Page 50 of Waging War
Just like when Jules rode with me her first time, I’m seeing and feeling the world around me as if it’s brand spanking new.
God, I’ve missed this so much.
It’s made even better by the fact that Ben doesn’t crowd me.
I suspected he might, but instead, his truck thunders at a good distance, following my lead through shifts and turns until we’re about a mile from the safe house.
I slow my bike to bank the curve of the gravel drive. Ben’s headlights shine over my shoulders, highlighting the cottage-style home, and for a solitary moment, I’m overcome with a sense of peace I haven’t felt since my mother was alive. The wooden rocking chairs sitting on the wraparound porch sway with a burst of cool wind, and I’m relieved to see the place blessedly empty.
We amble up beside the quaint house to park.
“Tell me you didn’t forget the keys,” Ben says once his feet hit the dirt.
Grinning, I cut the engine and jingle the keys in front of him. “Nope. Found ’em right next to mine in Dad’s desk.”
A frown sharpens the angles of his face. “He took your keys from you?”
I fiddle with the gas cap in front of me, reluctant to leave the safety of the bike I’ve only just gotten back.
Waving a hand through the air, I brush it off like it’s no big deal, but itis. I’ve just gotten back to the real world, and already he’s betrayed my trust and started making life-altering decisions for me.
I hardly recognize him lately.
“He and Coop felt it’d be safer for me to not be out on the road in case someone recognizes me.”
Ben wraps a hand around my shoulder, speaking gently. “Just like they feel it’s best you live with Cooper?”
I nod. It won’t be long before they figure out where I’ve gone, but for now, I want to let my exhausted body rest.
The warmth of his hand seeps through my jacket. “They’re not wrong about you riding.”
I cut my eyes toward him. “You’re not seriously agreeing with them?”
Ben’s mouth opens like he wants to offer more, but he snaps it shut.
A lick of disappointment stings my chest as I shrug out of his hold. Kicking out the bike stand before sliding off, I mutter, “Not sure why I expected you to be any different.”
Dirt and pebbles crunch under my boots as I make my way up the old wooden porch. The steps groan under our weight, and I wonder just how long it’s been since someone has stayed here.
I move to slide the key into the lock at the same time Ben lifts his arm.
“I think I can handle unlocking a door.”
Ben’s eyes burn. He removes a flashlight from his back pocket, clicking it once so the bright light shines over the knob, then raises a brow.
Nice, Haze.
I can’t put my finger on why I’m always so unsettled when it comes to him.
I cluck my tongue, trying to ease a little tension. “Well, aren’t you handy?”
After sliding the key into the lock, I twist the knob and let the door swing open. I’m expecting moth balls and dust to greet us, but to my surprise, the place is clean—spotless, even.
“One of the guys must keep the place tidy just in case.” I’m speaking more to myself than to Ben, but he responds anyway.
“In case of what, exactly?”
I breeze past him into the quaint little living area. There’s a familiar smell in the air, like worn leather and coffee grounds. It’s not a bad smell, but it does unlock several hidden memories from my childhood.
