Page 61 of I Don't Need Your Protection
Carly: Addie! Did you and Warner kiss?
Addie: No way! I told you you’re jumping the gun. We’re having the most unromantic conversation in the car.It’s not a date, Sophie. Not at all.
Sophie: Bummer.
“Are you texting your friends?” Warner asks.
“Yeah, sorry. They just wanted to know if…” My cheeks heat up.
He raises a brow as he glances at me. “Wanted to know if what?”
“Just if we got to town safe and sound.”
He smiles. “Your friends are very thoughtful.”
“Yeah, they’re the best.” I slide my phone into my pocket.
“You can continue texting them,” Warner says. “I don’t mind.”
“I’d rather talk to you.”
My eyes widen when I realize what I just said. Oh, wow. That was so bold of me.
His lips lift in a smile. “Thanks. I’d rather talk to you, too.”
I expect a flutter in my stomach or for butterflies to take over, but the only reaction I have is sweaty palms. I study his profile as he drives, wondering what it would be like to kiss him. Of course I’ve thought about my first kiss like any person my age, but now that I have a potential guy in front of me…
Caleb’s face enters my mind.
Wait, what the heck? Why did his face pop into my head when I’m contemplating kissing Warner? Because I certainly do not want to kiss Caleb. Never in a million years! Would he even know how to kiss? The guy probably doesn’t have a romantic bone in his body.
Yet, why does a part of me think that’s not true? He’sshown me how caring and sympathetic he could be, especially today when I was sad about my parents. I bet he would make a great boyfriend if he was given the chance.
Ugh, why am I even thinking about him when I’m with Warner? I shouldn’t be thinking about him at all.
“Why are you shaking your head?” Warner asks with a laugh.
“What? Oh.” I join in his laughter. “I just had a stupid thought in my head.”
“Care to share?”
“No way.”
He laughs again. Then he says, “Ah, here we are. I’m going to park and then we can look for investors.”
Since most of the people on the streets gawk at the car, Warner can’t just park his precious beauty anywhere in the street. He finds a parking garage that charges a lot of money, which will ensure that no one tries to steal the car.
“Is it exhausting having to worry about someone damaging or stealing your car?” I ask as undo my belt and gather my backpack.
“I can always get a new car, but it’s annoying,” he says as he gets out.
“Must be so hard to be rich,” I joke as I get out as well.
He smiles at me over the car. “You asked and I answered, Nelson.”
I shake my head. “I have no idea why you even like spending time with me.”
“I told you, didn’t I?” he asks as we head toward the exit ofthe garage. “You make me feel seen.”
