12. Violet
VIOLET
After checking twice to make sure it’s clear, Drew pulls onto the street.
Of course he does. Drew is cautious. Careful.
He glances over at me, a smile playing on his lips. “I’m glad I ran into you.”
His cheeks pinken before he turns his head back to the road, like the words slipped out without his permission.
I turn my head to the window, trying to hide my smile.
He didn’t run into me.
I placed myself in his world.
But he doesn’t need to know I orchestrated the whole thing.
“Me, too,” I say, folding my hands in my lap.
“Thanks again for saving me the other night.” He gives me an embarrassed smile. “From Smoke.”
My lips curve. “No problem.”
I turn my gaze out the window, watching the blur of trees and passing cars.
I wasn’t going to let him hurt you.
Not after you saved me first.
The memory slips in, quiet and familiar.
We were younger.
I’d been in college. A nineteen-year-old student focused on her future.
My nerves had me flustered, and all I could think about was the upcoming internship meeting.
I needed this internship.
Landing it meant three years of experience before graduation.
I looked at my watch.
I was running late, which isn’t like me.
Hitching my purse higher, I increased my pace, hurrying along the sidewalk.
I blew out a nervous breath. The building was still two blocks away.
I stepped off the curb of the busy intersection without looking, not seeing the car speeding toward me until the last second.
Horror filled me as I braced for the hit.
But a firm hand wrapped around my arm and pulled me back onto the sidewalk.
The car rushed past without touching me.
My heart pounded in my ears as I stood there, breathing heavy and shaking, but unharmed.
“You need to pay attention.”
The voice wasn’t harsh. Just steady.
I looked up—and into a pair of concerned brown eyes.
I sucked in a breath. He looked like he actually cared.
“Sorry,” I murmured, my breath catching.
He gave a small nod.
The light changed, and the crowd surged forward.
His hand slipped from my arm.
And he was gone, disappearing with the throng of people moving across the street.
Like what just happened didn’t matter.
Like I didn’t matter.
My fingers curl slightly on my lap.
I glance over at him.
You don’t even remember it.
It was nothing to you. Insignificant.
But to me?
It was everything.
And I never forgot you.
My gaze drops to his hands on the wheel, taking in the way they rest there, calm and steady. Unaware.
“I wasn’t going to let him hurt you,” I softly say.
Drew’s head turns to mine. He stares at me for a moment before his attention goes back to the road.
I found you again. And this time… I’m not letting you get away.
My gaze lingers on the side of his face.
He looks at me again and gives me a smile that warms my insides.
I’m going to treat you so well, Drew. Like you deserve.
The car settles into a quiet rhythm.
Drew absently taps his fingers lightly against the steering wheel. He looks content.
“So,” he says after a moment, glancing over at me briefly. “Design, huh?”
I tilt my head slightly, considering his question. “Yes. We design and promote.”
“We?”
“My sister and I.”
“Oh, yeah. You mentioned that at the bar.” He taps his fingers, his eyes on the road. “Do you work remotely?”
A smile pulls at my lips.
He’s tapping his left hand. He’s nervous.
“Yes. It’s easier. Plus, most of our clients are spread out. Most in the United States, but some internationally.”
“Sounds nice...” His eyes flick to me. “For you.” He rubs the back of his neck before his hand goes back to the steering wheel. “And your sister.”
I laugh. “Yes. It is a good career for me. And for her.”
He glances over at me, his expression conveying what he thinks of people.
He’s so introverted. It’s cute.
I smile. “Just like being an accountant is good for you.”
He shrugs. “Mostly. Some days it tests my patience.”
“I can relate. I love my job... but some days, clients test mine.”
He studies me for a second longer than before. “I can only imagine. Dealing with the public is not my thing.”
“I know.”
He glances at me, a surprised look on his face.
“You don’t strike me as the type who’s comfortable dealing with customer chaos,” I add.
His grip on the steering wheel relaxes. He makes a face. “Sounds awful. I can’t imagine anything worse.”
I laugh and relax against the seat.
Silence settles between us. It’s not uncomfortable. Just… aware.
I let my gaze drift over him.
The way his hands move across the steering wheel.
The way he glances at me before quickly looking back at the road.
“You’re easy to talk to,” he says suddenly.
That surprises me.
It’s honest. Unfiltered.
I turn slightly toward him. “You sound like that caught you off guard.”
He lets out a quiet laugh. “A little. I’m not usually great with… this.”
“This?” I echo.
He gestures vaguely between us. “Meeting someone. Talking. Not overthinking every word I say.”
