Revving Her Heart

You

Revving Her Heart

A Blacke Brothers Novel Book One

by

Cadence Vonn

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.

Revving Her Heart

COPYRIGHT © 2019 by Cadence Vonn

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author or The Wild Rose Press, Inc. except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

Contact Information: info@thewildrosepress.com

Cover Art by Diana Carlile

The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

PO Box 708

Adams Basin, NY 14410-0708

Visit us at www.thewildrosepress.com

Publishing History

First Scarlet Rose Edition, 2019

Print ISBN 978-1-5092-2603-0

Digital ISBN 978-1-5092-2604-7

Published in the United States of America

Dedication

As always to my hubby for his undying support.To Rich for your motorcycle expertise and surviving your accident. To Sheila for putting up with him as he recuperated. And to Jenn for your help with my writing hiccups.

PRAISE FOR AUTHOR

Cadence Vonn

PLAY A GAME WITH ME

"It all starts with a game! The book kept me on my toes. With every page I fell for the characters…

The climax was action filled, and if there was any anger around, the climax fixed that. Got to tell you, I am going to have a book hangover over this one.

~Five Stars, Long and Short Reviews

Chapter One

Allison recoiled from the oil smell as she opened the bay door to her father’s workshop; maybe staying in Hershey would be a mistake. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Then another. Forcing her eyelids to open, she scanned the large space. Everything stood frozen in time. An unfinished, black beast of a bike sat in the middle of the area, the tool cart standing next to it with half its drawers open. She loved tools. Motorcycles? Not so much.

Tank barked at her inability to move.

I’m not sure I can do this, boy. I miss Dad so much. He should be here. She squatted and patted the old golden retriever, cuddling him to her body. The ache from her father’s loss made it hard to breathe.

With a sigh, she stood and entered the space. It’d been a month since her father’s death—since her frantic drive to make it to the hospital to say goodbye. This was now all hers, but she’d give it all back to spend more time with her dad, to hear him tell her no matter what she did, he’d always be proud of her.

She ran her hand over the workbench he’d designed just for her—the perfect height to bang on metal with small hammers or form copper into spiraling shapes. It’d been her oasis every summer after her parents divorced and her mother dragged her off to Philadelphia to live.

The throaty roar of a motorcycle rushing through the rain pierced her sad reflections. She moved to close the oversized bay door, not wanting anyone to know she was there, but it was too late. A large motorcycle sped up the driveway, heading straight for Allison and the open bay door of the workshop that would provide refuge from the downpour. Two people rode through the rain. A man and a woman, both perfect specimens for a wet T-shirt contest. The male driver pulled into the open space, giving her a nod as he passed. Allison held Tank’s collar to keep him from jumping on her uninvited guests.

The woman swung a long leg over the back of the bike and stepped off, looking sexy in a pair of shorts, cowgirl boots, and a thin, white T-shirt. She removed her helmet and shook out her long blond hair.

Perfect. Allison’s brain whispered the snarky comment, making her cough to cover her flustered thoughts about comparing her size 34Bs to the set of 38C or D the woman showed off to wet perfection.

Strong arm muscles flexed on the man as he parked the motorcycle and dismounted. Allison’s eyes widened, and her tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth. She tried to swallow. His well-defined abs showed through his clinging shirt. She couldn’t remember ever seeing a guy in wet jeans. Nothing, absolutely nothing, compared to the way the soft material molded to his body.

Al? That can’t possibly be you. A husky voice spoke from behind a dark visor.

Tank dragged her closer to the man before she released the dog and let him go to the hand that reached out and scratched his head.

Hi, Tank. Still hanging in there, I see. The guy gave the dog one more pat, then lifted off his helmet. Allison tried not to stare. Wicked-as-sin gray eyes regarded her. He pushed the damp strands of black hair off his face and gave her a big smile.

Nick? Her voice squeaked with disbelief. This couldn’t be the tall, lanky, nineteen-year-old boy she’d mooned over the summer she turned sixteen. The guy who’d kissed her on her birthday.

In the flesh. It’s good to see you.

So you’re the little Al Nick talked about. The woman held out her hand. I’m Nick’s friend, Grace.

Allison shook it, noticing the long red nails and tattoos that flashed as the woman moved. Nice to meet you, Grace. It’s been a long time since Nick and I have seen each other. Why would he talk about her?

Nick moved closer to her. I’d give you a hug, but I’m all wet. Will you take a rain check? He winked at her.

Um. Right. Sure. Allison inhaled a hint of spice and summer rain. A more manly scent than what he’d worn as a teenager.

I heard about your father and wanted to see if you were around. I’m really sorry. He was part of the reason I fell in love with motorcycles.

Damn motorcycles, Allison muttered under her breath.

