Chapter 21
Chapter 21:
Part of me wondered if this was just another excuse to get me alone. The elevator doors slid shut, sealing us inside a bubble of silence. I leaned against the cold metal wall, tapping an anxious rhythm on the handrail. My anxiety tightened around me, making the air feel thicker. I glanced at Davidson, who seemed to be moving closer and closer. Part of me wanted to put more distance between us, sure things would only get even stranger.
Every second inside that elevator stretched out. It had never felt so slow.
“Winona, are you okay? You look like something’s bothering you p>
“I’m fine. It’s just… elevators aren’t really my thing,” I blurted, grabbing the first excuse that came to mind.
“Really? Or is it about what happened last night p>
Seriously? Why did he have to bring it up again? My nerves were already frayed at the thought of stepping into his house again. I didn’t need him reminding me of the night before.
“No, it’s not that. I thought we agreed to leave last night behind us,” I replied, fixing my eyes on him.
“Right. I’m sorry,” he said calmly. “Maybe I’m just not ready to let it go yet,” he added under his breath—loud enough for me to hear.
“Did you say something, sir p>
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“Nothing. Forget it,” he replied, concern flickering across his face.
I never expected to hear words like that from him.
Finally, the elevator chimed—an almost welcome sound that felt like an escape. The moment the doors opened, I practically bolted out.
Davidson, who probably thought I’d lost my mind, followed behind me, laughing under his breath.
“Could you run any faster, Winona?” he teased, his laughter light.
“I told you I hate elevators,” I muttered, shrugging as I glanced at him.
“Well, if that’s your excuse, I’ll accept it,” he said with a grin. “Come on.” He gestured forward, resting his hand casually on the small of my back.
The instant his touch grazed me, a current shot through me, sending a shiver up my spine. He guided me to his car, opened the door for me, and let me slide inside before closing it with a soft click. He hurried around to the driver’s seat.
“Buckle up, sweetheart,” he said, punctuating it with a playful wink.
I ignored the joke and fastened my seat belt in silence. The car pulled away, and we headed out.
The closer we got to his house, the tighter the knot in my stomach became. My knees started bouncing uncontrollably, and my palms were slick with sweat. When Davidson turned into the driveway and parked, I couldn’t move. I sat frozen, wondering why I suddenly felt so unsure of myself.
I’d spent plenty of time alone with him before, but tonight was different. The nervousness in my chest felt like a strange, unfamiliar weight.
And I realized—with a jolt—that the kiss we’d shared last night had awakened something in me. Something that made being near him feel more intense than I’d ever expected.
“Are you planning to stay in the car all night?” His voice cut through my thoughts, followed by a soft laugh.
Slowly, I turned and found him standing there, smiling at me. I didn’t even remember him opening the door. I wrinkled my nose in confusion as I nervously bit my lower lip, my anxiety rising.