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 widen