Jaci Burton by Nauti, wild (Riding The Edge) Read Free Book Online

best friend to turn the
    corner and come back home—back to school—where she
    belonged.
    “Hey, baby, how about we ride on outta here?”
    Lacey lifted her head and her whole body perked up as Bo
    entered the kitchen and rounded the island to put his arms
    around her.
    “I’m game. Wherever you want to go.”
    Bo tilted her back in his arms and planted a long,
    passionate kiss on her lips. Ava turned away at the intimacy
    and her gaze landed on Rick, who stood next to her, smiling.
    “You ready to ride, Ava?”
    “Sure.” Not like she had a choice since she couldn’t very
    wel cal a taxi to this remote location.
    They climbed on the bikes and headed back into town. One
    thing about the desert—no matter what time of year it was, it
    got cold at night—especial y in the fal . Ava had no choice but
    to snuggle up against Rick’s back to keep the chil y wind from
    penetrating through her jacket. Next time she was definitely
    dressing warmer.
    Though she doubted there’d be a next time, at least not with
    Rick. Not after tonight.
    Once they’d returned to the Strip, they pul ed into the hotel
    parking lot and got off their bikes.
    “I need to go get my bag from my car so I can check in,” Ava
    said.
    Lacey looked to Bo, who had a tight hold on her hand,
    obviously eager to drag her up to their room.

    “I’l walk to your car with you,” Rick said. “You two can go on
    ahead.”
    “Great.” Lacey waved to Ava. “See you in the morning.”
    Nothing like getting dumped by your best friend. “’Night.”
    Ava pushed the elevator button. “My car’s on another level.
    You real y don’t have to stay with me.”
    “I’d feel a lot better if you weren’t wandering around in a
    parking garage at two in the morning by yourself. If that’s okay.
    ”
    She managed a smile. “Yes, that’s okay. Thank you.”
    Once on the next level she retrieved her bag from her car
    and they rode up to the lobby. “Have you already checked in?”
    He nodded. “Earlier today.”
    “Okay. Wel , good night then.”
    She went to the desk and once she’d checked in, headed
    to the elevators. Rick was standing there. She cocked her
    head to the side.
    “Again, I don’t like the idea of you wandering around by
    yourself. I’l walk you to your room.”
    Okay, chivalry definitely wasn’t dead. At least not in Rick’s
    case. Why did he have to be so freakin’ charming? Especial y
    since it was obvious he didn’t want her? “Thanks. Again.”
    They rode the elevator up to her floor. Rick grabbed her bag
    and took the key from her hand, then led her down the hal to
    her room. He slid the key card in the lock and opened the
    door for her. She flipped on the light and turned to face him,
    but Rick walked inside. Ava shrugged and closed the door,
    fol owed him while he flipped on the bathroom light as if he
    were looking for . . . something.

    He pul ed the shower curtain aside, then moved out of the
    bathroom and into the bedroom, checking things out.
    Checking for what, she wasn’t exactly sure. He final y set
    her bag on the bed and handed her the key.
    “Okay, you’re good to go.”
    “What were you doing?”
    “You can never be too careful about hotels. I just wanted to
    make sure you were safe.”
    She melted just a little bit. “Thank you, Rick.”
    He seemed to want to linger, as if there was something he
    wanted to say. Or do.
    She wished.
    But then he took a step back. “I’l let you get some sleep.”
    She walked him to the door and opened it.
    “Rick.”
    He paused, turned around. “Yeah?”
    “Where’s your room?”
    He cocked his head to the left. “Just a few doors down.
    Room 238. Cal me if you need anything.”
    “Okay. Good night.”
    He paused, then leaned in and brushed his lips against
    hers. Soft, easy, and oh she wanted so much more.
    “’Night.”
    She closed the door and locked it, leaned against the wal
    and sighed.
    This night could have been a lot different, if only . . .
    If only