Page 67 of Code Name: Atticus

“It had a motor and two wheels. Close enough.”

They continued bickering through dessert while Luke insisted on paying.

“My little sister’s first real relationship deserves celebration.”

“I’ve had relationships before,” Brenna protested.

“Name one that lasted more than six months.”

She opened her mouth, then closed it.

“That’s what I thought.” He signed the check with a flourish. “Besides, Perry’s going to need his money for the ring.”

“Luke!” Brenna’s face flushed.

“What? I’m just being practical. Mom’s going to expect a spring wedding, which means you need to get engaged by New Year’s to have time to plan.”

“We’ve been together four days!”

“And you’ve been in love for years. The math works out.”

I pulled Brenna against my side. “Your brother might have a point.”

“Don’t encourage him.”

“I’m just saying, spring in DC is nice.”

She buried her face in my shoulder while Luke’s satisfied laughter filled the space around us.

Outside the restaurant, Luke hugged Brenna tightly. “I’m happy for you, Bug. Really.” He stepped back and jingled hisrental keys. “You two free Friday? Maybe we could all grab lunch before my afternoon meetings. I could introduce you to Trev.”

Brenna and I shared another quick glance. Friday, we’d be driving to Valley Ridge Resort.

“We might be tied up with work stuff,” Brenna said.

He gave us a knowing look. “Got it. Well, if you get free, let me know.”

The drive home was quiet,but comfortable. Brenna had taken her shoes off and tucked her feet under her. “Oh no! We left the cookies on the bench outside the restaurant.”

“Shit. That’s my fault. Wanna go back?”

She shook her head. “They’re probably long gone by now. If not by humans, ants probably carted them off.”

I reached over and squeezed her hand. “What’s wrong? I know it isn’t the cookies.”

She rested against the seat. “He reacted differently—better—than I expected.”

“But?”

“Something’s off with him.”

I nodded. “I noticed it too. In fact, I asked him about it while you were in the ladies’ room.”

“What did he say?”

“That owning a business is a lot harder than he thought it would be.”

“I wish we had time to meet his partner,” she said, turning her gaze to the window.