him.

I think this may be too small for my head.

"Here, let me help you." Doni laughs softly as he carefully forces the helmet over my head, closing the face shield and gently tapping the top of the helmet with his knuckles.

"Get on." He gestures with his thumb behind him.

Lifting my legs over the seat and resting my feet on the foot pegs, I wrap my arms around Doni's waist like a koala bear. He puts the key into the ignition and the bike comes to life. He turns the throttle as the vibration pulsates under my ass.

"Hang on tight. When I take a turn, make sure you lean with me. Ok?"

I give him a thumbs up and he gives me a boyish smile before he lowers his face shield. He pulls away from the curb and accelerates down the street and onto the highway. as we fly down the road, my thighs squeeze around him. I love the feeling of riding on a motorcycle—the feeling of being free. Suddenly, all my worries are long gone. After riding for a while, Doni gets off on the next exit to one of the state parks. The fall colors are rich and vibrant as we ride down to the park.

When we reach a spot to park, Doni eases the bike and turns the engine off. I swing off the bike before he does, remove my helmet, and balance it on the seat.

"You good?" He tucks his keys in the front pocket of his jeans. I scan his body from head to toe and lick my lips. How can one person wearing a simple leather jacket and a pair of jeans look so fucking sexy?

Once I get my fill, I glance up and see him smirking and shaking his head in amusement when he catches me eye fucking him.

"Hm?" Clearing my throat, I say, "Yep. All good," while tugging my ponytail tighter.

Doni lets out a deep chuckle. "Come on." He holds out his hand and I take it without hesitation.

"Have you ever been here?"

"No, I haven't. It's so beautiful."

"I knew you would love it." He glances over his shoulder and gives me a sweet smile. "It's beautiful during the summer months, but fall is the best."

We walk up the path that's surrounded by tall trees, enjoying the scenery. Doni and I reminisce about our most memorable moments from our childhood after he moved. Doni goes on about going pro-ball and hoping Ash and him will be drafted onto the same team. We talk about non-important things like our favorite music, favorite places to eat, and all the "get to know you" questions. Being with Doni is relaxing and peaceful. We laugh so hard. My feelings grow stronger the more I'm around him. He holds my hand the whole time, giving it a squeeze and never letting go.

My heart begins to ache knowing how much time we lost, but I am so grateful to have a second chance to enjoy him and get to know the grown-up Doni. I smile, knowing my feelings for him are getting carried away. What we have goes beyond friendship, and I get the feeling he believes it too.

"What is that?" There's a soft, deep rumbling sound in the distance through the tall trees.

"Come on. I'll show you." Doni grabs my hand and we run on the path like two crazy kids on their way to Disney World on a patch when our natural burst of laughter breaks out through the woods.

We end up on a wooden bridge. I release a soft gasp when a river of water falls over a rocky ledge. The cool air smells like fresh rain on a warm sunny day. The sound of the waves hitting against the rocks alleviates the worries, the tension in my body, and sends a wave of calmness through me. The water moves effortlessly, cascading into the river below and creating a bright white color like pure snow. I lean against the bridge's railing with my hands interlocked, hanging over the edge in awe of the magnificent creation in front of me. When life makes you feel like you're trapped in a dark space, nature can bring you a sense of peace. It's the little things like this that bring me joy, especially on the days when I feel alone.

Doni watches me as he moves to stand close beside me, mimicking my stance. Without glancing in his direction, I say, "It's beautiful. I love waterfalls. The last time I saw one was in Puerto Rico when Abuela took me to El Yunque. I even sat in the waterfall on a mountain of rocks."

I look over to see Doni's expression; he's staring at me with what looks like admiration for my courage, or respect for never giving up on living. I'm not really sure which it is, but it's what I'm feeling at this moment. I look away toward the falls. We stand there without saying a word, just enjoying the beauty that was put on this earth to bring hope to those who may seem lost. Realizing we have been here for a few hours we decide it is time to get back. Checking my phone before putting my helmet on, I have a missed call and text message from Josiah.

