“I’m jealous of anyone who gets your attention instead of me.” Taryn winked and reached for Cassie’s hand. “I’ve had to share you with hundreds of people for months; I’m looking forward to some us time so you can focus just on me.”
She shook her head, but truthfully, she couldn’t wait for that same alone time. “Babe, even if I’m not with you, I’m always thinking of you.”
“And I love that. But I love your eyes on me more.” Taryn ran her fingers over Cassie’s palm. “It’s your fault. The way that you look at me… Mm, I’m addicted to it.”
The captain announced their imminent landing. Cassie gave Taryn’s hand a gentle kiss before fastening her seatbelt. They hit the tarmac and were unloading in no time.
Cassie laughed when Taryn bounded down the plane’s steps and ran toward Andi, who was leaning against a black Humvee. CeDora was in the back seat with his giant head hanging out the window. When he saw Cassie, he clambered out of the car and loped toward her. He stopped just short and reared up on his hind legs then planted his paws on her shoulders, looking happier than she’d ever seen any dog look. She was glad life with Andi and Bernice was working for him. She registered the tiny stab of guilt as she recalled the day when she freed him, and when she thought of her mom, who still invaded her mind occasionally. But it wasn’t too often, and with time and distance, the memories were no longer quite as painful.
She gave him a cuddle then headed over to join Taryn. Bernice had gotten out of the car, and they took turns hugging.
“So, was two hundred hours of retraining worth it?” Andi asked. “Or are you ready to come back to the show?”
Taryn blew out a long breath, and Cassie squeezed her hand. Studying to catch up on ten years of medical education and development had been intense and incredibly difficult for Taryn, but Cassie held her hand through it all. She was so proud when Taryn finally got her license to practice reinstated. According to Ralph, their parents were equally proud, though Taryn still had no desire to reconnect with them.
“That was nothing compared to the grilling the Credentials Committee gave me.” Taryn smiled. “But every painful second of itwasworth it, yeah. I’m loving it.” She put her arm around Cassie’s shoulder. “We’re both loving it. And I’m not missing my wigs and stuffed bras either.”
“I’ll bet.” Andi laughter bellowed across the airstrip, then she smiled genuinely. “That’s amazing. I’m really glad you’ve found your calling. Your potential was always a bit wasted with me.”
Taryn punched Andi’s arm. “Don’t ever say that. I loved every minute of working with you, and I’ll never forget what you did for me when I was just floating through life.”
Cassie smiled inwardly at the awkwardness of the exchange as Taryn pulled Andi into a bro hug. She found it baffling that Taryn was able to share herself so completely with her but still struggled to show her emotions to her best friend. “How’s Louise doing?” Cassie asked to dispel the weirdness. Sara, Louise’s mom, had kept in touch. She’d been as shocked as Sara when Louise had said she wanted to follow in Taryn’s footsteps and learn to stunt ride.
“She is a younger, prettier version of your fiancée.” Andi prodded Taryn’s arm. “She might even be better on two wheels than you were.”
Bernice nudged Andi. “You shouldn’t be noticing how pretty someone is when they’re more than half your age.”
Andi huffed and drew Bernice close. “As if I’d look at anyone else that way when I’m married to you.”
“I’d pretend to be sickened by your loved-up nonsense,” Taryn said and looked at Cassie, “but I know the feeling well.”
Cassie kissed her cheek. The love in her eyes seemed to grow every day, and Cassie never grew tired of seeing it.
Andi gestured around the side of her SUV. “I brought your bike and your leathers in case you wanted to go for a ride.”
“Aww, man. You’re the best.” Taryn raced around the Humvee and jumped three feet in the air in excitement.
Andi looked a little guilty. “Sorry, Cassie… I hope it’s okay.”
Cassie patted Andi’s shoulder and went around the hood to watch Taryn fawn over her sleek-looking machine. “Don’t be silly. Of course it’s okay.”
Andi tapped the trunk. “I brought a second helmet and some leathers in your size in case you wanted to ride with her.”
Taryn chuckled as she straddled her bike. “I don’t think she’ll want to… Do you?” Taryn sounded hopeful. “I know you don’t like the risks on two wheels.”
Cassie huffed. “I’ve just spent the last six months working my way around the Ukraine, dodging the occasional rogue Russian. I think I can go for a ride on the back of your bike.”
Taryn’s eyes lit up. “Are you serious?”
Cassie nodded. “I really want to.”
“Wow, this trip is getting better by the second. Next thing I know, you’ll be wanting a tattoo.”
“Don’t be crazy,” Cassie said then followed Andi to the rear of the Humvee to pick up her leathers. Taryn pulled off her jeans, obviously desperate to get back in her gear.
“I won’t be doing that,” Cassie said. Apart from them, the airstrip was empty, but she still wasn’t about to strip down in front of Andi and Bernice.
“I’ll show you to the restroom,” Bernice said.
