Page 100 of No Need to Run
A knock sounds on the door. I look at my reflection one more time before hurrying down the hallway, grateful that Ivy and Sebastian went into the city for dinner.
I gulp. Hopefully, they won’t be at the same restaurant Violet’s taking me to.
Breathe.
Just breathe.
I slow down, run a hand through my hair, then paste a look on my face that I hope looks cool, not constipated.
I pull the door open… and forget how to breathe.
Violet stands on the other side like she stepped out of a different world.
Long red hair falls in soft waves over her shoulders, catching the low light. The black dress—fitted and elegant without trying too hard—hugs her in a way that short-circuits my brain.
She's...stunning.
Somehow that still doesn't feel like a strong enough word.
“Hi,” she says, a small smile playing on her lips. Like she has no idea what she just did to me.
I clear my throat, forcing my brain back online. “Hi.”
Brilliant, Drew. Really smooth.
Her eyes flick over me, slow and deliberate. Appreciative.
And something in my chest loosens just a fraction.
“You clean up well,” she says softly.
“You… too,” I manage.
Understatement of the century.
Her smile deepens slightly, like she heard the thought anyway. “Ready?” she asks.
I nod, grabbing my keys before I can overthink it. “Yeah.”
I follow her out, locking the door behind me out of habit.
My brows fly up as she heads to the passenger side. She pulls the door open. “You do it for me,” she says, hair blowing lightly from the soft breeze. “Figured I’d return the favor.”
I stand there, unmoving, for a beat before my brain snaps out of the trance I’m under.
“Wow. Thanks.” I move toward her, my eyes dropping to her glossy red lips, then to her violet eyes. “I should be opening the door for you, though.”
She smiles. “You already have.”
It sounds like the statement has a double meaning, but I ignore it.
I slide inside, my palms sweaty. She gently closes the door and rounds the car.
I reach across and push her door open.
She slides inside with a smile. “Thank you, Drew.”
“Anytime.”
