It’s a lie, but I can’t let him see the motorcycle.
“My sister dropped me off. She’s running errands nearby.”
Drew nods. “Do you want me to give you a ride home?”
Hell yes.
And stay there with me.
Forever.
But I don’t say that.
I let the silence stretch, pretending to consider it.
“I don’t want to impose,” I say, looking at him from beneath lowered lashes.
He swallows hard. His voice is raspy when he says, “No imposition.”
“Are you sure?” I ask softly.
“Yeah, of course.”
He says it like he wants to be with me.
My smile softens with just enough warmth and gratitude. “That would be really nice.”
Game.
Set.
Match.
I planned this with patience and precision.
Like a game of chess, he’s exactly where I want him to be.
He gestures, and I lead the way to the door.
A quiet laugh builds in my chest as we step outside, the air warmer than earlier, caressing my skin.
Drew isn’t careless. He’s just… selective.
And I’m quickly becoming something he doesn’t want to question. Something he wants.
My gaze flicks to him as he reaches for the car door, holding it open for me like this was his idea.
My lips curve.
He thinks this is the beginning.
But I know better.
This started long before he noticed me.
Now I get to write the rest of it.
12
