GRIT: A Spartan Riders Novel Read Online Free

child-sized bright blue helmet on his head. The man she assumed was his father spoke in low tones that rumbled nearly as deep as the bike’s pipes as he reached down and began fastening it under his chin.
    Gabby took one look at the two of them and the bike, and marched down to meet them, catching the tail end of their conversation.
    “Sorry I was late, buddy.”
    “It’s okay, Daddy.”
    “Nah, it’s no—”
    “Hi,” she said, her voice bright but razor sharp. She was not at all happy, and she wanted him to know it. Thrusting out her hand she said, “I’m Gabby Morgan, Ash’s teacher. I missed you at this morning’s meet and greet.”
    Straightening on his seat, those gray eyes swept over her in open appreciation that sent tingles all the way down to her toes. While the danger held a smidgeon of appeal at a distance, Gabby could now see why women all but melted in the face of men like him. With one look, this one made her warm all over. But she wasn’t about to let that little detail cloud her judgment.
    He extended his hand, clasping hers in a rough but delicate hold, and held. “Blake Mahone, Ash’s dad. We were running behind this morning.”
    She’d gathered as much. “Yes, Ash mentioned you had some business to tend to.” Withdrawing her hand from his, Gabby crossed her arms over her chest, an action that drew Mr. Mahone’s eyes. Another rush of heat climbed into her cheeks when she realized that, rather than make her appear mean and scary, the move pushed her breasts up and out, but Gabby ignored that too.
    “Mr. Mahone, you do realize that, in addition to this morning, you’re over an hour late. Today was a half-day.”
    Lifting his arm, he scratched the back of his neck, appearing almost shameful. Yet Gabby suspected that the man had probably never felt a moment’s shame in his life. “Yeah, time got away from me. It won’t happen again.”
    It damn well better hadn’t. That’s what she wanted to say, but she held her tongue, determined to be nice and give the man a chance. Everyone was entitled to one screw-up. “We tried calling several times, but no one answered. There’s no other number on file besides yours either. You might consider informing the office of a backup in case anything like this happens again.”
    Blake Mahone’s eyes narrowed a fraction, his impression of her obviously shifting to something more unfavorable. A muscle in his jaw flexed and, with a curt nod, he reached back to assist Ash onto the bike.
    “Duly noted, Miss Morgan.” Then he pulled his helmet back on and acted as if she wasn’t even there. “Ready to fly, buddy?”
    “Wait, you’re not seriously driving your son home on this… thing , are you?”
    The dark, reflective visor turned toward her, gifting her a vision of herself. A deep, dark scowl pinched her lips and scorn-filled eyes she normally thought were fairly attractive stared back at her. Man, did she really look that bitchy?
    His rough voice followed, muffled behind the helmet, reclaiming her attention. “That’s the plan.”
    She opened her mouth to protest once more, intent on informing him of all the possible dangers, when he revved his engine, canceling her out. She waited for the engine to die down to a low rumble before her lips parted, but once more, he twisted the handle, filling the air with the bike’s angry roar.
    Oh, wow. What an ass. Clearly the man didn’t care to hear it. But what else should she expect from someone who couldn’t even bother to be on time. A scowl twisted her face and she pursed her lips, backing up a step and making a motion with her arm for him to proceed.
    Mr. Mahone revved the bike one more time, then with a wave of Ash’s little hand, they shot off, leaving Gabby shaking her head and promising herself she wouldn’t get involved.

THREE
     
    That’s it. She was getting involved. Blake Mahone had forced her hand.
                  Sitting, once again, at the top of the elementary school