Page 82 of Rogue's Path

“None of them left bombs in their rooms.” Havoc sits at his desk like we discuss bombs all the time.

I pour myself a finger of whiskey and sit down across from him. “Or their bikes. At least the welds on Reaper’s bike made it easier to strip and pull apart. They were probably afraid of setting off the bomb inside.”

“Talking about escaping a near-death experience, Rhys’ husband didn’t kill us when he came to pick her up.”

“Eh, the most he would have done was arrest us and make sure they threw away the key.” Probably. “What do you think Maddox’s friend wants?”

Havoc taps a finger against his desk. “No idea. But knowing Maddox, this Dylan fellow is going to pay well and ask us to do something dangerous.”

“I’m sorry I can’t be here to stand at your side.” Which is true. But in no way is it stopping my plans this afternoon. It would take a literal bomb to do that. And we’re done with bombs for a while.

“No, you aren’t. That smile of yours is a little scary. Which means you’re in a cheerful mood. Something that never happens. Could that have anything to do with the date you’re about to go on?”

In less than an hour, I’m going to see Peaches again. We’re going to talk, eat, and then take a very long walk in the park where I plan to find that tree again.

“Definitely the date. If this doesn’t work out, I’m telling Rhys never to tattoo you again.”

She’d probably listen to Havoc. “It’s going to work out. I know it. Today is the beginning of our future together.”

“Are you bringing her flowers?”

“Yup. I ordered two dozen red roses. I wanted peach ones, but the florist couldn’t have them delivered in time.” From now on. I think I’ll set up a standing order so they always have them for her. Peaches doesn’t seem like the type to always be asking for little presents.

“You’re so far down the rabbit hole. Seriously, you’re naming the first kid after me.”

“Not having kids.” I decided that years ago when Havoc and the rest of us were taking care of Creed. Babies are not for me.

“You say that now. If Peaches wants kids, you’ll be buying a minivan in a hot second.”

Minivan. “You’re an idiot.”

“That’s why we’re friends.”

“I’m leaving now and going to pretend I didn’t hear you say that.” Peaches will be on the back of my bike, not driving some minivan filled with screaming kids and soccer equipment.

Havoc laughs.

***

Peaches isn’t here. We didn’t set a time, but I just figured she’d be here around now. I should have set a time. Hopefully, she doesn’t think I ghosted her again.

Jane buzzes around the floor, talking and smiling at everyone she meets. She would know if Peaches was here already.

Her table is open. I set the bouquet on the table with my back to the wall so that I can see the moment Peaches walks in.

Why did I do this to us? We should be talking right now. Peaches should be smiling at me and telling me her name. Not that I’m going to use it. She’s always going to be Peaches to me.

Jane walks over. “Hey, Rogue. You brought her flowers again.”

“Again? These are for Peaches.”

“I know. We all heard you call her that.”

“This is the first time I've brought her flowers. You must be confused.”

Jane shakes her head. “I’m not. They were delivered Saturday morning to the café, and I handed them to her myself. That was the day she said she was going away and gave everyone who works here sweet little cards with a huge tip inside. She said she was leaving town for a while.”

Leaving town? That’s impossible. The night before, Peaches agreed to meet me here.