“You don’t seem like you’re struggling.”
“Oh, I am,” he says quickly. “I just hide it well.”
I smile. “I know.”
He glances at me again, a flicker of suspicion crossing his face.
“Overthinking is pretty common for introverts.”
He looks at me, brows raised. “Are you saying you’re introverted?”
“You sound surprised.” I shift in the seat. “I’m an extroverted introvert. I do well in one-on-one or in small groups, but when I need to recharge, I don’t want to be around anyone.”
Except for Callie.
And you.
He nods but doesn’t say anything.
I smile. “But you’re easy to talk to, Drew.”
Easier than anyone I’ve ever met.
“Really? Most people think I’m awkward.”
“I’m not most people.”
His eyes move back to the road, like he’s trying to understand why this feels different.
I can’t let him think too much.
I don’t want to frighten him.
Not now.
Not when he’s so close to being mine.
“You think before you speak. You know what you want. You like routine over chaos.” My fingers trace lightly over the seam of my jeans. “That’s not a bad thing.”
He exhales, a small smile forming as he looks at me. “You’re a good judge of character.”
“Thanks. Paying attention to details is kind of my job.”
You have no idea that the job I’m referring to is you.
I don’t consider Drew work in the traditional sense.
I simply study him with the same focus I give to marketing trends and author branding.
I know what I want. And I fully intend to get it.
Failure is not an option.
I’m snapped from my thoughts when he pulls in front of my house.
The idling car fills the silence between us.
Neither of us move.
“I had a really nice time,” he says, his voice softer.
“So did I.”
The words linger between us, soft and real.
The air inside the car shifts. Thicker now. More aware.Like something just changed.
His fingers tap against the steering wheel, then still.
“I mean that,” he adds quietly.
I turn toward him. “I know.”
My voice is softer now. Measured. With just enough honesty to draw him in even more.
His eyes search mine for a second longer than before. Like he’s trying to figure something out.
He won’t. Not unless I want him to.
“Can I—” He stops himself, huffs out a quiet breath. “Can I see you again?”
My pulse hums low and steady.
A small smile touches my lips. “I’d like that.”
You were always going to ask. You just needed to believe it was your idea.
Subtle relief flickers across his face before he can stop it.
But I catch it. I catch everything he does.
I reach for the door handle, then pause. “I’ll win that bet, you know.”
His grin breaks through immediately. “We’ll see about that.”
I open the door, stepping out into the warm air.
Even though I don’t want to leave him.
I never want to leave him.
Before I close it, I lean slightly back in. “Drive safe, Drew.”
“I will,” he says.
Our eyes lock and hold before I shut the door and step back.
The smile on his face is full of uncertainty mixed with something else. Something that looks like warmth. Longing.
He gives me a wave before he puts the car in gear.
I stand on the sidewalk by the steps, watching as he pulls away.
Poor Drew. He’s never been loved the way he deserves.
Not until me.
After his car disappears down the street, I turn and calmly enter the house.
“Callie,” I yell as I walk through the house. “Can you give me a ride to get my motorcycle?”
Footsteps sound, and then she’s leaning over the second-floor banister. “Why didn’t you ride it home?”
My smile is victorious. “I had coffee with Drew. Told him you dropped me off and were running errands.”
She laughs. “I love how you go after what you want.” She grows serious. “Did he mention last night?”
I shake my head. “Nope. He kept peeking out the windows, but he didn’t see anything. I don’t think he suspects it was me.”
“Good.” She laughs. “And he has good instincts.”
“Not good enough to catch me.” I give her a smug look. “Unless I want him to.”
“Excellent.” Callie’s eyes shine with approval. “Let me get my keys, and I’ll drive you.”
I scroll through my emails until she appears.
My eyes snap up to my younger sister. “I like your hair.”
She fingers one honey-blonde curl. “Thanks. Decided to stop fighting my curls. Humidity is a bitch.”
“Looks nice. I like it. Wild and free, like you.”
Callie got Dad’s blonde hair and green eyes.
I got Mom’s red hair and violet eyes.
We both inherited Mom’s determination.
I follow her through the kitchen to the garage. “Thanks again for driving me.”
She looks at me over her shoulder. “You’d do the same for me.”
I shut and lock the door behind me. “Yes, I would.”
As she rounds her car to the driver’s side, she looks at me, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. “I’ll collect on this favor someday.”
I grin as I slide into the passenger seat, then fasten my seat belt. “I’m sure you will.”
“I just have to find someone who affects me as much as Drew does you.”
We exchange a smile before she backs out of the garage.
“You will.”