Alex:
The night air smelled faintly of rain and gasoline as I parked the bike in Luke’s driveway. Engine ticking, exhaust cooling, the house in front of us quiet and dark. He’d was quiet in behind me on the ride back, letting me guide the ride, letting me control the pace. I think he liked it, though he wouldn’t admit it.
“You good?” I asked, shutting off the engine.
He gave that small, half-grin that made me feel like a thief holding the right key. “Yeah. You’re a hell of a rider.”
“Flattery won’t get you far, Officer.”
He didn’t respond, just slung his long leg over, stepped toward the porch. I followed, intent on walking him inside. The night was soft, wrapped around us like a secret.
His hand reached for the doorknob when the buzz of my phone split the quiet. Vibrating in my pock
