Page 19 of The Cauldronball Run
"Copy that, Secret Agent," Farrah said into the mike and J.J.could hear the smile in her voice."Green Machine is back in the race."
As they settled back into highway driving, J.J.grinned like an idiot."You could have thrown me under the bus back there.Told the cop that I'd tricked you into this."
"Why would I do that?"
"Because it would have gotten you off easier if we'd been caught.Innocent dupe versus willing accomplice."
"I said I was in, and I meant it," Farrah said, her voice firm with conviction."Even if we crash and burn spectacularly."
J.J.winced."Maybe don't use metaphors involving crashes while we're driving at illegal speeds."
"You know what I mean."
The radio crackled again with a transmission that sounded like it was coming from inside a cement mixer."This is...zzzt...Twin One...zzzt...situation up ahead."
"Go ahead, Sparkle Twin," Farrah said.
"The troll truck is stuck under an overpass," came a clearer reply."They're blocking the right lane and attracting all kinds of attention.Local news crew just showed up.Suggest an alternate route through Cedar Rapids."
"Copy that.How stuck are we talking?"
"Stuck enough that Troll Two is outside pushing while Troll One guns the engine.They've been at it for fifteen minutes.There's now a betting pool among the construction crew about whether they'll get free or just push the overpass down."
"Cedar Rapids adds an hour to our time," Farrah said, checking her phone's GPS.
"Waiting for the trolls to clear the road could add more than that."J.J.took the exit toward Cedar Rapids.
The afternoon sun streamed through the windshield and created an intimate cocoon inside the ambulance cab.J.J.was hyperaware of Farrah's every movement—the way she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, the rhythm of her breathing, the scent of her shampoo.He could still taste her tongue and feel her mouth on his, and he wanted more.
When she leaned forward to adjust the air conditioning, her shoulder brushed his arm, and he had to grip the steering wheel tighter to keep his hands steady.The brief contact sent heat racing through him, and he wondered if she had any idea what her casual touches were doing to him.
It's been way too long since anyone sat this close to me by choice.
"J.J.?"Farrah's voice was hesitant.
"Yeah?"
"Thank you.For trusting me enough to tell me the truth."
You're incredible, and brilliant, and I'm already half in love with you after six hours.
Instead of saying that, though, he settled for, "You’re welcome.I’m glad you’re here with me."
Over the radio, tinny laughter interrupted them."This is Sparkle Twin One with an update.Troll truck's still wedged under the overpass.Someone just set up a popcorn stand."
Farrah blinked at the dash."Popcorn?"
"They're stuck solid.Local news van's here.Crowd's chanting, 'Push it.Push it.'"
Farrah covered her mouth, half laughing."Please tell me you're joking."
"Trust me," J.J.said."If trolls are involved, it always turns into a spectacle."
A few moments later, Sparkle Twin Two came on the CB."We're still stuck behind the trolls.The tow truck gave up.Now there's a karaoke machine and funnel cakes.One of the trolls is belting Salt-N-Pepa's 'Push It' while the other honks backup on the horn.Traffic's at a standstill."
Farrah just stared at J.J."Is this normal?"
"I’m not sure I’d know normal anymore if it came up and bit me in the ass.”
