Page 106 of Rogue's Path

That’s a lot of words that don’t tell me much.

“On the customer side, I mainly make all the custom-designed pieces.”

“Like with a 3D printer.” That sounds like fun.

“On occasion. But we’re kind of old school with stuff like that. Handcrafted metalwork is what we’re known for.” He reaches for a peanut-butter-stuffed pretzel and pops it in his mouth.

For a long moment, I allow the up and down motions of his beard-covered jaw to mesmerize me.

He watches me the entire time.

What were we talking about again?

Bikes. “That sounds expensive.”

“It is. Most people could buy a nice house for what we charge for a single bike.”

Oh. “And when you’re not making custom bikes to sell?”

“I play around. Sometimes I make bikes for a club member or their old lady. Other times, I make a new one for myself. We donate a bike or two each year to charity. And then there are my pet projects.”

“Which one are you working on now?”

“A sparkly pink motorcycle for a little girl to torment her father.”

“Um, isn’t it dangerous for a small child?”

“No more dangerous than riding an electric scooter. Probably even less so since I’m limiting the speed and making sure it balances easily for her.”

“Would you build bikes for your kids?” Why did you ask that? I’ve never even thought about having kids. It was never on my radar until Rogue started talking about this. Rogue would be an amazing dad.

He stares at the passing trains until he’s got to be dizzy. “Yeah, I would. Would you let your children ride one?”

Would I let them ride a dangerous machine? With Rogue by their side… “Yes, if they wanted to.”

“It seems we have another thing in common.”

The list keeps getting bigger and bigger.

Motel And Miles

Dylan

Rogue pulls into a retro motel. Neon lights point to the front desk. Old-time lounge chairs surround a small, bright blue pool with steam rising up off of it. The parking lot looks clean, and the paint is bright and unmarked. “The way you talked about this place, I thought it was going to be a dump.”

“We’d sleep in the truck rather than a dump.”

Oh. “That would work for me.”

“The back seat is comfy if you want to change your mind.”

“Let’s see how the inside looks.” A bed and a television sound more relaxing. And I’d be less likely to end up kissing Rogue. Though it’s kinda getting to the point where it seems silly to make him keep that promise.

The stalker can’t find me here, and their clubhouse has enough security to scare him off. This thing might go on for a while. When we get back to Silent Valley, I’m calling quits on this deal and renegotiating.

“You ready?” Rogue asks from my now open door, waiting to help me down. We both know I could get down on my own, but his way is more fun.

“I am.” I set my arms on his shoulders and let him ease me down slowly. Only I don’t step away. Instead, I lean in and hug him. Compared to the brisk evening air, he’s a furnace.