19

In Lin Shen's car, I ask, "Was I too harsh? She's your ex-boss's daughter."

He chuckles. "You did the right thing. Xin Yanan's bullied plenty using her dad's influence, but her victims weren't as lucky."

My cheeks heat. "You and my sister did most of the work."

He ruffles my hair. "I'm supposed to stand behind you, protecting you."

The gesture stuns us both.

Lately, we keep having these odd moments of contact.

The car feels too small, the AC too warm, the vibe off.

He pulls his hand back, fingers fidgeting on the steering wheel.

The windows are wide open, but I can't breathe.

We reach my stop. I struggle with the seatbelt, the buckle jamming.

Lin Shen leans over, his scent engulfing me, to help.

I know he's just unbuckling it.

But I look up.

Our eyes lock, time freezing.

His lashes are inches away. If I lean forward, our lips would meet.

His throat bobs, his breathing heavy.

We stay like that, neither moving.

Then, a voice outside the window.

"What are you two doing?"