Chapter 155
We divided the wine equally among ourselves. It was delicious but not at all intoxicating.
As we were finishing our meal, I sent Soren a heads–up.
Soren: [I’ll be there in half an hour.]
Estimating when he’d arrive, we decided to leave.
Jean insisted on seeing us off, following us all the way to the entrance.
Soren’s car pulled up just in time.
Jean casually sidled up next to me and whispered, “Spill the tea, girl. When did you two start?”
“What do you mean? Are you drunk?” I replied, feigning innocence.
“Miss me with your acting, Tay!”
“You’re misjudging our relationship, Jeannie,” I said sincerely. “I’m not even legally divorced yet. How could we possibly be together? Even if I were, I’m the daughter of a white–collar criminal who’s in jail! How are we supposed to be together?”
Jean fell silent. Even she knew the gap between Soren and me was too wide.
“Ren! Yoo–hoo!” Soleil called out as the car window rolled down.
Michael stepped out from the passenger side and opened the door for us. “Miss Crowe, allow me to drive your car back to the estate.”
“Whee! Thanks!” She tossed him the keys.
Suddenly, Soren’s gaze landed on me. “How are you getting home, Taylor?”
I pointed toward some of the valets nearby. “I’ll ask one of them to drive me home in my car!”
He frowned. “Get in. I’ll take you home.”
My heart pounded. “No, really, I’m fine! I can just get a valet-”
Soleil grabbed my arm and started dragging me toward the car. “It’s just my brother, Tay–Tay. Come on!”
“No, it’s just… I need my car for work tomorrow!” I had to work late in my workshop again.
“Pfft, skill issue.” Soleil turned to Michael. “Mike, leave my car here for the night. We can get John to drive it back tomorrow. You take her car home, okay?”
“Understood. Miss Jones, your car keys, please.”
“Um…”
“Just let the man drive you home, damn it!” Jean finally joined in. “You drank some wine, and I don’t feel safe letting a valet drive you home in this state!”
“Exactly! And you’re so pretty! Do you know how dangerous this is?!” Soleil added, tugging at my shoulder.
God, I had no choice…
“Thanks, Michael.”
Chapter 155
+25 BONUS
“My pleasure,” he said.
Soleil gave me no time to hesitate. She practically shoved me toward the car, jostling me as I stumbled forward.
I watched as Soren, who was sitting in the back seat, shifted over to make space.
Wait–was I supposed to sit in the middle?
“Well, I think I’ll take the passenger seat,” I declared.
Brilliant move, Taylor!
“Nope! It’s hard to chat that way–you’ll hurt your neck. The backseat, though, is very spacious!” Soleil quipped.
I now had every reason to believe this was all deliberate!
Chapter 156
