Page 33 of Word to the Wise

“It’s fine, really.”

Her eyes are glossy, even as her shoulders roll back, and she fights to maintain her composure. She’s quiet for a minute as she leans forward and spreads the ketchup over her burger, planting the top bun back on it.

“I don’t even realize I’m still doing it.” Her words are nearly a whisper.

“Doing what?”

“Falling back into those habits.” She shakes her head. “I forget not everyone is him.”

“You were with him a long time.” A fact that sours my tastebuds.

“Too long.” She picks up a pickle and takes a bite. “You must think I’m such an idiot.”

“I think a lot of things when it comes to you.” She glances up at my comment. “But not one of them is that you’re an idiot.”

She hums, taking another bite of her pickle. “What kinds of things do you think then?”

That’s a trap I shouldn’t be stepping in. She’s not ready for the answers I could give. But damn if I didn’t wish I was courageous enough to just fucking say it.

“Just things.” I shrug.

Reed rolls her eyes, folding her arms on the table in front of her. “Come on, tell me.”

She’s batting her lashes and breaking through my defenses. Reed holds the key to unlocking all my secrets.

I set my burger down and lean forward. “You really want to know?”

She nods, her cheeks warming the prettiest shade of pink.

“I think you’re fascinating.”

“I’m boring.”

“Not to me.” I shrug. “I mean, how many people can say they can shoot a moving target, change four flats in under twenty minutes, and easily ride a motorcycle? I can only do two out of the three.”

I list a few random facts she shared with me when I met her. The girl wasn’t joking when she said her dad raised her to be badass. I guess that’s one of the benefits of growing up around bikers.

“Which two can you do?”

“Let’s just say I’ve never been good with cars. Can’t even check the oil level.”

She laughs. Big and genuine, and it’s the prettiest sound. “You’re kidding?”

“No. But I should probably learn. Will you teach me?”

“I mean, I could.” Her smile falls the slightest, and I immediately miss it. “But… you aren’t intimidated by that?”

“Why would I be?”

“I just figure guys like feeling likethe manin the relationship.”

Byguys,I’m guessing she means Carter.

“Maybe some guys... but I know what I have to offer.”

“Is that so?”

“Yep.” I can’t bury my cocky grin. “And when it comes to those things, I don’t disappoint.”