Page 20 of Her Age Gap Match

POPPY

when you say it like that

STEVIE

I'm saying it exactly like that

are you safe though? like do you have your location on

POPPY

yes mom

STEVIE

I'm serious Poppy he's literally a stranger

POPPY

he's not a stranger. I've known him for two years.

STEVIE

you've known OF him for two years. there's a difference.

POPPY

jasper ran a full background check when he joined the agency. he's clean.

STEVIE

okay fine. location on. text me when you get there and when you leave.

POPPY

noted. love you.

STEVIE

love you. have fun. use protection.

Then I locked my phone, grabbed my bag, and headed down the stairs into the November dark.

Johnny was waiting around front this time, straddling his bike. He was watching the door already as I descended the stairs, looking like a complete snack in his leather jacket. His helmet was under his arm; he smiled at me as I came down, already reaching for something in the saddlebag, and he pulled out a smaller helmet.

I took it, looking at it. The helmet was cobalt blue and there were a bunch of cute little drawings scribbled on it in sharpie.

I gave him a quizzical look.

“One of Elle’s kids,” he said. “Used to take ‘em for rides when they were in their teens. The helmet was lying around so I figured…”

“I love it,” I said.

Then I leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek.

Natural as breathing.

I put the helmet on, then got on behind Johnny. Wrapped my arms around his waist, leaned in close, my heart racing.