I text back.
Don’t worry about it. Already got a ride.
Braden arrives fifteen minutes later in his shiny silver Porsche. I’m waiting at the door and go out to his car.
“Thanks,” I tell him as I get in.
“Wouldn’t have to do this if you’d get your damn license.” He speeds out of the gravel lot, kicking dust up everywhere.
“I’m working on it,” I mutter.
“You signed up for Driver’s Ed?” he asks.
“Not yet, but I might.”
“You’ve never driven? Like not at all?”
“I’ve driven. I’m actually not that bad. But to get a license you have to take Driver’s Ed.”
“You told me you’ve never driven before,” he says in a suspicious tone. “Now you’re saying you have?”
How did he remember that? Is he keeping track of what I say to see if I’m lying? I thought Trystan was the only one keeping watch on me, but Braden must be too.
“I’ve driven a few times,” I say.
He pulls off to the side of the road.
“What are you doing?”
“You’re driving.” He gets out and comes around to my side, opening my door. “Hurry up. Get out.”
“I’m not driving,” I say, like he’s crazy.
“It’s the only way you’re getting home. Now hurry up.”
I get out of the car and face him. “You’re seriously letting me drive your Porsche? Why? So if I get in an accident I’ll get in trouble with your dad? Or is this about getting a new car?”
“Neither.” He smiles. “Although I’d be happy if either of those things happened.” He gets in the car, and I move aside as he shuts the door.
“Shit,” I mutter, going around to get in the driver’s seat. I was nervous driving Jackson’s Range Rover, but this Porsche is worth twice as much. And it’s new. Still has the new car smell.
“We going or what?” Braden asks, swiping through his phone.
“Why are we doing this? What’s the real reason?”
“So I’m not stuck driving your sorry ass all over town.” He points to the road. “Turn right at the light and then left to go home.”
I slowly pull onto the road. “You wouldn’t have to drive me places. I could get rides from someone else.”
“Like who? You don’t know anyone.”
“Shayla would give me a ride.”
“Yeah, she’s real reliable,” he says as he texts someone.
“She had an emergency. Otherwise she would’ve taken me home.”
“What kind of emergency?”
