53. Drew
DREW
After the movie ends, we exit the theater, holding hands.
During our non-date.
Apparently, I’ve lost control of the narrative.
“Do you want ice cream?” I ask. “Or a milkshake?”
She smiles. “Yes.”
We end up at one of those little mall spots with too many options and not enough seating.
We settle into a small table with our milkshakes.
Violet takes a slow sip, then looks out across the crowd.
“I love people watching,” she says.
I blink. “Really?”
She nods. “They fascinate me. I like to imagine what they’re like.”
I lean back slightly. “Imagine? Like their lives?”
“Yes.”
She points subtly across the room. “Like that woman over there.”
I follow her gaze.
“No wedding ring. Keeps checking her phone, but she’s disappointed every time it lights up.”
I glance back at Violet.
“She’s probably never found the right person,” she adds. “Feels like she’s running out of time.”
My brows lift. “That’s… specific.”
"She has a lot to give," Violet says calmly. "Emotionally. Physically..."
I swallow.
She meets my eyes. "She's tired of wondering if she's enough."
My chest tightens.
"She wants someone who's absolutely certain."
I’m mesmerized.
"Someone who can't wait to touch her."
I lean closer.
"Someone who doesn't make her wonder."
My eyes widen.
"Someone who would pull her close...” Her voice softens. “Kiss her until she forgets how to breathe."
Holy shit!
“She knows exactly what she wants.” Violet holds my gaze. “She just hasn't found the man who's willing to give it to her.”
My throat goes dry. “What does she want?”
Her lips curve slowly. “To be wanted just as desperately.”
My pulse pounds.
“To stop wondering if she's too much...” Her eyes never leave mine. “And finally be with someone who thinks she isn't enough.”
Every muscle in my body locks.
“Someone,” she whispers, “who takes what he wants because he's tired of pretending he doesn't.”
My grip tightens around my milkshake, squeezing so hard I’m surprised it doesn’t shoot out the top.
“Take what he wants?” I ask, my voice rough.
“Yes.” Her smile is slow and knowing. “Whatever he wants.”
The silence between us is charged.
“I—” I clear my throat, tugging at my shirt. “It’s… hot in here.”
She tilts her head. “Is it?”
“Yes.”
“Do you want to go?”
Her smile grows. “Are you asking me to come with you?”
I nearly choke.
“Home, Violet.”
“Oh.” She takes another sip. “Then yes.”
I stand too fast. My chair tips backward with a loud clatter.
“Okay,” I say, quickly straightening it. “Let’s go.”
She stands slowly, finishing her drink like she didn’t just completely dismantle my ability to function.
The walk back to my car is quiet. Every step feels… loaded.
I unlock the door and hold it open for her. She grazes me with her hip before sliding inside.
My mouth is dry as I close it and hurry around to the driver’s side.
Suddenly, we’re back in that space again.
It’s just us again.
Close and contained.
No distractions.
The air feels warmer than it should.
I start the engine, but don’t move. My hands curl around the steering wheel.
Her gaze drifts over me slowly. “Are you okay?”
“I’m thinking.”
“That’s dangerous.”
I huff out a breath. “You started it.”
“Did I?”
“Yes.”
She shifts slightly closer.
My grip tightens on the wheel.
“You asked me to go on,” she says softly.
“I did. I just didn’t think you’d say... that.”
Her fingers lightly brush my arm. My breath catches.
“You’re very reactive tonight,” she murmurs.
“I’m human.”
She hums. Her hand lingers... then moves, sliding up my arm.
Heat rushes through me.
“Violet…” My voice is rougher now.
She studies me like she wants to see what I’ll do.
I turn toward her.
Her gaze drops to my mouth. Then back to my eyes.
That’s all it takes.
I lean in—then stop with barely an inch between us. My breath mixes with hers. Her lips part slightly.
“Drew,” she says softly.
I hesitate.
I can’t tell if she’s trying to stop me… or daring me to keep going.
She gives me a small, knowing smile. “Take me home, Drew.”
My hand tightens on the wheel. “Okay.”
Her eyes hold mine.
I start the car and pull out of the parking space.
As I drive, I give her a sidelong look. “This is definitely a date.”
Her smile deepens. “Of course it is.”
She's watching me again, like she always does.
And for the first time...
I stop pretending I don't like it.