Page 13 of Ardent Desires

His eyes drop to my lips, and my breath catches. I can’t help it. My heart is racing, and I swear to God, if he kisses me right now, I won’t stop him.

But then, just as quickly as it started, he lets go. The air between us shifts, and he leans back, turning his attention back to the road.

“Let’s get you home,” he says, his voice rough, like he’s just snapped out of something.

I blink, trying to shake off the fog in my brain. “Right. Yeah. Thanks.”

He pulls out into the street, and we drive in silence. The rain keeps pouring, but inside the car, it’s warm. Too warm. My skin is still buzzing from where he touched me, and every time I sneak a glance at him, I feel that heat flare up again.

By the time we reach the subway station, I’m not sure if I’m more relieved or disappointed. He pulls up to the curb, and for a second, we just sit there. Neither of us moves.

“Thanks for the ride,” I say quietly, reaching for the door handle.

“Ellie,” he says, stopping me in my tracks. I turn to look at him, and there’s something in his eyes—somethingundecided, like he’s still working through whatever just happened between us.

He doesn’t say anything else, though. Just stares at me, his jaw tight, his hands gripping the steering wheel again.

I nod, trying to smile. “Goodnight, Mr. Blackwood.”

“Goodnight,” he says, his voice soft, almost reluctant.

I step out into the rain again, feeling the cold hit me instantly. I don’t look back as I rush down the steps into the subway station, my mind still spinning from what just happened.

Because, honestly, I have no idea whatdidjust happen. All I know is, I’m in trouble. Big, big trouble.

I barely make it down the subway steps when I hear someone calling my name. I turn around and see Alexander—running—after me through the rain.

“Ellie, wait!”

I freeze, turning to see Alexander jogging down after me, completely unfazed by the pouring rain. His hair is plastered to his head, his suit soaked through, but there’s this smile on his face, like he’s forgotten who he’s supposed to be.

“You can’t keep going out in the rain for me,” I say, trying to sound annoyed, but I can’t fight the smile tugging at my lips. He looks... different. Less CEO, more real. Like a regular guy chasing after someone.

He stops in front of me, still grinning. “Let me make it up to you. How about a hot chocolate? I know a diner nearby.”

I blink, taken off guard. Hot chocolate? Fromhim?

“You don’t have to,” I start, but he cuts me off.

“I know I don’t. But I want to.” He takes a step closer, lowering his voice. “After keeping you so late, at least let me buy you a hot drink. Then I’ll drive you home.”

I should say no. I should absolutely say no. This is crossing lines, and we both know it. But something in me—something I’m not ready to admit to—can’t resist.

I find myself nodding. “Okay. Fine. Hot chocolate.”

His smile widens, and it’s disarming, to say the least. He holds out his hand, like he’s offering something more than just a ride. Hesitantly, I slip my hand into his, and the warmth of his palm against mine makes my stomach flip.

“Come on,” he says softly, leading me back to the car.

The diner is small, tucked away on a corner I’d never noticed before. It’s got one of those neon signs that flickers in and out, the kind of place you’d expect to find on the side of the highway at 3 a.m., not in the middle of New York City.

We park, and I glance out at the rain still coming down in sheets. “You ready?” he asks, eyes twinkling like this is some kind of adventure.

I raise an eyebrow. “To run through the rain? In these shoes? No, not really.”

He chuckles, reaching for the door handle. “Too late.”

We both fling open our doors at the same time and make a dash for it. The rain immediately soaks through my coat, but for some reason, I’m laughing. We’re both laughing. It feels... ridiculous. And a little fun. Not the version of him I’m used to at all.

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