Page 17 of Cocky Secrets

I blink, curiosity piqued. “What?”

He glances around, making sure no one else is listening, then lowers his voice. “A used Harley. The owner’s letting me take it for a test ride today.”

My heart skips a beat. “You’re kidding!”

He stifles a grin, “But here’s the catch,” and adds, his voice dropping lower. “We can’t let your mom know. She’ll freak out if she finds out I’m taking you to test ride a bike.”

A mix of thrill and rebellion courses through me, overtaking disbelief. “I’m in.”

“We’ll sneak out.”

I can hardly keep my voice down I’m so excited. “Let’s do it! Just give me a minute to change and throw on my boots.”

I rush to my room, throwing on my favorite pair of faded jeans, violet halter and a leather jacket that’s been hanging in my closet forever. Tugging on my biker boots, I glance in the mirror, and can’t help but feel a surge of confidence.

I’m ready for this.

He thinks so, too!

When I return to the kitchen, my dad is already by the door, his motorcycle keys dangling from weathered fingers. “All set?” he asks, a conspiratorial smile playing on his face.

“Ready as I’ll ever be,” I grin, my heart racing at the thought of getting a Harley of my own. It mightnotbe the one. Maybe this is the first in a series of motorcycles we’ll test drive, but that he’s defying Mom’s concerns and willing to try one out,for me,for what I need, that means the world!

We slip out of the house, careful not to make too much noise. But just as we’re heading for the garage, grass sneakily crunching under our boots, Sofia Sol and her children, Kenzie and Malakai, come around the corner, everyone curious about where we’re going.

“What’s up?” Soph asks.

Dad grunts, “Uh…”

“Just riding into town for the fun of it,” I tell her, trying to sound casual. It’s not entirely a lie. It’ll be fun to ride into town with my badass father. So what if the purpose of the trip, also fun, isn’t entirely divulged? Or at all sanctioned by my other parent. So what if she’ll be furious? So what if we have to hide it?! We’re doing it, and that’s all that matters to me.Stop asking questions, Soph!

Malakai frowns, his voice squeaky young and devilishly curious, “You going with Honey Badger?”

“My dad and I are going for a ride, yeah,” I grate, irritated by the way Malakai’s looking at me.

“You never do that.”

“I have, too! You just weren’t born yet.”

“You’re dumb.”

I stoop to his level. “You’re dumber.”

Soph mutters, “Gawd, Sage. How old are you again?”

“Shut it,” I mutter, as Dad chuckles, using the diversion of our little spat to keep attention off of our true intention. He’s suddenly doing a supreme job of acting like this is no big deal, tossing his keys in the air, standing next to me like we’re not in a rush. Like this isn’t a sneaky little mission of our own.

Beautiful Kenzie flicks her brother’s nose. “You’re just nosy.”

“You’re nosy!” He tries to flick her back but she weaves and dodges him.

“Bye!” I smile, speeding up our exit before anyoneelsefinds us. Like Mom.

In the garage, Atlas is at the tool bench, wearing his stained jeans, the ones he wears when he repairs the bikes. His hair is in a braid to stay out of his way, and he looks over his shoulder at our unexpected approach. I’m never in here, so this raises his eyebrow. “What’s up?”

“Taking your sister into town for the fun of it,” Dad grunts, heading for his hog. “Toss me a helmet.” Atlas grabs one from the long line of hanging nails on which the extras live. He throws it hard at Dad who easily catches it, commenting, “Strong.”

My brother’s eyes shine with pride at our father’s rare compliment. “Thanks, Dad.” Then Atlas walks to his bike, grabs the helmet resting on its right handle and moves to put it on.

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