The Spark

“That’s good.”

She said nothing more. Apparently, our little game was over.

So I put the car in reverse and drove her the rest of the way home. The remainder of the drive was limited to meaningless small talk.

Autumn was quiet as I walked her to the door.

“By the way, I never thanked you,” I said.

“For what?”

“You saved my ass.”

“Oh?”

“After we hung up last night, I was able to call the client I’d fired and smooth things over. It was physically painful to kiss his ass, but I managed it, so I didn’t blow my shot at partner...yet.”

Autumn smiled as we arrived at her door. “I’m glad I was able to help, because I owe you quite a few favors. Thank you for everything you did today, Donovan. I feel like I say that to you often. I’m always thanking you for something—helping Storm, helping me find him when he runs away, helping me deal with my car today. You’re very…”

I raised a brow when she trailed off. “Helpful?”

She chuckled. “I was going to say you’re a very good friend. But yeah. You’re helpful.”

I tugged a piece of her hair. “Is that how you think of me? As a good friend?”

“Yeah.” She looked down, but nodded. “You’re a good friend.”

I reached out and touched the wrist of her hand currently fiddling with her earring. At first she was confused, but then she realized what I was pointing out.

Autumn covered her mouth. “Oh my God.”

I smiled and winked. “I can’t wait to make you say those words again soon, liar.”