Page 12 of Revved up & Ready

“Really?” I repeat, still skeptical.

Devon’s dark blue eyes narrow. “I am offended that you are so surprised by this information.”

“In his mind, you two are besties already,” Allie says, clapping her hands and making an excited squeal that has her brown ponytail bouncing. “You’re gonna be the cutest roomies who ever roomied.”

“That is a bit of a stretch,” Devon says. “Heisstill theRace Nakedguy.”

“You’vegotto drop that,” I roll my eyes. “It’s not like he’s going to strip down and ride laps around the pool on his motorcycle in our backyard.”

Allie tilts her head to the side. “I mean…”

What have I gotten myself into?

She registers the tightening of my face and quickly changes direction, words tumbling out in a rush. “He’s actually doing less of that stuff now. That’s part of why he’s moving out here. He told you, right?”

He did not.“Honestly, we’ve barely talked.”

Devon gives me a side-eye but keeps her comment to herself.

“He wants to clean up his act. He’s been struggling to get on a team since he broke his leg. His reputation—” she winces “—as a fuckboy doesn’t help. But Ihateto call him that. It’s just his online persona. Having a solid homebase will help with that.”

Devon’s quiet, but I swear her eyes are asking:Are you sure you want to live with a guy who’s internet-famous for being a fuckboy?

Allie’s mood lightens when Cam and Luke’s laughter floats through the wall from the garage. “Should we go see if they need help?”

“As fun as that sounds,” Devon says dryly, “I have to get back to work.” Turning to me, she leans down to my level and whispers, “You are allowed to be nervous, but I promise you don’t need to be,” before making her way out the front door.

Do you hear that, brain? I do not need to be nervous.

“He’s perfect for you,” Allie says, swinging open the door to the garage.

The house is a ranch-style, shaped like a capitalEmissing its middle prong. On one end is the garage, then the kitchen, connected to the entry by an archway, followed by the living room. Past that is an L-shaped hallway with my office first, then my bedroom at the corner, my bathroom, and finally, what used to be Devon’s—but is now Cam’s—bathroom and bedroom.

It only takes four of Cam’s massive strides to cross the garage and reach us the moment we open the door. “Excellent timing, loves. Luke was starting to get on my nerves,” he says.

He’s already moved three motorcycles into the garage.Who needs that many?

Luke steps out of the black and yellow box trailer that’s backed into our driveway—his muscular arms stacked full of cardboard boxes. “It’s a lie.”

“What is?” Allie asks.

“Whatever Cam just said.” While the rest of us laugh, Luke only grunts and keeps going.

When I offer to help, Cam responds, “Nope. We just have some gear and a couple more motorcycles to fit in the garage.” He dips his head a little closer to mine. “Very sweet of you to clear it out for me, by the way.”

“I didn’t—I mean, I guess I would have,” I stumble over my words. The urge to apologize pops up, but I avoid it again. “I don’t really have garage stuff.”

“See? You’re perfect for each other,” Allie says, clapping her hands. “She doesn’t have garage stuff, and that’sallyou have.”

“Hey, I’ve got furniture too,” he objects. “It’ll be here in a few days.”

My watch vibrates with a reminder. “Shit.I have to get on a call. I’ll see you guys later. I mean, I’ll seeyou,” I point at Cam, “a lot later. Like, not a lot of time later. Just a lot oftimeslater. Multiple later times. I will be seeing you.”Dammit. For a second there, I almost soundednormal.“‘Cause we live together now.” I finish with an awkward smile and bolt inside before he can respond.I’ve got to get myself together.

When I log into the meeting, only two members of my team are already on.

“—so fast to get engaged. I mean, obviously, they’re amazing together, but it’s just so sad for—” my coworker Hanna’s voice cuts off.Wonderful. Never a good feeling when the conversation halts as soon as you enter the room, even if it’s virtual.

“Sadie, how are you? Areyouseeing anyone yet?” Hanna asks. It’s a thinly veiled attempt to garner gossip.

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