The Switch by Debra Kayn (shoe dog free ebook .TXT) 📕

been easier if they were younger and more inclined to seek out kids their age to play with, but as teenagers, they're moody and think life should walk up to them. You know?"

He pointed behind her. It was easier to show her than tell her she was wrong.

Bonnie's shoulders went back, and she emitted a soft gasp of surprise. The delight on her face mesmerized him.

While she'd discussed her children, Trina had walked over to Zach and Kenny and started talking to them. The two boys seemed to hold their own.

Trip dragged his gaze off Bonnie and looked to Speeder as he walked toward the people at the gathering and brushed his thigh with his left hand—signaling the job could continue.

Apparently, Speeder had gained control over himself and had achieved to get Trina involved with the two boys. They'd concluded that she would be the best at distracting the boys.

Not only because she was a beautiful girl, but the club needed to keep her entertained and stop her rebellious behavior. Not only for herself but for Speeder's sake.

Bonnie smiled at him. "They've met someone."

"So have you." He cocked his brow at her confused look.

"Oh." She laughed softly. "That's true. I've met you."

He liked the way she sounded. As if she enjoyed sharing something with him.

She leaned closer. "I don't think we should interrupt the boys."

He looked over her head at the kids. Zach nodded as Trina talked. Kenny hit his brother's arm, trying to get his attention, pointing out into the field.

Following the direction of the kid's finger, Trip spotted one of the local boys riding his motorcycle over the mound of dirt, trying to gain some air.

If it was one thing he understood, it was the love for two wheels. He lived his life straddling the seat anytime there wasn't snow on the ground—then he switched to a snow bike or snowmobile.

He liked looking at her eyes. They seemed greener when she was outside as if they reflected the pine trees and grass.

"Are you okay with Zach riding a motorcycle?" he asked.

"No." Her head went back. "He's not allowed on your motorcycle. At all. Never."

"Nah." He looked out at the field and pointed. "That one. It's his size. The boy riding it is smaller than Zach." He turned back to Bonnie. "He wants to ride."

Bonnie frowned. "I don't know."

"He's got a girl talking to him. Let the kid feel better about himself and show off a little."

"He won't be showing off if he crashes. It'll embarrass him."

He shrugged. "Then, Trina will comfort him."

"Trina?"

"The young girl."

He knew nothing about kids or the play between a male and female, but he knew without anyone telling him that either way, the kid was golden in Trina's eyes regardless if he learned to ride tonight.

Helping Zach would use up some of the time he had to stall them at the get-together.

"Are you sure he won't get hurt?" Bonnie's two fingers played with her bottom lip.

He stared at the way her thumb and index finger gently squeezed the fullness. "He'll be fine."

She lowered her hand. "Okay. Just make sure he's careful."

He stepped away and stopped, looking back at her. "Are you coming?"

She nodded and moved forward, walking beside him. He needed to keep an eye on her. While she wouldn't leave while her sons were here, he couldn't let her get distracted by all the gossip and talk going around.

He approached the kids, lifting his chin when Zach looked at him. "Come with me."

Heading into the field, he could sense the kid jogging to keep up with him until finally, he matched him step for step. Trip waved down Sam and motioned him over.

"Can we borrow your bike for a few minutes?" he asked.

Sam took off his helmet. "Sure."

Trip grabbed the handlebar before Sam could toe the kickstand. "Thanks, man."

Sam walked off, heading toward the crowd. Alone with Zach, he handed the helmet to Bonnie's son.

"Get on from the other side. Grab the handle first before you swing your leg." He kept hold of the motorcycle. "Do you know how shifting works?"

"Three up?"

"Yeah." He reached over and squeezed the clutch.

While the kid settled on the bike, he went through the instructions. After two attempts of taking off and killing the engine, Zach successfully rode forward. Jogging beside him, Trip yelled what to do next until he was in a full run and Zach was riding straight.

Knowing Zach would have difficulty turning without someone talking him through it, he made it as simple as possible, cutting behind him and pointed out the spots to turn while telling him what to do with his body.

"Now, shift down once." He slowed. "Pull hard on the steering wheel as you lean left."

Zach wobbled, putting his left foot down.

"That's it. Give it some gas. Listen for the whine and then shift back up." He stopped and let Zach ride away from him.

He'd given Zach the basics. There wasn't much damage he could do on his own. They were in a fucking field.

Tucking his hands in the pockets of his vest, he strolled toward Bonnie, satisfied he'd distracted at least one member of the Durham-Murphy family from what was going on less than a half-mile from their house.

Behind him, the dirt bike's engine changed pitch. The RPM's accelerated to a higher whine.

Ahead of him, Bonnie's high-pitched scream shot alarms through him.

It wasn't an adult he was dealing with, but a child. Adrenaline spurred him. He turned, finding Zach on the ground. The dirt bike laid on its side.

Chapter Six

The long fingers of fear wrapped around Bonnie's heart. With a strength she had no idea she possessed; she ran across the field toward Zach.

With the uneven ground working against her, she pushed through the uncoordinated run to reach her son.

She never should've let Trip try and teach Zach to ride a motorcycle. No matter how old her son was, riding was a dangerous activity, and her son often acted as if he was invincible.

Trip reached Zach first, blocking her