What? Nick gave her a slight frown.

Nothing, she said, trying to cover up her dislike of the machines that had killed her dad. Since you’re here and it’s pouring, would you like to head to the house and dry off?

Sure, if we’re not intruding.

They were, but Allison would never admit it. Her mother’s constant harping on the art of being the perfect hostess wouldn’t allow it.

Through the side door is closer to the front porch. She pointed to her left. I have an umbrella.

You use it. We’re already wet, so a quick run through the rain won’t matter. Nick led the way out the door with Grace following close behind.

Well, go on, Tank. I know you hate water, but you need to get wet to eat.

The dog looked up at her, then took off in the rain, moving fast for his eleven-year-old legs. Allison rolled her eyes at the gray sky. Nicholas and his girlfriend—this wasn’t how her imagination had dreamt of meeting him again. She preferred the more romantic version stuck in her head. The one that filled her daydreams and kept her company on many lonely nights. The one where he’d come riding up the drive, sweep her up in his arms, and carry her off in the sunset. She hadn’t dreamt that one since her father was killed. No longer would a motorcycle-riding hunk be part of her fantasies.

She followed them into the house and took off her sneakers in the foyer. If you have time, you can toss your clothes in the dryer, she said to Nick.

That’d be great.

Leave your boots here. I’ll get some dry things for you to put on while you wait. She headed back to her father’s old room. She hadn’t had the heart to get rid of his clothes. They were piled on the bed in neat stacks, a task that had taken the better part of a week of crying as she folded each T-shirt. His aftershave still lingered in the air, woodsy like the pine trees that surrounded the property. She grabbed a T-shirt and a pair of jeans for Nick and raced back out the door.

She decided to head to her bedroom and bring down her fuzzy robe for Grace, since she didn’t want to insult the woman with a pair of her father’s pants. She figured all of her clothes would be too small for the statuesque blonde.

Here. She handed the shirt and pants to Nick and the robe to Grace. There’s a bathroom around the corner and a small one behind the kitchen in the utility room with the washer and dryer.

Thanks, Al. Nick pointed to the hall bath for Grace and trotted off through the tiled kitchen to the utility room in the back.

Allison got busy making coffee and pulling out things to eat. She stopped, closed her eyes, and the image of Nick removing his helmet replayed in her head. After ten years, he looked amazing. Damn, he still made her heart race.

You don’t have to feed us. Nick spoke from behind her.

She spun around and gasped. Tears sprang to her eyes, and she covered her mouth.

Hey, what’s wrong? He pulled her into his arms.

Sorry. She sniffled against his chest. I didn’t realize what T-shirt I gave you. It’s the one I bought for Dad last year when we went hiking in the Rockies. He loved seeing a grizzly bear in the distance.

Do you want me to take it off?

Already stripping for the woman, Nick? Grace laughed from the doorway.

Shut up, Grace. He didn’t turn. The shirt reminded her of her father. He lifted Allison’s chin. Tell me where I can find another shirt.

It’s okay. She pulled a tissue out of her pocket. Triggers have me crying at the drop of a hat. She let out a sad sigh.

I know how it is. My dad died a year ago. It was a shock for everyone, but I had my mom and brothers. How is your mother dealing with your dad’s death?

Allison snorted. She waved her finger at me and said, ‘See, I told you the damn motorcycle would get him killed.’ She isn’t much help.

Sorry. He tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear and then cleared his throat. Glad to see you’re still a redhead. I remember you saying as soon as you were out on your own, you were going to dye it black.

Allison took advantage of his change of subject and stepped away. I did in college. For about a year until someone told me I was an adequate representation of a Goth princess. The last thing I wanted to be was Goth.

Well, red suits you better.

She stuck her hand in her pocket, seeking the small worry stone she kept there, and rubbed the glass-like surface. She let out a cleansing breath. Would either of you like a cup of coffee? There’s also soda, chips, and turkey for sandwiches. If you don’t like that, I can throw a couple of frozen pizzas in the oven.

Coffee sounds wonderful, Grace piped up from her perch on the other side of the island.

I’ll take a cup too. Where are the mugs?

Where they’ve always been, above the coffee pot. Allison gave Nick a quick shoulder shrug, then reached into the refrigerator and pulled out the half and half. I’m surprised you didn’t remember. You drank enough coffee when you were working for Dad ten years ago. I recall making a fresh pot more than a few times a day.

Back then it was all about appearing older. Now I drink it because I enjoy it. He filled his cup, raised it in a salute to Allison, and gave her a wink.

Those damn dark eyes that haunted her dreams. She cleared her thoughts with a slight shake of her head. How about food?

I’ll take a turkey sandwich, Grace said and pulled the food and plates toward her. I’ll be glad to make them.

