Page 136 of Wild Card

“What about your bike? I don’t have a garage. And my closet isn’t half the size?—”

“We’d work it out,” I repeat.

She casts her gaze to the windows and thinks about it, the worry lines around her eyes evening out after a minute. “We would need to talk to my grandparents since they technically own the townhome.”

It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell her I’m building her a house and the townhome is temporary. I decide to plant the seed and test her reaction.

“We’ll get a place of our own.”

“That works and gives us time to decide what we need and make a list of the most important items—like a garage.” Her smile returns and she kisses me quickly.

“I’ll compromise. Until we find something else, you move in here.”

“We’ll talk about it after graduation.”

Graduation is five fucking weeks away. No way I’m waiting that long.

“We’ll talk about it tonight.”

“Talon, this is a big decision. You cannot fuck me into saying yes."

That’s exactly what I plan to do, and she knows it. Seems like that’s the only way to wear her down.

The message from earlier is the perfect distraction. “Rowan texted she needs something.”

“What?”

“Not sure, once you opened the door and I caught sight of this get-up, nothing else mattered.” This is partly true. I did forget about everything else once I saw her. But I also know what Rowan is up to.

“She has a dress fitting this morning. Do you think something is wrong?” All playfulness vanishes and she’s in worry mode.

I dig my phone out of my pocket and hit Rowan’s number.

“Talon?” she answers with alarm.

“Here with Lo, got your message. What’s up?”

“What’s up? I messaged her like fifteen minutes ago. Where is she?”

“Standing right here listening to you.”

“Wills?”

“Yes, you okay?”

“I know the timing sucks, but can you meet me at Clyde’s? It won’t take long. Harley and Jewls are occupied and I need help. Cruz said this has to be done today.”

“What has to be done?”

“Well, it’s a situation with?—”

“Be there soon.” I disconnect Rowan before she gets rattled and raises suspicion.

“Get your jacket and shoes.” I drop a kiss to Willow’s nose and let her go.

“Do I need a jacket? It’s supposed to be warm today.”

I give her a once over. “You’re with me, no clothes required. We leave the house, I prefer you covered.” I repeat the words from long ago in her living room and get the same reaction. Defiance sparks in her expression as she opens her mouth to argue.

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