CHAPTER 33
She stepped out of the restaurant and took a deep breath of the cool evening air. The conversation with Nolan still buzzed in her head, and her irritation over Jasper hadn't settled.
All she wanted was to get home, sink into a hot bath, and not think about anything for a few hours.
But when she reached the spot where she’d left her car, her stomach plummeted.
It was gone.
She stopped short, scanning the street in disbelief.
“Where the hell is it?” she whispered, trying to make sense of it.
She remembered exactly where she’d parked—right here, by the curb. There had been plenty of other cars around. Had someone broken in and stolen it? That was impossible.
Who do you even call in a situation like this? The police?
She looked around again, and then a calm voice spoke behind her:
“It was towed.”
She flinched and spun around.
Jasper stood a few steps away, hands in his pockets, watching her with unmistakable amusement.
“What?” She blinked, sure she must have misheard.
“You parked next to a crosswalk,” he said mildly, tilting his head. “So yeah, towing makes sense.”
She stared at him, stunned.
“That can’t be right.”
She glanced back at the restaurant parking area. Not a single free space. Downtown parking was a nightmare, and she’d done exactly what everyone else did—left her car along the curb.
Why was my car the only one they took?
Anger flared. She snapped her gaze back to him.
“How the hell do you know it was towed?”
“I saw it,” he replied calmly.
“And you just stood there and watched them take my car?” Her voice rose despite herself.
He shrugged, a faint smirk.
“It’s your car. What was I supposed to do?”
“You could’ve called me!” she shot back, heat rushing to her face.
Jasper tilted his head as if considering that.
“Didn’t you ask me to leave and not interfere while you and Nolan discussed very important matters?”
Her hands curled into fists. He was enjoying this.
“You—”
“What was that?” He lifted a brow.
She rolled her eyes, exhaled sharply, forcing herself to calm down.
“Fine,” she said through clenched teeth. “Where’s the damn impound lot?”
“There’s an app for that. Give me your phone—I’ll download it.”
She handed it over, irritated, crossed her arms, and waited. Jasper took his time, scrolling, tapping, clearly in no hurry.
“I’ll drive you home,” he said casually.
She blinked.
“No, thanks,” she replied instantly.
“You don’t have a car.”
“I’ll manage just fine,” she said firmly. “I’ll call a cab.”
“Your battery just died,” he said, handing her phone back. “You can’t call a cab.”
“Perfect,” she muttered, gripping the phone. “I’ll flag one down.”
“It’s late,” Jasper pointed out. “Alone, no car, no phone—not a great plan.”
“I’ll be fine.”
“I’m sure. Just make sure you get the driver’s number first so I know where to look for your body.”
She scoffed.
“I knew doctors had a weird sense of humor, but yours is terrible.”
“That’s not humor, Nina. That’s statistics,” he said evenly. “Want to know how many women end up in the ER after rides with fake cab drivers? Or how many never get found at all?”
She tensed. Was he trying to scare her or was this some twisted version of concern?
“Thanks, but I don’t need your horror stories.”
“That’s not stories. That’s my job.”
Nina rolled her eyes.
“Oh, right. The savior doctor. Saves lives, performs surgeries, and now runs night patrols for stranded women.”
“If I wanted to control you,” he replied calmly, then inclined his head slightly, “you wouldn't see it coming. I’m just offering the safest option—one that doesn’t end with you disappearing.”
She pressed her lips together and glanced around. The street was nearly empty. Late, quiet… and not a single cab in sight. Of course.
“You’re talking to me like I’m five years old,” she snapped.
“If you knew how the world works,” he said dryly, “you wouldn’t park next to a crosswalk.”
“It wouldn’t be a problem if they hadn’t towed it!”
He raised an eyebrow.
“Flawless logic.”
She sighed and folded her arms tighter.
“You know, Jasper, you’re a little late to start caring about me. And since when did you become so righteous? The only person I should really be afraid of is you. You want me to get into your car in the middle of the night—did you forget what happened last time?” Her voice cracked.
Silence fell between them, thick and charged. The past was impossible to ignore.
“From the outside, you look like a real couple,” a voice said lightly. “Even arguing like husband and wife.”
She startled and turned.
Nolan stood a few steps away, clearly entertained. A teasing smile played on his lips, though his gaze was sharp, observant like he was studying them.
Jasper straightened instantly. The easy looseness vanished, replaced by cold detachment.
“Haven’t you outstayed your welcome?” Jasper asked flatly.
Nolan chuckled.
“I just wanted to see how you two would handle this. Since you can’t, I’ll step in.”
He looked at her, tilting his head.
“Come on. I’ll give you a ride home.”
Jasper tensed instantly.
“No,” he said sharply, stepping forward and blocking her from view. “Nina shouldn’t be seen with you.”
She peeked around his shoulder, her gaze moving between them. Jasper stood rigid, arms crossed, focused. Nolan, by contrast, looked amused and perfectly relaxed.
“If you need anything, call me,” Nolan said, suddenly serious. He studied them for a moment longer, as if deciding whether it was safe to leave them alone, then shrugged and walked away.
She exhaled, tension easing slightly. Jasper watched Nolan go, then turned back to her, waiting.
And she gave in.
“So,” she asked tiredly, exhaustion finally winning over irritation, “where’s your car?”
“Come on.”
He turned toward the parking lot, and she followed.