The fact that it's happening in the Outlaw Order's backyard is... unfortunate. But as long as I keep things separate, there shouldn't be any issues.
I stretch out on the bed, listening to the muffled sounds of Dice moving around the apartment. The shower turns on, and I find myself picturing him under the spray, water cascading down his—
Nope. Not going there.
I roll over and pull the covers up, forcing my thoughts in a different direction. I need to focus on the job, on James's release, on anything but the irritatingly appealing man in the next room.
But as I drift toward sleep, it's Dice's crooked grin that follows me into my dreams.
Next Day
I wake to the smell of coffee and bacon.
For a moment, I forget where I am, reaching instinctively for the knife I keep under my pillow when traveling. It's not there, and the momentary panic subsides as I remember: I'm at Dice's apartment.
The clock on the nightstand reads 7:14 AM. Who the hell is up cooking breakfast at seven on a Saturday?
I pull on a hoodie over my tank top and pad barefoot to the kitchen. Dice stands at the stove, his back to me, wearing only low-hanging sweatpants. The defined muscles of his back and shoulders ripple as he flips bacon, and I allow myself a moment of pure appreciation before announcing my presence.
"Morning," I say, leaning against the doorframe.
He glances over his shoulder, and his eyes widen slightly as they take in my bare legs. "Hey. Didn't expect you up so early."
"Wasn't planning on it, but something smelled too good to sleep through."
He grins. "Coffee's fresh. Figured you might want some breakfast before I head to the garage."
"You work weekends?" I pour myself a cup of coffee, black.
"Club's short-staffed, so I'm covering." He plates eggs and bacon. "Hope you're hungry."
"Starving." I accept the plate and sit at his small kitchen table. "You cook for all your overnight guests?"
"Only the ones who don't steal my bike and sell it for parts."
I laugh around a mouthful of perfectly cooked eggs. "The day's still young."
We eat in silence for a few minutes. It's strangely domestic, and I find myself enjoying it more than I should.
"So," he says eventually, "what are your plans today?"
I shrug. "Look around town. Get to know the area. I'm thinking of sticking around after James gets out."
"Really?" He looks genuinely pleased by this. "Pine Haven's not exactly a happening place."
"I like small towns. Easier to know who's who." And what's worth stealing, but I keep that to myself.
"I could show you around after my shift, if you want."
The offer is tempting. Too tempting. "I'm more of a solo explorer."
"Fair enough." If he's disappointed, he hides it well. "You need a key if you're coming back here later?"
"You'd give a virtual stranger a key to your place?" I raise an eyebrow. "Not very security-conscious."
"You're not a stranger. You're James's best friend." He says it with such conviction that I almost feel guilty for the half-truths I've been feeding him.
"I could be casing your apartment right now," I point out. "Planning to clean you out the minute you leave."
