"Correct." His smile was warm, sending a small flutter through her chest.
They continued through several more questions, and Angela found herself relaxing slightly. Jude's method of questioning was methodical but gentle, nothing like the intimidating way Jim would hover over her shoulder when Sandra had tested them.
"What does a flashing yellow light mean?" Jude asked, his shoulder brushing against hers as the SUV rounded a curve.
"Proceed with caution," Angela answered quickly, growing more confident with each correct response.
Kiara leaned forward from the back seat. "Hey, why don't I get any study help?"
"Because you got every practice question right yesterday," Angela reminded her, glancing back at her sister.
"True." Kiara grinned. "But I wouldn't mind some one-on-one time with the teacher."
Heat crept up Angela's neck at the teasing note in Kiara's voice. She looked down at her hands, suddenly very interested in her fingernails.
"We can switch if you want," she offered, though part of her didn't want to give up this moment with Jude.
"No need," Jude said, his attention remaining on Angela. "You're doing well. Let's keep going."
The warmth in his voice made Angela's pulse quicken. She tried to focus on the next question he asked, but found herself distracted by his proximity—the way his sleeve brushed against her arm when he moved, the faint scent of his cologne mixing with the leather interior of the SUV.
"Angela?" Jude prompted gently.
She realized she'd been staring at his hands as he held her phone, completely missing whatever question he'd asked. "Sorry, could you repeat that?"
"What's the legal blood alcohol limit for drivers under twenty-one?"
"Zero tolerance," she answered quickly, grateful it was an easy one.
"Right." His eyes crinkled slightly at the corners. "You know this material better than you think you do."
Angela wished she felt as confident as he did about her ability to pass the test. The closer they got to Coeur d'Alene, the moreher stomach churned with anxiety. What if she failed? What if all this studying hadn't been enough?
"Hey," Jude said softly, and she realized her leg had started bouncing nervously. "You're going to do fine."
"How do you know?" The question slipped out before she could stop it.
Jude's gaze held hers for a moment that felt longer than it probably was.
"Because I've seen how hard you've been studying. And because I believe in you."
His quiet confidence stirred something inside her. Angela wanted to believe him, to borrow some of that certainty for herself.
"Thanks," she murmured.
The SUV slowed as they approached the DMV building, a plain single-story structure with a crowded parking lot. Angela's mouth went dry at the sight of all the cars. So many people. So many potential witnesses if she failed.
"Looks busy," Kiara commented, leaning forward to peer through the windshield.
"We have appointments," Jude reminded them, handing Angela back her phone. "You won't have to wait in the main line."
The driver pulled around to the entrance, and Angela took a deep breath as the engine shut off. Her palms felt clammy as she clutched her phone.
"Ready?" Jude asked.
"As I'll ever be," she replied.
Jude exited first and moved around the vehicle, scanning the area before opening Angela's door. The cold air hit her face as she stepped out, and she tugged her coat tighter around herself. Kiara bounded out behind her, seemingly unfazed by the prospect of the test ahead.
