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You won’t regret it.

She went back to staring at her wardrobe, then gasped and took a step back when a couple of garments shuddered and waved at her.

‘What the…? Right, magic. I guess I did ask for inspiration.’ Her hands shook slightly as she pulled out the jeans and jumpers that had been so eager for her attention, thinking this was too weird for words. Trying not to focus on it, she layered the jumpers. Not her ideal first-date outfit, but she comforted herself with the knowledge that Aiden had been very clear that he liked her whatever she wore.

Aiden grinned when she opened the door. ‘You look gorgeous, Princess. Ready?’ He leaned down and kissed her on the cheek.

‘I’ll grab my jacket.’

‘I brought one you can borrow.’

‘Really?’

‘Yup.’ He produced a bundle of leather from a pannier. ‘It’s my spare, so it’ll be a bit big, but leather’s the best option on a bike.’

‘Thank you.’

He helped her into it and handed her heavy gloves. ‘You get these too, and obviously a helmet.’

‘Is all this really necessary?’ Nerves set in as she pulled on the too-big gloves.

‘The helmet’s a legal requirement and I’d never take anyone pillion without one. The leathers are comfier – and smarter. Bikes are my favourite way to travel, but not the safest. You dress for the slide, not the ride… not that I’m planning on spilling us. Plus there’s bugs and stones.’

‘Oh.’

He helped her buckle her helmet. ‘You good?’

‘I think so.’ Mia walked towards the bike. ‘So how do I get on this hog?’

Aiden cracked up laughing.

‘What? Isn’t that what they call bikes?’

‘Only Harleys. This’ – he ran his hand over the chrome in a way that made Mia feel slightly jealous – ‘is a Triumph Bonneville 650 Twin Classic.’

‘It’s beautiful.’ Mia didn’t need to know about bikes to appreciate the sleek chrome and glossy blue-black curves.

‘Thanks. I’ll get on first and hold it steady. These’ – he tapped part of the bike with his boot – ‘are foot pegs. There’s a matching one on the other side. You put your left foot on it, and pretty much kick your leg over. Keep your feet on them. Don’t do what one of my mates did and slip onto the exhaust here… He melted his shoes.’

‘OK. That bit, not that bit. Got it.’

‘Ready?’

She nodded and watched as he kicked his leg over the bike and stood, holding it steady. He offered his hand. ‘Coming?’

‘Yeah.’ She put her hand in his, but he slid his hand up her forearm and gripped firmly, supporting her as she climbed up and settled behind him.

‘You good?’

‘Oh!’ She jumped. ‘I can hear you!’

‘I switched on the helmet Bluetooth.’

She giggled. ‘I feel silly now. I was worried I’d have to poke you or something to get you to stop.’

‘I figured we’d start slow.’ He sat down and tugged her hand to his waist. ‘But if you do want to prod me for anything, maybe try and avoid tickling? Best not to distract the driver.’ He winked before flicking down his visor and waiting for her to do the same. ‘It’s going to feel a bit like being in a car, only a lot more so. You’ll feel the acceleration, and slowing and breaking, but a lot more pronounced. Ditto for corners – and it’s really important not to fight me on those… When I lean, you do the same and try to keep your body in line with mine.’

‘OK.’ She nodded eagerly and tightened her hands around his waist.