Page 29 of Cocky Secrets

“Beat cop. We’ve seen him patrolling.”

Dad shouts, “Oh hell no! You stay away from that guy.”

The whole diner silences.

As does my heart.

“You hear me?” Dad shouts.

I whisper, “I hear you,” and stare at pancakes and bacon I no longer have any appetite for. “The whole diner hears you.”

“Watch your tone, Sage,” Mom warns, and we finish our meal in silence, with mine ending up in a takeout box I’ll leave untouched…forever.

TWELVE

Sage

Istep into Viola’s gift shop, the sweet scent of lavender and sandalwood flooding my senses. The cozy space is filled with all of my beloved paint supplies — this is my favorite place — but my heart races for a different reason today. I’m here for Bear.

I glance around, my fingers brushing against a delicate porcelain angel perched on a shelf. I’m not here to shop. I’m here for the thrill of the ride, the roar of the engine, and the man who sold me the burgundy Harley Davidson. I can’t help but smile at the thought. Bear’s reputation of being safe precedes him, and I’m curious to see if he lives up to it. I’d like him to be a little dangerous. A little on the wild side. I can’t wait to find out.

“Hey, Sage!” Viola greets me from behind the counter, her warm smile making the shop feel even cozier. “You’re here for the ride, right?”

“Yep, just waiting for Bear,” I reply, my heart fluttering at the mention of his name. “And this doesn’t leave these walls. My family is a little overprotective. He’s a cop, and they…don’t love that.”

Viola nods knowingly, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “I wish I were younger. Oh, to still be doing things like you twoare,” she sighs. “He’s just in the back, helping me fix a cupboard with loose hinges. I’m so excited for you two! He’s been waiting.”

My cheeks flush as I move deeper into the shop, anticipation curling in my stomach. I spot Bear kneeling beside the cupboard, checking his work, rugged silhouette framed by the light filtering through her windows. His dark hair looks like he put some effort into it, and as he looks up, amber eyes lock onto me, darker without the light penetrating them, sending a jolt of excitement throughout my body.

“Hey, Sage,” he says, voice deep and smooth, like honey poured over the hills surrounding South Vacherie, the ones we’re about to escape into. “Ready for a ride?”

“I’m ready,” I reply, trying to sound casual, even though my pulse races at the thought of being so close to him…soon.

He straightens to standing, tall, lean, with his strong muscles flexing under a black T-shirt and worn blue jeans. So handsome he is, a mix of rugged charm and raw energy that draws me closer.

“Let’s go then,” he says, setting down the screwdriver to pick up his helmet from where he left it by a stack of small unpacked boxes whose contents will soon adorn the shelves. He leads me out. “Bye Viola.”

“Goodbye Vi,” I smile.

She winks at us. “You two have fun.”

The sun shines down onto the vibrant burgundy Harley parked by the curb, its clean chrome glistening like a promise. My heart skips a beat, knowing that the beast is mine. That he sold it to me for this purpose. I want to say something, thank him again, but my tongue isn’t cooperating, nor is my mind. All I can think about is how I’ll be holding onto him soon.

And about my family.

I dart a quick look around to make sure we’re alone. The street is just as quiet as when I rode up. No sign of The Ciphers.

As Bear hands me my helmet from where I left it on the seat, our fingers brush, and I feel a spark that makes my breath hitch. “You ready?” he asks, his gaze piercing into mine, pure bronze.

“I’m ready,” I whisper, thrilled.

With ease I put on the helmet, feeling the weight of it settle over my head, the rush of adrenaline coursing through me as he climbs onto the bike. I take hold of his shoulder to steady myself as I swing a leg over and climb on, straddling him from behind. The feel of his body is everything I thought it would be, warm and solid.

“Hold on tight,” he murmurs, and turns on the ignition. The engine rumbles to life, soft at first, vibrating our bodies, the place between my legs feeling it the most.

He grips the handlebars and I can feel heat radiating from his body. My skin tingles where we touch. The engine warms up, roars to life beneath us, vibrating even more, invigorating my entire being, but it’s Bear’s closeness that sends my senses into chaos.

With a twist of the throttle, we take off, intent on leaving the city for the mountains, the town blurring around us. If we can just get off the main roads, I’ll be able to relax. I keep looking past corners, expecting to see a recognizable bike and its rider, or more.

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