Page 59 of Thrust & Throttle

“I was hoping you’d say that.”

He smiled.

“The class is only for an hour and a half. And I’d rather—that is—I’m not ready to share it with her, what we’re doing.”

He ran his napkin across his lips, trying to hide his grin.

“What?” I demanded.

His grin turned into a laugh.

“I don’t get it! What’s so funny?”

“Willa,” he said after his laughter subsided. “She knows.”

“What? How! I didn’t tell her.”

“No, you didn’t tell her,” he agreed. “But Dylan saw us kissing outside Boots. He told her. She confronted me when I dropped her off at Charlie’s.”

“She didn’t,” I said, my mouth gaping.

“Oh, yes, she did.”

“What did she say?”

“She wanted to know what my intentions with you are.” His grin slid across his face. “So, I thought it only fair to level with her and tell her the truth.”

“The truth.”

“Yep.”

“So, she knows.” I leaned back in my chair. “Wow. And she didn’t let on that she knew. I mean, she hasn’t busted my chops or anything. No more than usual, I mean.”

“She probably will tonight when she gets home.”

“You think?”

“Yeah. Because I texted her that I was taking you out on a date. She said to have you home by eleven.” He winked. “Oh, and to also bring home a tiramisu for her.”

“That Little Punk,” I said with a laugh.

“That nickname sure does fit, doesn’t it?”

“Yeah, it totally does.” I shook my head and felt a great sense of relief unfurling inside of me. “I’m glad she knows, actually.”

“So, you’re not pissed.”

“No. I hate keeping stuff from her. And she’s proven she can keep a secret.”

“You know what else this means?”

“What?”

“I can pick you up at your house on my motorcycle and drive you home.”

I smiled. “Like a real boyfriend.”

“Boyfriend. Is that what I am?” he asked, his smile softening.

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