chapter347

The second Lydia took off her helmet, the rest of the group just stared, eyes wide and jaws nearly dropping.

Was she even real? She looked amazing, and somehow even cooler than the rumors made her out to be. No wonder everyone called her the motorcycle queen. She was famous for a reason, and not just in their own city.

Connor noticed how everyone was gawking at Lydia, so he pulled off his own helmet too.

Chris had kept it a secret that Connor would be coming tonight. Honestly, with Connor's reputation, most of these guys would have chickened out if they'd known. He was practically a legend, and not the kind younger riders felt comfortable around.

Garnet and the others had been wondering who was sitting behind Lydia. The guy looked tall, but before they could even ask, he took off his helmet. For a second, it was like the air itself froze. The wind that usually whipped through the canyon just... stopped.

Everyone except Chris nearly lost their grip on their bikes out of pure shock.

"C...Connor! It's really Connor!"

"Hi, Connor."

"Hey, Connor."

The younger guys scrambled off their bikes, stiff as boards, and bowed their heads

in a panic, trying to sound as respectful as possible.

Connor gave them a cool nod and, glancing at Lydia, said, This is Lydia. She's with me."

Immediately, the guys snapped to attention and greeted Lydia. Hi, Lydia.

"Hello, Lydia."

"Connor and Lydia, you two are honestly perfect together. Like, made for each other."

"Yeah, a total power couple."

"Connor and Lydia, the dream team."

"Connor and Lydia... hope you have a kid soon!"

That last one came from Kit, who was meeting Connor for the first time and looked like he'd just seen a ghost. He was so nervous his brain just short-circuited, and somehow, "hope you have a kid soon" flew out.

There was a split second of stunned silence. Every single person turned to stare at him.

Even Lydia shot him a look, eyebrows raised.

Kit wished he could just disappear. Did Lydia think he was a total idiot now?

The forced compliments had already

been pretty awkward, but Kit had

just set a new record for

embarrassment. The others suddenly felt a lot better about

themselves. After all, nothing they

said could top that.

The wildest part was, Connor actually seemed pleased. He didn't look awkward at

all. If anything, he looked like he'd just heard the best news of the night.

Chris had to step in. He couldn't believe what was happening. He gave a dry laugh, shaking his head "What are you guys even doing? Lydia hasn't even started college yet. She's not marrying my brother any time soon. Isn't it a little early for marriage blessings?"

The group fell quiet. Honestly, it wasn't their fault. Connor's

protective boyfriend energy hagl

been so obvious, they'd felt like they had to say something

Connor broke the silence. "You're all promising kids. Chris should bring you by the house sometime."

The guys looked at each other in disbelief. Was he serious?

Chris just rolled his eyes. He couldn't deal with his brother sometimes. Why did he have to show up tonight and mess with everyone's heads?

Thankfully, Lydia saved them all. "Let's get started. Two laps around to warm up." Chris jumped at the chance. "Got it!"

Everyone else quickly got back on their bikes, confidence returning.

Chris noticed Connor wasn't moving. He raised an eyebrow. "Bro, you coming with us?"

The thing was, if Connor joined, no one would be able to relax.

Connor seemed to get the message. "Is it me? Am I making you all nervous?" He sounded totally serious.

The others wanted to nod, but none of them dared.

Chris, thinking Connor was finally going to step aside, nodded right away. Of course. You think too much of yourself if you think you don't."

Connor paused, looking thoughtful, then said, dead serious, Then just take it slow. Safety first."