Page 47 of Code Name: Tank
“I would love to see it,” Dragon said, and Sophie beamed.
“Sorry.” I leaned close enough to take in her subtle floral scent that drove me wild.
“Don’t be,” she said, turning her head and kissing my cheek. “I can’t imagine a nicer family.”
As we atedinner around the large wooden table, I watched Dragon relax more and more. My family’s easy acceptance was working its magic. My mom told stories about my childhood that made her laugh, my dad asked thoughtful questions about our work without any specifics, and Powell and Sophie regaled her with elaborate tales about their life in Northern California.
By nine o’clock, everyone was showing signs of travel fatigue. Riley had fallen asleep in her dad’s arms, and Powell was fighting to keep his eyes open.
“We should head back,” I said. “Let everyone get some rest. But we’ll be back tomorrow morning to help with Thanksgiving prep.”
“All three of us,” Atticus added.
“You’d better be,” my mom said, pointing a finger at me. “I didn’t fly all the way across the country to cook Thanksgiving dinner by myself.”
As we said our goodbyes, my mom pulled Dragon aside. I couldn’t hear what she said, but I saw Dragon nod and smile, then hug my mom tightly.
She was quiet in the car, driving back to the compound.
“Everything okay?” I asked.
“Your family is wonderful,” she said. “Your mom told me she’s going to teach me how to make her famous pumpkin pie tomorrow.”
“That’s a big honor,” Atticus said from the backseat. “Tank’s been trying to get that recipe for years.”
“She’s never taught it to anyone outside the family,” I added.
Dragon turned to look at me. “You’re joking.”
“My mom takes her recipes very seriously.” I winked.
I parked closer to Whisper Point than Granite Ridge, and after Atticus said good night, I walked Piper to her door.
“Would you like to come in?” she asked.
“More than anything. However…”
She raised a brow.
“If I do, I won’t want to leave, and I don’t think either of us is ready for that yet.”
She nodded. “Thanks for a wonderful evening, Tank.” When she leaned up to kiss my cheek, I turned my head so our lips met instead.
Our tongues wound around each other as I put my hand on her lower back and pulled her body flush with mine.
“Tank,” she whispered against my neck as my hardness pressed against her.
“One more kiss, and I’ll go.”
As difficult as it was to stop, I kept my promise. “Sweet dreams,” I said like I had last night.
“You too.” She wiggled her fingers in a wave.
As I walked away, I glanced in the direction of Hemlock Grove. While he moved away from the window quickly, it wasn’t fast enough for me not to see Flint watching us.
The next morning,Dragon, Atticus, and I returned to Cedar Point early, armed with coffee and pastries from the folks at theCanada Lake Store, who’d reminded us they were closing at noon as we were leaving. By the time we reached the camp, my family was already up and moving, my mom directing the Thanksgiving preparations like a general commanding her troops.
“Perfect timing,” she said when she saw us. “Piper, ready for your pie lesson?”
