Chapter 24

The usual twenty-minute drive to Naomi’s house had already turned into over an hour. Even in Sebastian’s truck, the streets were treacherous, only confirming that his decision to drive her home had been the right one. Though he didn’t seem to have much trouble maneuvering through the snow, especially on the main roads, the other cars that occupied them made their drive more difficult than it otherwise would’ve been. They’d already seen a few cars stranded on the sides of the road—including some SUVs, making the already narrow path even more of a tight fit for Sebastian’s truck.

“These assholes think that putting on their hazards means they can drive like morons.” He’d also reverted to grumpy Sebastian once they got on the road.

Naomi understood Sebastian’s frustration at having been on the road for this long when they weren’t even halfway to her house, especially when he still had to get back to his own—which could be in the opposite direction of campus for all she knew. But what she didn’t understand was his anger toward the other drivers. “They’re not assholes just because they have cars that can’t drive in this.”

“They should’ve stayed home if their cars can’t handle the snow.”

“Well, I don’t think they’re out for a leisurely drive. They’re probably driving home from work or something. That could’ve easily been me out there tailspinning.”

“But it’s not, because you did the right thing and accepted a ride instead of making yourself a danger to others.”

Naomi wasn’t sure how to respond, because while Sebastian’s logic was sound, his tone was much too harsh. In her opinion, anyway, which she was certain he didn’t care to hear. “Well, maybe they don’t know someone with a truck,” was all she could come up with.

Fortunately Sebastian chose not to respond, and they remained quiet for the next fifteen minutes or so until Naomi felt the need to break the silence. “So what were you writing today?”

“My book.”

Naomi shook her head before letting it flop back onto the headrest and turn to the side so she could look at him. “I figured that much. I meant what’s it about?”

She noticed his hand gripping the wheel tighten a little before he answered. “It’s kind of a dystopian fantasy. It’s hard to explain.”

“How long have you been writing it?”

“Have you thought about becoming a journalist? You ask a lot of questions.”

His comment may have been sarcastic, but there wasn’t any real malice behind it. She laughed softly before saying, “I’ll consider the career change if the teaching gig doesn’t work out.” She was quiet for a minute before she added, “I’m interested, though…in your story.”

Sebastian rolled his shoulders and shifted his head from side to side before rubbing a hand across the back of his neck. He looked uncomfortable, but she didn’t know if it had more to do with the drive or her desire to learn more about his writing. “I started it four years ago, but I haven’t been able to give it the wings it needs to take off, I guess. Every time I sit down to write it, I can’t seem to find the words I feel it deserves or something.” His eyes stayed on the road as he spoke, but his mind seemed to be elsewhere. Like he was talking to himself or some imaginary person.

She watched him fidget on the wheel with his fingers and then turn the radio up, as if he’d suddenly become aware of his confession, and it made her feel guilty for asking. “You seemed pretty focused in the library earlier. I only saw you look up a few times.”

He shifted his head toward her, and when she made eye contact with him, his gaze returned to the road. “Taking a few lessons from your boyfriend, I see,” he said, and she recognized the shift in his tone, like he was thankful for the chance to go back to their lighthearted gibes.

“Oh, would you stop? You make it sound like we’re in elementary school and he’s chasing me around on a playground because he likes me. So he may have a bit of a crush. He’s harmless.”

Sebastian laughed harshly. “That’s what people said about Ted Bundy.”

“What if I promise to run the other way if Colvin shows up in a cast and asks me to help him to his car? Can we drop this then?”

“I can drop it anytime. It’s not my life on the line.”

Naomi studied him for a second. “While I’m flattered by your concern, I honestly don’t get why you’re so bothered by him.”

Sebastian glanced at her briefly before returning his attention to the road, his hands gripping the wheel tighter. “I’m not bothered by him. Though I think you should be.”

“I already told you I wouldn’t be reckless with my career. Don’t you believe me?” Naomi stared at him, waiting for him to answer. What he said next was important to her, even though she wasn’t sure it should be. Odds were he’d throw out some smartassed remark. But she hoped that he’d say what she wanted to hear. Because the thought of Sebastian actually thinking poorly of her would hurt, and she wasn’t in the mood to wear a brave face for him.

“I do.”

Cue big sigh of relief.

“But—”

Please don’t ruin it.

“I don’t want him spreading rumors about you when he doesn’t get his way. That could be just as damaging.”

Hallelujah. “Turn right here. I’m the one three houses down.”

Sebastian turned and slowed in front of her house.

Naomi unclicked her seatbelt and turned to face him. “Want to come in and meet the cats?” she asked with a wide smile.

“I’m allergic.”

Her smile grew even broader. “Good thing I don’t actually have any cats.”

He smiled back at her, but it was patronizing, like he was mimicking her. “I’m not allergic to cats. I’m allergic to so much social interaction. I feel anaphylactic shock coming on as we speak.”

“How do you manage to contain all of that wit within this human vessel you inhabit?”

Sebastian laughed at that and said, “Seriously, I might consider taking you up on it if the snow wasn’t getting worse. But I need to get home.”

Even though she knew he had a point, she couldn’t help but feel disappointed. “Fine, be sensible.”

He chuckled as she climbed out and retrieved her things from the backseat. “I’ll be back in the morning to pick you up. Eight A.M. work?”

“Sure,” she replied.

“Let me get your number so I can text if something comes up.”

“Good idea,” she said as she pulled her phone out of her purse. She handed it to him so he could type his number in. When she took it back from him, she sent him a text so he’d have her number as well. “Thanks again,” she said as she tucked the phone back in her purse.

“No problem.”

“You could have a good future with Uber.”

“Goodbye, Naomi.”

“Goodbye, Sebastian,” she said on a laugh before closing the door and clomping toward her house.

Sebastian waited until she’d unlocked her door and waved at him before driving off. She watched his truck disappear, ignoring the pang in her chest at seeing him go. She started toward the bedroom so she could change into sweats, but before she got too far, her phone dinged.

Are you aware that your neighbors four doors down have aluminum foil on their windows?

She laughed as her fingers typed out a reply. Yes. I think they’re vampires. Then she thought about it and her brow furrowed. Are you seriously texting and driving during a snowstorm?!?

It was a few minutes before he replied, and during that time, Naomi’s mind ran through a variety of scenarios that all involved Sebastian in the back of an ambulance.

No. I was at a traffic light. Had to wait until I was at another one before I could reply.

Okay. Text me when you get home.

Yes, mother.

Naomi laughed and tossed her phone on the couch before finishing her earlier task of getting comfy. Then she’d settled down and waited for Sebastian to reply.