Josiah: Where are you?

Josiah: Sade!!

Josiah: Answer the fucking phone!

Crap.

Me: I'm ok.

Josiah: Next time answer the damn phone.

Protective asshole. He's a pain in my ass.

Me: I'll be home soon.

After waiting a while, Josiah doesn't respond so I tuck my phone away.

"Everything ok?" Doni asks with a raised eyebrow.

"Yeah. Everything's fine." I put my helmet on.

"Good. You hungry?"

"Yes. I'm starving." As I put my helmet on, he intervenes and pulls me closer to him. He surprises me when he lifts me up and sets me on the bike facing him. A squeal comes out of me.

He laughs.

"What are you doing?" I gasp trying to keep my breath steady.

Doni grabs my hips and pulls me closer to him. My heart is beating erratically, and beads of sweat finds their way out of my pores. I could see the lust whirling in his gaze. He runs his two fingers down the side of my face, sweeping over my cheek, then my throat. My entire body brakes into goosebumps followed by more sweat.

His blue eyes are locked on me.

Doni licks his lips.

I do the same and his eyes follows the movement.

"Don't you think it's time we stop lying to each other?"

I rear back in confusion.

Does he know dad is alive? If he did, he wouldn't be looking at me like he is right now, like I'm his favorite treat.

"I…I, uh…"

He laughs sending sweet vibrations throughout my body. He keeps his hands on my hips when he pulls himself closer until we're nose to nose. I could feel his warm breath fan on my face. I bite my lower lip, but he reaches and pulls down my bottom lip with the pad of his thumb. I don't know what possess me to do what I'm about to do next, but whatever the hell this is between us is turning me on.

I lick his thumb in slow motion and smile. He groans in pleasure.

"We're more than friends, and deep down you know it too."

"Wh-what?"

Doni shifts slightly closing the gap between us. Our foreheads are lightly touching each other's. I shut my eyes and inhale his scent when he leans in nips my earlobe and rubs his nose against my neck, and then his lips lightly brush against my cheek.

The air in my lungs freezes.

What is he doing? And why does it feel so good? We're entering a dangerous territory. When he pulls away, I see it in Doni's eyes that he's thinking that too, but he doesn't stop, and I don't want him to. He smiles and rubs the tip of his nose back and forth with mine. When he meets my gaze, there's nothing but pure lust and desire, and I'm one hundred percent sure he sees the same in mine.

A silent gasp parts my lips in anticipation of not knowing what he's going to do next.

He grins knowing the affect he has on me.

His blue eyes are fixated on my lips when he makes the move.

He's so close.

I lick my lips wondering what his lips will feel like on mine, and the way he tastes. He lowers his head a little more. His eyes bounce to my lips and back to my eyes.

This is it. He's going to kiss me.

So close, and suddenly a droplet lands on the tip of my nose, followed by another, and another.

We pull apart and burst out laughing.

Doni pushes my helmet and face shield with a sexy grin. The weather is cooling down as the light rain drizzles on us. There's a slight breeze as soon as we get on the highway. Doni pulls into a small diner on our way back to town. We enter and sit in a corner booth and order cheeseburgers, fries, and milkshakes. "Come on! You don't remember pulling my shorts down in the pool because you were pissed little Casey kissed me on the cheek?" He throws a fry at me.

"She tried to knock me off my unicorn floaty." I eat the fry he threw at me and stick my tongue out.

"Right. I forgot about Starlight," he mocks, laughing while taking a drink of my milkshake using my straw.

I smack his hand away. "Drink you own shake."

"I could, but I like strawberry better." He licks his lips, leans back, and smiles, showing his perfect white teeth. I'm blushing, and he notices because his smile grows. He throws his arm around the back of the booth while tapping his fingers on the table.

