Page 58 of Lightning Angel
“I’m sure you’re not that old. You don’t look like it.”
“What if I am?”
Alexa was silent for a moment, her mirth subsiding as she thought for a moment. “Friendship has no age, and age is just a number.”
Tristan gave her an impressed look, his turn to suppress a smile.
“Are you going to tell me or not?”
“You’re giving up already?” He chuckled. “There are only four numbers in the early twenties range, and you’re giving up without guessing at least one of them?”
“Fine.” She rolled her eyes sarcastically. “Twenty-one.”
Tristan turned to her with surprise. “How correct.”
Alexa shot him a smug smile.
Tristan parked his car outside the police department, and they went inside, meeting with the deputy who knew Dr. Knight. Alexa sat down with him and told him her case and gave him proof against Brandon. Once it was done and she was promised an immediate action on him, Alexa and Tristan exited the building.
They got back in the car and Tristan drove her to the café where she worked as a barista, promising to pick her up when hershift was over.
Cassie’s flight landed an hour later, and she texted Alexa saying she couldn’t wait to see her.
Alexa couldn’t wait to see her sister too; to squeeze her in a hug and then rummage through her bag to see what she had brought back from Orlando for her. Work was as enjoyable as always, and when she stepped out of the café, she was both excited and anxious.
She found Tristan outside, waiting for her, and a smile flitted across her face.
“I could’ve made you a latte or whatever you prefer if you had come inside instead of standing here,” she said as she approached him.
Tristan grinned back, and her heart flipped at the sight of it. That was one dazzling smile; a big, genuine one. One she hadn’t seen until now. He looked…content. Her heart warmed at the realization.
“Next time, perhaps?”
Alexa composed herself from staring. “You mean tomorrow?”
“Exactly.” He held out a hand. “Come on.”
“Where is your car?” It felt odd to address her car, former or not, as his; especially after having seen it today and ridden in it. She looked around the busy street and didn’t find a glimpse of the black SUV.
“I didn’t bring the car.” Tristan walked them through the sidewalk as soon as she accepted his hand. “But don’t worry, I’ve got your bag.” He showed her the bag in his other hand.
“So are we gonna…” Alexa leaned close and whispered, “Teleportto my front porch?” She couldn’t keep the smile off her face.
Tristan threw her a teasing glance. “You sound soexcited.”
Alexa laughed. “I know it’s old news to you, but I’m new at this, so give me some—” she cut short as her gaze flickered to the school girls they passed by. They were staring after Tristan with wide-eyes and open mouths; some even looked like they couldn’t breathe. “You have an audience lining the street.”
“Old news.” Tristan winked at her.
Alexa rolled her eyes with a smile. “I thought so. If any of those girls get a heart attack, you know you’re responsible, right?”
“There’s only one girl I’m responsible for, actually.”
Alexa’s heart fluttered against her will and she pushed aside the feeling. “Do you always go for a walk like this and cause heartache for girls?”
Tristan snorted a laugh. “I assure you, I have no such reputation. I’m sure those girls are seeing me for the first time. Even if they have seen me while I drive through the town once or twice a year, they’ve likely forgotten now.”
It was Alexa’s turn to snort. “Yours is a face hard to forget though,” she mumbled under her breath, remembering the first time she saw him at church and how he had filled her mind and dreams since.