I’d rather have peanut butter and jelly, Nick replied. Do you have any?

You know there’s always peanut butter and jelly in this house. There’s a large jar in the pantry, and the jelly is in the refrigerator. I hope you don’t mind orange marmalade.

Any flavor will do. He slapped together two sandwiches and filled his plate with a handful of chips.

Why were you two riding in the rain? Allison asked as they settled in around the island.

I just got back into town and wanted to take my motorcycle out for a spin. It wasn’t raining when we left. Grace was hanging at the house and came along.

And you ended up here? Why?

I heard about your dad and wanted to see if you sold the place to anyone. Nick’s nonchalant shrug garnered a snort from Grace.

More like you were itching to see if Al was around.

Allison wanted to smack the smirk off the woman’s face. What was her problem? She practically sneered every time she said Al, and she clearly knew Allison and Nick had a past, but that was a long time ago.

I go by Allison nowadays.

Allison suits you better, princess. Grace’s deep laugh made Allison grit her teeth and plaster a fake smile on her face. The woman’s cleavage taunted her through a gap in the robe. A man could get lost in all the plump flesh the woman showed. Allison tugged her T-shirt away from her body. On the other hand, her ho-hum breasts needed a special bra to create any kind of visual appeal. Damn, was this the type of woman Nick enjoyed?

Hey. He poked her in the ribs. Lost ya there. Where did your mind wander off to?

Allison sat up straighter, moving away from his hand. Nowhere. It stopped raining.

So it did. I’ll help you clean up and then see if our clothes are dry. He hopped off his stool and carried the dishes to the sink. Do you want me to wash them?

No, thanks. I can stick them in the dishwasher later.

He left the room, and Grace said, So you and Nick had a thing going years ago?

The exposed skin above Allison’s tank top grew hot. Not—nothing like that.

It’s okay, sweetie. He’s more than enough of a man to handle a couple women, and I’m willing to share.

Allison’s mouth dropped open.

Share what? Nick walked back into the room with his own clothes on and Grace’s in his hand.

Nothing, hon. Grace patted his cheek and took her clothes. I’ll be right back.

What were you and Grace talking about? he demanded when the woman was out of earshot.

She couldn’t think. The only word that came out of her mouth was You.

His eyes narrowed, and he slapped his hand on the island. Let me set one thing straight. There’s nothing between Grace and me. Understand?

She nodded. You better tell Grace.

He took a step toward her, and she leaned her head back to see his face.

It was a mistake bringing her along. We’re just friends, nothing more. She’s dating my brother Jonathan and wanted to come along for a ride.

She swallowed. I think she’d like to date you.

I’m not interested in Grace. I came back to Hershey hoping to find you and pick up where we left off.

Nick, there was no ‘we’ ten years ago. Although at the time, she would have loved more.

I seem to remember a kiss. He moved closer and stroked his knuckles over her cheek. Leaning in, he brushed his lips across hers. With a gentle flick of his tongue, he encouraged her to open her mouth and let him in.

Flashes of heat coursed through Allison’s body, causing her to grip his T-shirt so she wouldn’t fall. She pressed harder against him, feeling his erection dig into her abdomen. Nick ended the kiss as quickly as it started and lifted his head. He kissed her on the nose before he released her face.

My memory didn’t do your kiss justice. You have the sweetest lips. I’ll be back for more. At the sound of Grace approaching from the bathroom, he stepped away and yanked his shirt down over the front of his jeans.

The three of them walked out to the workshop together with Tank leading the way.

Why on earth would you name a golden retriever Tank? Grace asked.

When my father brought him home, Tank used to plow through anything that got in his way. Dad and Nick laughed at him and said he was going to grow up to be a tank. Allison shrugged, trying not to look over at Nick, certain he’d remember the dog running through the pile of dirty clothes and emerging with one of her padded bras around his neck. Not able to face him, she’d hidden in her room until he went home that night.

Nick cleared his throat and gave her arm a slight nudge with his. She couldn’t help but glance up at him, and he winked, causing yet another surge of heat to travel up her neck and scorch her cheeks.

She huffed. After all the rain lately, you might want to head back over the newer bridge to cross Swatara Creek. The old bridge will be flooded.

Will do. Nick handed Grace her helmet and leaned down to whisper a quick word in Allison’s ear. I’ll be back Saturday. I can’t wait to kiss you again. He pulled his helmet over his head, and the visor covered his eyes.

Allison tried not to react when Grace slipped her arms around Nick’s waist and clutched his shirt just above the waistband of his jeans. She was certain the woman smirked at her from behind the dark visor when she pressed her breasts against Nick’s back. Allison stuffed her hand in her pocket and rubbed her talisman, hoping she didn’t show