Page 19 of Fallen Flame

Lark stepped outside beside me and inhaled deeply. “Smells like adventure.”

“It smells like wet grass.”

“You have no imagination.”

“I have plenty.”

“No, you have plans. Different thing.”

Before I could answer, the door opened behind us. Ever and Jude walked out, Ever carrying her purse and a notepad, while Jude slid his cut over a long-sleeved shirt.

Wrecker followed them onto the porch.

“Phones on,” he ordered. “Location sharing stays on. You call when you arrive, and you call before you leave.”

Jude nodded. “Got it.”

“If you see anything that feels wrong, you don’t investigate. You get the women out and call us.”

“Understood,” I said.

Wrecker looked toward Ever and Lark. “And you two listen to them.”

Ever nodded immediately.

Lark saluted.

Wrecker closed his eyes briefly. “I’m already regretting this.”

“You’ll be proud of us,” Lark promised.

“That’s what I’m afraid of.”

Jude led Ever toward his bike. She climbed on behind him without hesitation, wrapping her arms around his waist as he settled in front of her.

I walked toward mine and pulled the helmet from the handlebar. When I turned around, Lark stood a few feet away, staring at the bike with open excitement.

“You ever ridden?” I asked.

“On a motorcycle?”

“No, on a unicorn.”

“There’s joke number two.”

“Answer the question.”

“A few times, but not recently.”

I held the helmet toward her. “Put this on.”

She took it and studied me. “What about you?”

“I’ve got another one.”

“Good. I’d hate for your pretty face to get damaged.” Lark slipped the helmet onto her head like she hadn’t said anything at all.

Jude started his bike. The engine roared through the lot, and Ever leaned closer against his back.