Page 43 of Code Name: Tank
“When is?”
His smile was soft. “Good point.” He reached out, giving me time to pull away, and when I didn’t, he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. “We aren’t strangers, Piper. We’ve been circling around each other for months. While this is the first time we sat in front of a fire, talking about things that would’ve felt too personal a month ago, you’ve watched me, and I’ve watched you. Now, the question is, where do you want this to go between us?”
“Figure it out as it happens?” I suggested, leaning into his touch.
“I can work with that.” Tank’s thumb traced along my cheekbone. “But Piper, I need you to accept that whatever complications Flint creates, whatever happens—I’m not going anywhere. Not unless you tell me to.”
“I never would,” I whispered.
“Good.” He leaned forward, his forehead resting against mine. “Because I’m not sure I could let you go.”
“I couldn’t let you go either, Tank.”
He was quiet for a moment, then pulled back to look at me. “Piper, I know you said you don’t have family traditions, but my parents and my sister and her family are coming to Canada Lake for Thanksgiving. My mom’s already planning to cook enough food for an army, and my dad will embarrass himself by telling terrible jokes.” He paused, his eyes searching mine. “Would you join us? I’d love for you to meet them.”
My heart fluttered at the invitation. The idea of seeing Tank with his family was both thrilling and terrifying. “Are you sure? I wouldn’t want to intrude?—”
“You wouldn’t be.” His voice was soft but certain. “My mom’s already asking about the mystery woman I mentioned.”
I felt tears prick my eyes at his earnestness. “I’d love to join you.”
Tank’s smile was radiant. “Good. Fair warning though—my mom will probably try to feed you until you can’t move, and my nieces and nephew will definitely try to recruit you for whatever game they want to play.”
“That sounds perfect,” I said, and meant it.
This time when he kissed me, it was soft and sweet, tasting of marshmallows and dark chocolate. When we broke apart, I felt something I hadn’t experienced in three years—hope.
The fire had burned down to almost nothing, and despite the warm evening, the night air was beginning to cool.
“We should head back,” he said. “Early morning tomorrow.”
I nodded, though I didn’t want the evening to end. “Thank you for this. For recognizing what was happening between Flint and me wasn’t what it appeared. For still wanting to hang out with me.”
Tank’s smile was soft in the firelight. “Thank you for letting me.”
As we extinguished the fire and loaded the canoe, I felt lighter than I had in years. The paddle across the moonlit lakewent too quickly, and when we reached shore and Tank helped me climb out, his hand lingered in mine. I didn’t want to let go.
“Good night, Piper,” he murmured.
“Good night, Tank.”
As I walked up the path to Whisper Point, I could hear him securing the canoe for the night. By the time I reached my door, he was heading toward Granite Ridge, but he paused to look back.
“Sweet dreams,” I heard him say.
I waved, then stepped inside my camp. My phone buzzed as soon as I closed the door, and Money McTiernan’s name appeared on the screen.
“Dragon, I have those findings I promised. Your embedded-operatives theory is correct—we’ve confirmed the misdirection and found evidence of systematic infiltration of defense contractors. I’ll have the full report early next week, but wanted to confirm you’re on the right track.”
“Thank you, Money. That’s exactly what we needed to know. Have a good Thanksgiving.”
“You too.”
After hanging up, I sent Alice a quick text.Money confirmed embedded-operatives theory. Can you follow up with Tex after the holiday about recruitment details?
Her response came right away.Will do.
A minute later, my phone rang again and my mother’s name appeared on the caller ID—we spoke at least once a month, but it was often only when she needed something.
