Page 12 of There’s Trouble Brewing

In response, Emily nodded. “Sometimes the best things are a little complicated.”

Mark reached over and placed his hand on her cheek.She leaned in, her face bright and expectant. He felt a jolt and thought about how easy this was. Easier than he’d imagined.

Her phone buzzed. She pulled back like the sound had a physical presence. With a heavy sigh, she yanked her phone out of her back jean pocket. The smile fell from her face, alerting Mark instantly that something was wrong.

“What’s going on?” he asked with concern.

Emily shrugged it off, sliding her phone back into her pocket. “It’s nothing,” then she changed the subject. “Now, I have the most important question to ask you. When are you going to show me your motorcycle?”

“I haven’t ridden much since my accident,” he admitted. “But I have my dad’s bike parked in my garage. He left it to me when he passed away.”

“Well, that’s just not going to do,” she told him with a playful grin. “Riding is everything.”

“I agree. I need to be better about making time for the things I enjoy.”

"So we both love motorcycles, breakfast tacos, and true crime documentaries,” Emily listed off, her laugh punctuating the rhythm. “Guess we both have great taste.”

Mark grinned. They found more in common than he expected. It was a welcome surprise. “I guess so, and I guess that means we’re friends now.”

“Do friends ride motorcycles together?” she questioned, her eyes bright and playful.

“I think they do,” Mark replied, a playful undertone in his voice matching hers. “Especially if they both appreciate the thrill of the open road.”

Emily’s eyes sparkled with excitement, “Then it’s settled. We’re going on a ride on our next afternoon off.”

Mark couldn’t help but feel a rush of anticipation at the prospect. Sharing something he loved with Emilyseemed like a perfect way to spend more time together beyond their professional roles. It was dangerous territory, perhaps, but at that moment, he didn’t care. He wanted to be around her, to learn more about what made her laugh, what stirred her passions.

As they resumed walking, the conversation flowed as smoothly as the river beside them. Emily spoke animatedly about her favorite rides, the wind in her hair, the freedom she felt on two wheels—a sensation Mark knew all too well. He just hoped his leg could handle it. He knew it was worth the try, though, if it meant spending more time with Emily.

Eventually, they reached a part of the waterfront where the path veered off toward a quiet bench overlooking the river. They sat down, and for a moment, neither spoke. They just listened to the gentle lapping of water against the shore and looked up at the moon and stars.

Mark turned to Emily and noticed her thoughtful gaze on the horizon. “What are you thinking about?”

Emily sighed softly. “I was just thinking about how easy it is to talk to you,” she confessed. “And how rare that is.”

Mark nodded, feeling a warmth spread through him at her words. “I feel the same,” he admitted. “It’s like I’ve known you longer than I actually have.”

They shared another one of those moments—a comfortable silence filled with unspoken understanding and mutual respect.

Finally, Emily stood up, stretching slightly. “We should probably get going,” she said reluctantly. “It’s getting late, and we both have early mornings at the Brave Badge.”

“You’re right,” Mark agreed as they started back toward the parking lot.

Once they arrived at their vehicles, Emily turned toface him. “Thanks for tonight, Mark. For dinner, for the walk, and for listening.”

“No problem,” he said quietly before hesitating slightly and then adding, “See you tomorrow.”

She nodded. “Bright and early.”

As Mark drove home, he couldn’t shake off the warmth that lingered from his evening with Emily. The way she had listened, the shared laughter, and the comfortable silence between them all tugged at something deep within him.

As he stepped out of his truck and made his way to his front door, Mark couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation for the next day. The thought of seeing Emily again and picking up their conversation where they had left off brought a smile to his lips.

With a lightness in his step, Mark entered his home. He was grateful for the unexpected connection he had found in Emily. And as he settled into bed, thoughts of the evening with her filled his mind, lulling him into a peaceful sleep.

Chapter Five

A dozen locals were lined up at the counter, eagerly awaiting their chance to sample the new drinks before the Brave Badge officially opened. Emily watched as her new baristas tried to keep up. Just a little over a week before the grand opening, and every person within a ten-mile radius seemed to have come for a taste.

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