“I swear to God, you guys are worse than the women.”
“Not sure what you’re talkin’ about.”
“I’m fine with Bas driving me home.”
“That kid must’ve broken every law to get to you before your brother did,” he said quietly. “Somethin’ to think about.”
“Are you matchmaking right now?” I hissed, glancing at the garage.
“Hell no,” he argued. “You’re gonna be single until you’re thirty-five.” He paused. “That’s when you’ll join the order.”
I burst out laughing. “I’m not going to be a nun.”
“Now, don’t make any hasty decisions.”
“We’re not even Catholic.”
“I’m happy to convert.”
I just shook my head.
“What? Gramps was Catholic. I’m sure I got some passed down.” He crossed himself. “See? I’ve got the moves.”
“You’d probably burst into flames,” I said as Bas came striding out of the garage. “The holy water would burn you like acid.”
“They give you wine, though,” Dad joked, lowering his voice conspiratorially. “And on Sunday morning, no less.”
“You’re going to hell.”
“Probably,” Dad said, leaning forward to peck me on the forehead. “But I doubt this conversation will be the reason.” He looked over at Bas. “Get her home safe.”
“Plan on it,” Bas replied.
“Love you,” Dad said as he walked away. “See you at home.”
“Love you too,” I called back. I turned to look at the helmet Bas was holding and sighed.
I hated wearing a helmet. I knew that they were nonnegotiable. I knew that they’d keep my brain inside my head if something happened. I knew that they saved lives.
But they were so fucking uncomfortable.
“Hand it over,” I said, just shy of whining. Pushing my hood off, I raised the helmet and pulled it on, swearing under my breath as it dug my glasses into the spot above my ears and my cheeks.
“You okay in there?” Bas asked, a smile in his voice.
“I’m fine,” I said, jabbing my fingers in through the eyehole to push the stray hairs out of my face. “This helmet is too small for my massive head.”
Bas busted out laughing when he got a good look.
“Yeah, yeah,” I said grumpily. “Get it all out.”
“Does that hurt?” he asked as the laughter trailed off.
“Not as much as my pride,” I replied dryly. “It’s uncomfortable, but I’ll manage. I have my own helmet, but I obviously didn’t bring it with me. It fits a lot better and doesn’t make my glasses feel like they’re trying to merge with my face.”
“You’re fuckin’ cute,” he said, still smiling. “With your cheeks all squished up like that.”
“Exactly what every girl wants to hear.”
