Page 46 of The Tip-Off
“You’re not going to try and kiss me, are you?” I ask playfully. His eyes widen in surprise or maybe panic, and I laugh. “Just checking before I eat an entire bag of Funyuns.”
He hands them over with a grin. “You’re safe.”
I dig into the onion-flavored rings and Zeke shuffles through the playlist, grinning adorably each time I laugh or smile at the songs he selected.
I’m enjoying his company and have completely forgotten the reason behind this charade until he asks, “Have you driven since the accident?” There’s no judgment in his tone, but I feel inferior in front of this man who, as far as I can tell, isn’t scared of anything except hashtags.
“No.” I stare at the last Funyun in my bag.
He ducks his head down so his face is in front of mine. “Hey, I get it. It’s gotta be scary to get back behind the wheel after something like that.”
A full-body tremor takes over at the memory. The out of control feeling as the car had hydroplaned and then the moment just before impact when I had been helpless to do anything but brace myself for the worst.
“I used to love to drive,” I say and run a hesitant hand over the steering wheel. “I had a cherry red convertible. Blair was so jealous because her parents got her this used beater with the manual locks and windows, but my dad works at a car dealership, so I got the whole new car with a bow on top for my sweet sixteen.” I sigh at the memory. “We looked good riding around in that car, blasting Beyoncé.”
“I bet you did.”
“When my parents wanted to replace my car with the insurance money, I wouldn’t let them get another nice car. I made them get me an awful little used, compact number.” I point to it in the parking lot. “I thought maybe it’d help, but I haven’t been able to drive it either.”
“I’ve got an idea,” he says and puts on his seat belt. “Drive my car over and park next to yours.”
“Zeke, I—”
“Buckle up, buttercup.”
I do as he says, but I don’t move to put the car into drive. “I can’t.”
“Sure, you can. I’m right here. I won’t let anything happen to you.” Then he pats the dash of his car. “Or you, sweetheart.”
To be honest, I’m not sure why I put the car in drive, but I do, and it gives me a rush.
“Good girl. Now just pull beside your car. It looks so lonely over there by itself.”
I let the car roll forward just an inch, my breath hitches, I slam my eyes closed and hit the brakes. Hard.
To his credit, Zeke says nothing for several long moments until I pry my eyes open.
“You good?”
I laugh at the absurdity of the question. “No.”
He chuckles quietly. “You’re doing great. Take your time.”
Sweat beads up at the nape of my neck, but finally, I pull the car out of the parking spot and drive it the short distance. I leave so much space between my car and his, I’m taking up two spots, but I did it! I let go of the steering wheel and turn to Zeke, who smiles like a fool. He puts the car in park, and I unbuckle and throw myself at him. Arms around his neck, I have him in a death grip. “Thank you.”
One arm caresses my back. “I didn’t do anything.”
I pull back so I can look him in the eye. “I just drove.”
“I know. I was there. It was all you.”
Brown eyes sparkle at me. My chest is heaving, and I feel so alive and happy. Our mouths are so close. My gaze darts to his lips. Funyuns, be damned, I want to kiss him.
“The only thing that would make this better is if we climbed into the back seat and made out.” I waggle my brows at him.
His breaths are coming as fast and labored as mine, but he chuckles and lifts me from where I’m perched awkwardly on the middle console, back into the driver’s seat.
“It’s the Funyuns, isn’t it?”
