Riling him up shouldn’t give me this much satisfaction, but it does. “I believe this is something more,” I casually say, running my palms over the soft material of my dress.
“It’s something,” Cayden replies, clearly affected. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” Cayden makes a point to look at the deliveryman, who is still gawking my way.
He registers a moment later, turning a beet red. “Oh, right. Yes, of course. I’ll see you then.”
Once the delivery guy leaves, I see my living room is now home to endless building supplies. Cayden mentioned tiles, so I’m guessing we’ll be pulling the tiles from the bathroom tomorrow. But that’s tomorrow because today, I have a new adventure to focus on.
“Are you ready to go?” Cayden shakes his head, appearing to need the mental slap.
“Sure. Ready when you are.” He rocks back on his heels, hands digging deep into his pockets, and I don’t realize why until he grins. “You have my keys,” he explains when I stop with the ogling and get my head back in the game.
“Shit, I do. Sorry.” With fumbling fingers, I split open my bag, frantically searching for the keychain. “I know they’re in here somewhere.” After hunting through my possessions and vowing to bring order to future chaos, I finally find them. “A-ha!” I exclaim, waving them in triumph.
Just as I’m about to toss them at Cayden, he says, “By this rate, we should make it by tomorrow.” He looks down at his imaginary watch while I chuckle. “C’mon then.” Only now do I realize he wants me to drive.
“You’re not driving?”
He folds his arms over his chest and shakes his head. “Let’s see how you handle her.”
“That sounds like a challenge.” In response, he shrugs with a playful smirk.
Once I finally manage to get my fingers to work, thanks to Cayden’s loitering, I lock up, and we make our way to his house. The closer we get to his truck, the more nervous I become. I knew she was a beast, but up close, she’s intimidating, to say the least. But I refuse to allow my apprehension to show.
Using the control, I deactivate the alarm and unlock the doors. So far, so good. Cayden rounds the hood in silence, but if that smile is anything to go by, he so knows I’m shitting myself. His smugness spurs me on, so opening the door, I place my foot on the step and climb inside.
Taking a calming breath, I place my hands on the wheel and acquaint myself to the leather feel. Cayden reads my uneasiness, and I decide to tell him why seeing as I’m not in this truck alone. “I wanted you to know…I haven’t driven since the night…of my accident.”
“Oh, shit.” His humor soon fades. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think.”
But I don’t want him apologizing. That’s not the reason I told him. “It’s okay. I wanted to tell you in case you’re having second thoughts.” I wouldn’t blame him if he was.
“Second thoughts?”
“Yes. I don’t even know if I’m any good.” Expressing my concerns aloud should make me feel weak, yet I feel empowered that I’m trying. But his silence has me conjuring up the worst.
Just when I’m about to swap places with him, he surprises me—in a good way. Leaning across the middle console, he reaches across me, bathing me in his confidence while I forget to breathe.
My breasts are embarrassingly close to his face, but he’s focused on the task at hand, and that’s buckling me in. “You’ve got this. Take your time. I’m here.” Once the seat belt clicks into place, he turns his chin to peer up at me. His words reflect nothing but sincerity, and his faith in me is the confidence boost I needed.
“T-thanks.” I fumble over my words, his proximity short-circuiting my brain. With the grace of a bird of prey spreading its wings and taking flight, he leisurely pulls away and settles back into his seat.
I can do this, I repeat to myself over and over. Starting over entails taking risks and being free. I place the key into the ignition, yelping when the engine roars to life.
Cayden laughs hoarsely at my response.
“Wow.” I run my hands over the wheel, marveling when I give her a little gas. I try out all the buttons and levers, familiarizing myself with what does what.
I take a minute to appreciate this moment. I’m back in a vehicle when I wondered if I’d ever drive again. Not only that, but I’m driving to my new job. So much has happened in four short days. But deep down, I knew that was inevitable by coming here.
“I’m ready,” I declare, a swell of excitement taking over. “The big pedal is the accelerator, right?” Cayden sits taller, a flicker of nerves passing over him while I wink. “Hold on.” And he does just that when I put the car into gear and edge my way out of his driveway.
An excited shrill escapes me because I can’t believe I am doing this. I’m actually driving.
“Take a right up ahead,” Cayden directs calmly.
Even though I hit the wipers instead of the turn signal, I get the hang of it soon enough. “I can’t believe it,” I express aloud, never taking my eyes off the road. “Six months ago, the thought of getting behind the wheel had me breaking out into a cold sweat. But here I am.” I may be driving slower than a snail, but I’m driving nonetheless.
“Here you are…kicking ass. Good for you. But I never doubted it.”
I swallow. “You didn’t?”
He’s quiet, and just when I’m tempted to risk a quick glance his way, he says, “You’re too stubborn not to fight for what you want. Just how you fought Stella coming here. When your mind is made up, it seems there isn’t much anyone can do to change it.”
I shrug, curling my lip in thought. He’s right. “Thanks.”