Page 81 of On a Fault Line

I was an easy victim, by coming alive with just a little attention.

Being naive is a curse…

And that’s a curse I’m willing to try to break.

Taking another side road, I enjoy the feel of control at my fingertips.

Collins has only grabbed the steering wheel twice during the entire lesson, so I don’t think I’m doing too badly.

He has a calming aura about him. And it’s his gentleness that makes me want to keep driving with him, never wanting it to end.

Then I see a butterfly. So naturally, I slam on my brakes like any good human would do.

“Hell, Pen. Easy!” He looks over at me with concern, his fingertips digging into the passenger seat’s leather. “What was that for?”

I point out the window. “I saw a butterfly. Obviously.”

“Nobody brakes for butterflies, Penelope.”

“I do.”

I think about the silliness for a few seconds and then burst out laughing.

He’s right.

“Maybe Angie can make you a custom shirt with the phrase ‘I brake for butterflies’ on it.”

“I would love one,” he deadpans.

And I just can’t stop the giggles. “I can’t see.”

“That’s a problem, Penelope. Pull over.”

“Where?”

“Over th—” Collins grabs the steering wheel and then slides his foot over to hit the brakes. “You almost got us stuck in a ditch.”

He cuts the engine, holding out his hand for the keys.

“Uh-oh, I did it now.”

And then the giggles return.

“Collins?”

“Yes, Princess?”

“I’ve never laughed this much either.”

16

PENNY

It’s only taken a few weeks to conclude that Collins and I are basically boring—but in a good way. A really good way…

I just never met someone who is content just being with me.

He makes me believe that my company is enough.

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