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I pursed my lips. “Okay. What is it? Stalking me?”

“Well, yeah, angel. It’s my job to ensure your safety.”

“From your bike? In my yard?”

“Yep.”

“While wearing costumes?”

“Angel, you gotta care a little less about what people think.”

“That’s ridiculous.”

“Not from where I’m standing.”

“Cuckoo,” I groaned, shaking my head. “Go home. Ride your bike.” I’d invite him in, but he seemed on edge. The calm tone never fooled me.

“Can’t do that, beautiful.”

I tilted my head back. A long sigh escaped my mouth. “Fine. Come inside.”

“All night?”

“Yes. All night. You can stalk me from the couch.”

“Done.” A stupid, goofy grin twitched his lips.

“Don’t go thinking this means anything. I’m just avoiding trouble from my neighbors and the police.”

“I understand, angel.”

“Stop calling me that,” I snapped, irritated with his smug smile and his cocky stare. “Don’t make me kick you out.”

He slapped a palm over his chest. “You wound me. I won’t do a thing to get evicted.”

Uh-huh.

“I remember what you were like as a teenager. Rebellious. Sarcastic. Sneaky.”

“You forgot sexy, lovable, and irresistible.”

“In your dreams,” I quipped in response.

“Oh, don’t worry, baby. You’re front and center in all mine.”

“I regret saying yes already.”

Cuckoo rolled his bike up my driveway, pausing as I opened the garage door. “Thanks, beautiful.”

Once his bike was secured, I clicked the button on the opener and closed the door. We entered my house, and I instructed Cuckoo to remove his shoes while we stood in the mudroom.

“As you wish.”

I startled, snapping my head up to stare into his eyes. “You used to say that often.”

We must have watchedThe Princess Bridea hundred times growing up. Countless popcorn fights. Way too much sugar. And late nights, cuddled with a blanket, sneaking with the sound low because we snatched every opportunity to be happy whenever possible, no matter how small.

More than once, we got caught. Rain, err Cuckoo, always shouldered the blame and took the beating that followed.