"Hey, don't knock Starlight. He was Rainbow Brite's protector, so he was mine too." I take another sip of my milkshake,.

"Right. I remember your obsession with Rainbow Brite." He laughs and leans forward on the table, moving his plate out of the way and taking a quick glance to his right toward the other customers and back to me. "You wanted to keep your world full of colors because it made you happy, which included you painting my face and arms with rainbow colors."

"Yep, I sure did." I laugh. "You were my work of art." I stare back at him, biting my straw and taking another sip of my shake.

"That took forever to get off, Shorty!" We're both laughing so hard my stomach hurts.

"Admit it."

"Admit what?"

"Admit you wanted to be the one to kiss my cheek."

I feel my face warm with embarrassment. Hell yes, I wanted to kiss him.

"Did you just agree with me?"

"Huh, no I—"

Did I say that out loud?

"Nope. No take backs."

The bell above the door dings and in walks a stunning girl about my age with golden wavy hair flowing over her shoulders.

I recognize her from Joaquin's.

Addy.

"I think someone's here for you." I clear my throat, looking for the server so we can get the check. I need to get out of here. Doni looks confused, but when Addy walks up to our table, he freezes, and his Adam's apple bobs up and down like he's been caught doing something naughty.

"Hi babe." She wraps her arm around his neck and sits on his lap like she belongs there.

"What are you doing here, Addy?" he asks, keeping his eyes on me.

She turns his face to her. "What do you mean? Didn't you get my message?"

Doni swallows again. He looks nervous.

"Yeah, you said to meet you here."

Doni closes his eyes. When he opens them, Doni gives Addy an annoyed look. "No, I didn't. I told you I was going out with an old friend. That wasn't an invitation to you."

An old friend. Riiight.

Addy turns to face me when she notices I am at the table. "Hi. I'm Addy." She gives me a big bright smile like it comes naturally for her.

"I'm Sadie." I muster a smile without showing how uncomfortable I am.

I reach for my bag and grab my phone when it vibrates.

TIA: Hey! We're heading over 2 Lupe's 4 a girlz night. U down?

This is my perfect excuse for a getaway. I can't worry about hurting Doni's feelings right now. He's got an Addy and I have my friends waiting for me. I don't even have to think twice before I respond.

ME: I'm down. Can you pick me up at this diner?

I include the directions from google maps.

TIA: WTF R U doing over there???

ME: Long story.

TIA: Ok girl. OMW.

I'm so lost in my own thoughts I don't hear Doni call my name.

"Sadie?"

Not Shorty, but Sadie.

"Yeah?" I look up from my phone and notice the vacant look on his face. Then he turns to face Addy.

"Addy, I need you to get off me," he says indignantly.

"Addy, please get off my lap." He pinches the bridge of his nose in frustration.

"I'm going to take Sadie home." He digs money out of his wallet as the server comes by.

"Anything else, darlings?" she asks in her deep Southern accent.

"No, thank you. Can we have the check please?" I ask.

"Of course." She pulls it out of her apron. "Here you go, sweetheart." She sets the check on the table.

I reach to grab it, but Doni is quicker. "What are you doing? He sets the necessary bills and a generous tip on the table. I smile at him when what I really want to do is smack him over his pretty little head.

"Ok, well this has been fun." I gather my phone and keys, ready to get the hell out of here. I turn to face Addy. "It was nice to meet you." I slide out of the booth and glance over to Doni.

"Thank you for today." I start to walk away when Doni calls out my name at the same time I hear Addy say, "What is she talking about?" The hurt in her voice was obvious but Doni ignores her and calls out for me again.

"Shorty, wait!"

Oh, now I'm Shorty.

I pretend I don't hear him.

"I'll give you a ride back."

I turn to face him again with my hand on the doorknob. "No, it's ok. Tia is going to pick me up. You stay. I'll talk to you later."

I wave goodbye and leave without waiting for his response.