Page 15 of Symphony for Lies

I didn’t feel well. I just wanted to go inside.

Without another word, I shoved the helmet back at him and turned toward my house, but a hand caught my wrist, stopping me in my tracks.

It was warm. Firm.

“Wait.”

I snapped my head around. “Let me go.”

He didn’t. At least, not immediately.

His dark eyes studied me as his thumb slowly traced over the inside of my wrist. My pulse pounded against his touch. He could feel it.

His voice became soft, almost gentle. “I’m sorry.”

My lips parted in surprise.

The apology was unexpected, so it took me a moment to find my voice.

“I told you to drive carefully.”

“I did.”

To that, I had nocomeback.

When I said “carefully,” I expected the drive to be slow and cautious. That was what everyone else had understood… until Zane.

I pulled my hand away.“It doesn’t matter. I don’t think we’ll ride together again, so just forget it.”

Zane stared at his hand, tilting his head slightly. Then, without a word, he set my helmet aside and pulled off his.

His devastatingly handsome face was back in full view.

And he smiled.

The streetlights reflected in his eyes, gleaming with something unreadable.

“I also want to apologize for earlier.”

“For what?”

“I know my mother is sensitive. I shouldn’t have acted that way because of her. And…” His voice dropped slightly. “…the way I greeted you when we met.”

“Oh, so the great Zane Cole is actually willing to apologize?” I almost laughed, rolling my eyes.

The shaking in my hands had faded as my body started to calm down.

“Yes, I am.” His lips twitched. “I hope this beautiful young woman can find it in her heart to forgive me.”

I just nodded, ready to say goodnight, but then, something soft brushed against my feet, taking my entire attention.

A cat wove between my legs and stopped right between my ankles. I recognized its gray fur immediately.

Quickly, I crouched and lifted the heavy, fat creature into my arms.“Ivy? What are you doing here?”

My neighbor spoiled her far too much, and as a result, she was very overweight.

Ivy let out a soft meow, nudging her head against my hand for pets, which I immediately gave her.

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