Page 31 of Covert Operation

Zeke’s lips press into a contemplative frown. “What did you drive before?”

“A Camry.” I wrinkle my nose, taking in the slushy surroundings. “I don’t think that would be my best bet here though.”

Zeke’s eyes crinkle at the corners, hinting at the smile he doesn’t show. “Definitely not your best option here.” He turns into the business park flanking the front of Alaskan Security’s property. “Let’s have you check out a few different options. See which one you like best to start with. You can take it home, drive it around for a week, then try something else out.”

I give him an eager nod. “Sounds like a plan.”

For the next hour, Zeke takes me through three of the more popular vehicles in Alaskan Security’s arsenal. I check out a Jeep, a similar Range Rover, and an Escalade. Right out of the gate I know the Escalade is too freaking big, so I eliminate it, leaving me with only the Jeep and Range Rover to choose from.

“Why don’t you start with the Range Rover?” Zeke turns to the sleek black SUV. “I think it might suit you more.”

“Excellent suggestion.” I was just going to spin in a circle and randomly point at one, so Zeke telling me which one he thinksI’ll like more keeps me from getting dizzy. “Now we just have to hope I can actually drive it.”

A hint of mischief sparks in his eyes. “You’ve seen a lot of how not to drive in the snow over the past week. Just do the opposite of what Elise does, and you should be fine.”

I grin as I get behind the wheel, buckling up as Zeke gets into the seat next to me. “To be fair, Elise always gets us to work in one piece.”

“A person can be both effective and terrifying.” Zeke pushes back the seat as far as it will go so he has enough legroom.

“I bet lots of people say the same thing about you.” My smile widens when his head snaps my direction. “Not me. Just some people.” I start the engine, ignoring the affronted expression on Zeke’s face.

“You don’t think I’m terrifying?”

I glance at the screen projecting the backup camera, then out each side, making sure the coast is clear before backing out. “I think you canbeterrifying, but no, I don’t think youareterrifying.” Once I’m out of the parking spot, I shift into drive. “Those are two different things.”

Zeke looks terrifying. I’m sure there have been plenty of times he has acted terrifying. I would say any number of people are terrified of him.

But he isn’t terrifying. Not even close.

I shift my grip on the steering wheel as I pull up to the overhead door leading outside. “Driving in Alaska is a little terrifying though.”

Zeke relaxes back in his seat, draping one arm over to grip the back of my headrest. “You’re going to do fine.”

I give him a smile as the door lifts. “Your faith in me really helps.”

Sadie loves me, and I love her. More than anything. But she wants me to go back. Back to who I was. Back to what I used to be. And that’s just not an option.

Having Zeke around—someone who has complete confidence in my ability to move forward—has changed so much for me. It’s given me room to spread my wings.

The sun is brighter than I remember as we pull out of the enclosed space, and I blink against the reflection as it glares off the snow. “I think I’m going to need some sunglasses.”

“You don’t have any?” Zeke tips his head at the man operating the gate, offering a two fingered wave as we go through.

I mentally dig through the piles I’ve unpacked so far. “I’m sure I have some somewhere.” Driving isn’t the only daunting item on my to-do list and the pressure of it all collapses down on me as I creep along. “Maybe this was a bad idea.”

“Not a bad idea.” Zeke’s reassurance is swift. “There’s only one way to get where you want to go, Savannah, and that’s one step at a time.”

I frown out at the sun and the snow and the cold. “But there are so many steps.”

Zeke snags a bit of my hair as it creeps toward my eye, gently curling it behind my ear with his fingers. “I know. But you’ve got all the time you need. This isn’t a race.”

I take a deep breath. “I guess all that matters is that I’m moving forward.”

“No.” Zeke’s voice is softer this time. “All that matters is that you don’t give up. Some days you’ll go backward. It’s going to happen. Sometimes we have to backtrack to make sure we’re going the right direction.”

I purse my lips, working them side to side as I contemplate his words. “I don’t want to go backward.”

“I know.” Zeke’s mouth softens into his version of a smile. “But it’s okay if you do.”