We ride in silence for a while. His car handles so much better than mine. The rhythmic sound of the tires on the road is relaxing and I’m glad he’s not trying to talk to me. I’m good with quiet.
The next thing I know, I sense a warm hand on my arm. It sends a shiver through my spine. I like the way it feels. It’s soft but firm. Long, strong fingers gently press into my skin. The touch makes me feel safe and wanted. I smile as I roll my head from one side to the other, opening my eyes. Startled, I jump as his face comes into focus.
“Sorry to wake you, Lizzy, but I don’t know where I’m taking you.”
Straightening myself, I try not to panic. “Did I fall asleep?” I’m horrified at the thought.
He shrugs. “Not for long.”
“I can’t believe I did that.” I push my hands into my hair and shake my head. “I’m so embarrassed.”
“Don’t be. It’s perfectly fine. The seat warmers are almost too relaxing. Plus it’s dark and really late. I’m sure you’re exhausted.”
He’s completely focused on traffic, so I take a moment to assess him. His left arm is resting bent on the side door and his fingers pull at his lip as he drives with his right hand. His face is serious and he seems deep in thought. It’s a new look for him. I like quiet Finn much more than speaking Finn. My happiness is short-lived.
“Have you lived in California long?” he asks.
“My whole life,” I manage to say through a yawn.
“Do you like it here?”
I stare at him for a moment. Hewasquiet for a while. I suppose I can at least try to carry a small conversation. “I guess. It’s fine. I’ve never been anywhere else, so I have nothing to compare it to.”
“Hmm. Where am I taking you, by the way?”
“Take the 110 to 405,” I reply.
“Would you mind putting your address into the GPS?” he asks, pointing to the screen on his dash.
“I don’t know how to work one of these.”
He presses a few buttons. “Go ahead and type it in.”
I do as he says. He hits enter and the screen comes to life.
“You’re in Westminster? I had a feeling we’d be close.”
“You had a feeling?” I ask suspiciously.
“Well, you passed me on the 405 this morning. I hoped it was because you’d just gotten on.”
“I can’t believe you recognized me,” I reply with a small shake of my head. I turn and stare out the passenger window. Traffic moves much better at this time of night.
“Of course I did. You made quite a first impression.”
My head pivots toward him. “How so?” I imagine he couldn’t forget my awkwardness.
“Truthfully, I heard you before I saw you. You were on the phone. I was impressed with how you handled yourself. You have a way with words.”
I straighten myself to face him more fully. “Are you fucking with me?”
He smiles genuinely, making brief eye contact. “About what, hearing you on the phone or the way with words? The answer is no to both of them.”
I do a double take at him. I’m not sure if I can believe anything he says. “I’m terrible in any conversation, so I know you’re full of it.”
“You underestimate yourself. I can tell you’re good at your job by what I heard and I’m an excellent judge of character.”
“Everyone in marketing thinks they’re a good judge of everything.”
