Page 12 of Cocky Secrets

Luke’s tone softens. “We’re just looking out for you, Sage. You don’t know the things we see. Look, we’re going to the lake. Come with us. Hop on.”

“I don’t want to go!”

“Don’t be mad at us,” Atlas grins. “Come to the lake.”

“I was going to go paint,” I sigh, motioning to my backpack, leaving out the most important part:I’m going to paint a naked man you’ve never met. Oh, and he’s a policeman.

If they paid more attention to my art they’d know I don’t have a canvas with me, but they’re not thinking that far ahead. Ormaybe they believe I have a tiny one tucked away in here. How cares? I hate them.

As if it’s final, Luke says, “Good. You’ll paint the lake.”

“I’ll go back home.Yougo to the lake.”

Atlas smoothly counters, “Then we’llallgo back home.”

I snap, “Why all of us?!”

“So you don’t sneak out whenwe’reat the lake,” Luke explains with a knowing smile.

Atlas grins. “You think we’re stupid?”

You’re too smart is what you are.I grind my teeth, mind racing, so angry as I glare at my overprotective brothers. “Fine,” I finally say, the word heavy on my tongue. “But just for a little while. I’ll ride with you to the lake, and then I’m going back to my painting. I don’t want to paint the lake. You have to give me a ride back.”

“Deal,” Luke says, his grin widening as he revs his motorcycle. Atlas mounts his and follows suit.

Sadness washes over me as I close the pedestrian gate, climb off my bike, and prop it against the ancient oak tree. Tears of frustration tug at my heart. I can’t let them see how much they hurt me with this, how much they extinguished my fire of inspiration. I’ve painted that damn lake a hundred times. I want to paint a naked man today! I want to see his vulnerability as he waits for me to define him by way of brushstrokes and colors!

I climb on Luke’s Harley, lace my arms around him, rest my head on his back in defeat. As we ride toward the lake, the wind whips through my hair, a feeling I normally adore. But I can’t shake disappointment’s hold. My blank canvas, both of them, remain far away, untouched, my vision of the handsome stranger fading with each frustrating, passing moment. I steal a glance at Luke and Atlas, their laughter ringing through the air as they enjoy their favorite pastime — riding motorcycles for thefun of it — and I can’t help but wonder if I’ll ever get the chance to reclaim my escape.

What must Bear be thinking? When noon rolls round and I’m not there? Did he look forward to this as much as I did? As if that’s even possible.

SIX

Sage

The air is warm, filled with the nearby songs of birds alighting branches, and sunlight dances on the lake’s surface as I sit on the grassy shore, my legs stretched out before me. Luke and Atlas are a few feet away, skipping rocks, their shouts echoing off the water and trees. They start shooting them at each other, Atlas on shore, Luke shin-deep in the lake, and I can’t help but smile at their antics, the carefree energy infectious.

“Come on, Sage!” Luke calls out, glancing over at me, knee deep with his jeans rolled up, grey t-shirt black in splashed places. “You’re missing out! The water is amazing!”

I look closer at the shimmering lake, sunlight glinting off its ripples, and for a moment, I hesitate and finally stand up, brushing grass off my legs and frustration from my heart. “Alright, I’m coming!”

Just as I start to walk closer, with the intention of putting my hand in to test the water, we hear the roar of three motorcycles and look over to discover Sofia Sol, Sean and Celia approaching, their voices carrying on the afternoon breeze.

Soph is wearing jeans and a black tank top, no jacket or helmet since the ride is such a short one, with no traffic or danger to speak of.

Celia’s in a white sundress that makes her caramel skin glow, long hair also free and cascading behind her.

Sean is dressed like my brothers, in jeans and a T-shirt, but where theirs is one grey and one white, he’s wearing blue, the pale color of his eyes.

Although part of me is dying to tell Soph and Celia all about Bear, which I know I cannot do, the sight of them brings a spark of excitement because now it’s not just me and my brothers. It’s easier to drop my anger at feeling caged, now that they’re here. The more the merrier. And I did miss all of these guys while they were gone, if I can lay my discouragement down long enough to remember that, and enjoy the moment.

“Hey, is this a private party or can anyone join?” Sofia teases, grey eyes sparkling with humor.

Celia follows closely behind, a playful smile on her face. “There you are, Sage! Everyone was wondering.”

Sean beside her, calls from his hog, “You should probably tell your parents.”

“Let them wonder,” I rebelliously reply, adding, “Join us! We’re just about to go for a swim!” unable to hide my enthusiasm.

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