Page 98 of Secret Mission

“Instead of Trains, Planes & Automobiles, I’ve just survived the leap off a cliff, swim, crocodile attack, a boat ride, swim some more, another boat ride, a high-speed chase, roof hop, tunnel escape, and a long car ride home. I’ve got sea legs, or whatever you call them.”

He loops an arm around me. “Lean on me.”

I won’t say no to that. Fascinating how that’s changed.

Truck lets me look around for a beat, adjusting to my new environment.

“It’s not fancy.”

Bedroom, kitchen, and living room are all adjoining, an open concept with the bed behind a decorative screen. A bathroom to one side, a small sitting area to the other side.

“This place is adorable. Did you do this?”

“Oh, no. I don’t do home decor unless it’s in a fully furnished apartment. This place comes with the job. The owner of Agile bought the farm, sort of. It’s a long story. I’ll let Evan and Marianna tell you.”

“Well, it’s nice. And it feels… safe.”

He helps me take a few steps toward the bathroom. “I wish we were in a bunker, but this is safer than anywhere we’ve been.”

“I’m not worried.”

He stops, looks down at me, and something stark and open passes over his expression. “I’ll be right here, and you know I’ll do anything to protect you, babe.”

Shower forgotten, we look at each other. His arm looped around me, steadying me. Like he’s done so much. With words, holding my hand. Supporting my body.

Tears brim up and make my vision wavy. “You’ve nearly sacrificed your life for me multiple times.”

He flips his baseball cap backwards, studies me for a second, and brushes a thumb over my cheek. “I’ll do it again and again.”

A flutter takes off inside my stomach.

“Why?”

He leans in slowly, his warmth from knee to waist pressing against me as he kisses me.

It’s sweet, and full of restraint. Just a brief brush of his mouth against mine.

“Because you’re like oxygen.”

I whisper into the quiet space between us. “I like that.”

We stand like this for a long time. Just breathing each other. Until my stomach lets out a hellacious growl.

Moment killed.

“Sorry, I’m just really hungry. It’s not because I wasn’t into your kiss… or you looking at me like that. Because I’m really into it. But…” With a little cringe, I ask, “Do you think we’re really going to get tamales?”

He throws his head back and laughs.

I’m caught in the sight.

The strong lines of his throat, the way his Adam’s apple works.

I want to lick him.

Truck kisses me again, this time on the tip of my nose. “Yeah, I do. Justice won’t shut up, and Beast is a man of his word. Or Justice will go get them himself. So, I’m expecting a delivery. Knowing them, they’ll probably get churros too.”

“Oh, my god. That almost sounds as good as that shower you promised.”