The Trail Often Crossed

Fall in love with my rival? Absolutely not.

Have a one night stand with the hot, 6’4”, tattooed new guy in town? Yes.

Except… they’re one and the same.

When I was flirting with Santiago Cruz, trying to figure out the quickest way to get his strong hands on my waist and his full lips on my mouth, I never imagined he would be my newest rival. Showing up at the Motocross track and seeing him confirmed suspicions I didn’t know I had. He acts all tough and even asks if I’m here to continue what we started last night—did I mention we got interrupted? Because I—Roe Sorelle, local bar owner and the town’s black cat—had to break up a fight. Classic. I thought the one thing I needed to worry about was making it to nationals, not how to stay away from the tall, dark, and handsome Santiago.

I’m used to twists and turns, life has always sent them my way, but the undeniable spark between us is something new and distracting. Especially when we’re stuck with only one motorcycle on trails often crossed. Him being a genuinely nice guy doesn’t help. A good son and big brother… but also a dirty talker who cooks for me every morning. How am I supposed to stay away from him and keep him at arm’s length? Everything I touch dies, and I don’t want it to be his fate, too. Not when all he’s ever wanted in life is to find someone to share it with.

I may not be able to stay away from him but giving him my heart? Never.