298: MONEY TALKS

LUKE’S POV

We were still in the car as Ariel chuckled. “Deal, no honey on our next adventure. But maybe I’ll bring some bear repellent, just in case.”

I raised an eyebrow, pretending to be offended. “Are you implying that I’m not enough to scare off bears?”

She laughed, “Oh, no, not at all. I’m just thinking of extra protection for our future escapades.”

“Fair enough,” I said, starting the car and pulling out of the parking lot. “But next time, let’s stick to less adventurous activities, like picnics in the park or binge–watching Netflix.”

Ariel nodded, still grinning. “Sounds like a plan. As long as you’re by my side, I’m up for anything.”

“Yeah, but don’t too be scared next time,” I taunted her, trying to

see her reaction.

Ariel’s grin turned into a playful scowl. “Scared? Me? Please, I’m as brave as they come.

I chuckled, teasing her further. “Oh really? So you weren’t the one clinging to me like a

koala bear back there behind the bushes?”

Her eyes widened in mock indignation. “I was not clinging! I was… strategically positioning myself for safety.”

“Sure, sure,” I said with a smirk. “Strategically positioning yourself to use me as a shield

against the bear.”

Ariel crossed her arms, trying to maintain her facade of bravery. “Well, you know what they say, Luke. Behind every brave person is someone even braver who’s willing to sacrifice themselves for the greater good.”

I couldn’t help but burst into laughter. “Oh, so now I’m the sacrificial hero in this scenario?”

“Exactly!” she exclaimed with a grin. “You’re the unsung hero of our bear encounter.”

I shook my head, still chuckling. “Fine, fine. I’ll accept my role our relationship.”

as the fearless protector of

Ariel leaned over and kissed me on the cheek. “And I’ll continue to be the brave one who

60 240 MONEY TALKS

fearlessly drags you into all sorts of crazy situations.”

“Sounds like a perfect balance.” I smiled at her. “So, it’s still early in the morning. Where do

want to go next?”

So we can jump inside and

smirking at me.

got to be kidding me, Ariel.”

Why would I be

I can see it right in your

my head. “Alright, fine. But if we’re getting

even bring honey in the

know. I was just talking shit,

her tone

seriously, Ariel, sharks? That’s

with mischief. “Come on, Luke, where’s

sense of adventure?”

should be, firmly planted

suppress a grin.

“You know I was just joking,

I said, mimicking her earlier response. “Just like how you were ‘strategically positioning‘ yourself close to

“Okay, okay, guilty as charged. But you have to admit, it

the one who

thank you, mister.”

my head. “You

and

talking about outrageous

exchanged a bemused glance before she

the universe agrees that your shark–chasing plan was

laughed, leaning back in her seat. “Yeah, perhaps we should stick to more grounded activities for our

fingers with hers. “As long as

“Likewise, Luke. Let’s keep making

shark

laughed. “Can’t help

as I spotted two young guys getting into a heated argument

one of them gets

at her.

as we both stepped out of the car and approached the

on here?” I called out, trying

boys ignored my question, their voices rising in anger as they

each

yelled, stepping between them as they squared

problem?” I asked, trying to get to

pointed accusingly at the

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