Page 28 of Cocky Secrets

I reply, touching my lips so The Ciphers can’t read them, “Trust me, they don’t know the half of it. How do we go on that ride?”

Bear’s back is to them, so they can’t see his smile widen, and for a moment, the noise of the diner fades away. It’s just us, caught in electric aliveness. “How do we make this happen in secret…”

The air between us crackles with possibilities, and Bear’s eyes hold mine, as if we’ve created our own little world, one where the clatter of dishes and the sizzle of the grill no longer exist.

“I work nights, so why don’t you say you’re going to Viola’s,” Bear suggests, his voice low and drawing me deeper into trouble. His gaze sharpens. “What’s your idea of fun, Sage?”

Before I can answer, Atlas calls over again, this time with a less playful tone. “Hey! A seat opened up next to us. Or, did you find someone to help you with your pancakes?”

I shoot him a look, but Bear only laughs, the sound warm and inviting to me. But to Atlas I know it would grate on his nerves to hear Bear laughing when Atlas is being protective. “Looks like your brothers are keeping close tabs as predicted.”

Loudly I say, “They think they’re my guardians or something,” and roll my eyes, “But I’m perfectly capable of handling myself.”

Bear leans in a little closer, the space between us diminishing. “So, what’s stopping you from showing them just how capable you are?”

I pause, the question hanging in the air like a challenge. “You’re daring me to tell them I want to date a cop?”

“Is that what we’re going to do? Date?”

I lean forward. “I don’t fuck around with just anyone. If we do this, we’re givingusa shot.”

There’s a flicker in Bear’s gaze—the thrill of a challenge? Maybe something more. “I might be able to fill that role, but we’d have to be careful.”

“Careful?” I tease. “We’d have to have magic powers. It’s impossible.”

He chuckles, shaking his head. “Nothing is impossible.”

I whisper, “Your badge is the problem. But badge or not, I think maybe you’re just like me — you could use a little chaos in your life.”

Bear’s expression shifts slightly, amber eyes narrowing. “You’re on, Sage. How about we meet tomorrow at noon? Vi’sshop. Just you and me. I’ll show you how to have some real fun—under the radar, of course.”

Atlas shouts a warning, “Sage!”

I whisper, lips not moving, “Noon?”

“If you show up.” Bear reaches over, takes a sip of my coffee, never breaking eye contact. “But you’ll have to promise to keep it between us. Can’t have the whole town knowing I’m letting a wild card like you into my life.”

“Clearly,” I smile.

Dad stands up from the counter. “Sage! You gonna sit there all day, or are you joining us?”

My gaze locks onto my waitress as she pointedly places my pancakes next to Luke. Fun times are over.

“So much for my own booth,” I mumble, feeling the thrill of secrecy wrap around me and Bear like an unbreakable bond as I raise my voice to normal volume. “It was good seeing you again.”

He stands, giving me one last lingering look before he turns to leave. My heart races as I watch him walk away, the sound of my brothers’ laughter pulling me back to reality.

As I join them at the counter, Atlas grumbles, “That conversation went on long enough.”

But Dad is watching Bear walk into the golden morning sunlight. As soon as he’s gone, Dad says, “That’s the kind of man of I see you with, Sage.”

My jaw drops. “What?”

Mom nods, “Strong. Good eyes. And your father told me last night he liked him.”

Luke sets down his coffee. “He’s a cop.”

Dad jolts. “What?!”

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