Page 171 of Burning Bridges Duet

“I’ll wait at reception,” I say, watching her disappear inside.

Strolling out front, I find Gunner and Gustavo, looking cozy as hell by the desk. Gunner’s in his usual instructor gear, and Gustavo’s got that easy smile.

“Hey, GG,” I call, dropping my bag.

Gunner takes his eyes reluctantly off his partner to look at me. “Finished the books?”

“Looks like you can buy Gustavo a holiday home in the Keys soon.”

Gustavo whoops, pumping a fist, and Gunner glowers playfully before yanking me into a bro hug. “Good to hear the hard work pays off.”

“Even if it’s hard, it’s the most fun I’ve ever had.”

My phone pings, and I check it to find a message from River.

Good Twin

Outside.

We’ll be there in a sec.

Liv emerges a few minutes later, hair down and damp, looking fresh and edible in leggings and an oversized tee.

She hugs Gustavo, then turns to Gunner to do the same. “You guys heard? Thanks to Chase’s perfect business plan, we’re gonna be fat and retired soon.”

Gunner chuckles. “Never doubted it.”

A loud honk blasts from outside, and my gaze finds Liv’s. “Let’s go. River’s getting impatient.”

Her eyes twinkle with amusement. “Since when does that guy honk?”

“Since he got that new damn car.” I sigh, but my cheeks hurt from grinning.

The day has barely started, and I’m not sure I’ve stopped smiling for a second of it.

Even the horn of this car sounds nice, like it’s too classy to honk at anyone.

I let my hands glide over the steering wheel, the leather cool and buttery under my palms. It’s a silver electric Mercedes, which I bought the day before yesterday. Jaxon and Ryder have been on my case for years about getting my own ride—“You’re a fucking millionaire, Riv, stop stealing our cars or hitching like a broke college kid,”—but I could never decide.

Too many options, too much pressure for it to be perfect. Then Liv stepped in, dragged me to the dealership, and we picked this beauty together. Sleek, quiet, and zero emissions, just like my code—efficient and clean. I love it.

No idea why I overthought it for so long.

My gaze drifts to the studio doors, and there she is, smiling as she steps out with Chase. My heart skips, like it always does when I see her after we were apart, even if it’s just been a little over an hour. She’s in leggings and one of Jaxon’s oversized tees, hair still damp, but damn, she’s radiant.

Chase reaches for the passenger door, but I hit the lock button out of pure reflex. New car instincts.

He shoots me a glare through the window, and I laugh and yell, “You can sit in the back!”

He flips me off but yells back, “Wanted to open it for Liv!”

Yeah, fuck, I should’ve hopped out and done the gentleman thing. Rookie move.

I hit the unlock button again, sheepishly, and Chase swings the door for her like a damn prince.

Liv slides in with a dramatic, “Thank you very much,” batting her lashes, while Chase climbs in back, grumbling good-naturedly.

Liv leans over the console, aiming for a quick peck, but I cup her face and turn it into something deeper, tasting mint, vanilla, and her.