Page 55 of Unsuitable

I run a self-conscious hand over my hair. I can only imagine what I look like.

“I’m fine.” I nod.

“Come on, let’s get you home.”

He offers me his hand. I grab my bag and then take his hand. He helps me from the stool. I expect him to drop my hand, but he doesn’t. He keeps a firm hold of it as he leads me through the bar.

I glance around, seeing the bartender a little further down the bar, serving a couple of people. He lifts a hand to me. I smile, embarrassed that I fell asleep in a bar.

Jesus. What a complete wanker I am.

I stumble a little on my feet, and Kas catches me by the waist, pulling me close to his side.

“Okay?” he asks softly.

“Mmhmm.”

His arm stays around me all the way out of the bar and to his car. He helps me into his car. I have to admit to feeling a little bereft when his arm leaves my waist.

I’m putting my liking him touching me down to the amount of alcohol I consumed.

I put my seat belt on and snuggle down into the leather seat of his car. I shut my eyes.

His car door opens, and then I hear him climb in before the door shuts.

The engine turns on. Warm air blows on me, and Green Day’s “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” is playing softly in the background.

I feel the car start to move.

“Where am I taking you?” he asks.

“Home,” I murmur.

I hear him laugh softly.

I’ve never heard Kas laugh before. It’s a really nice sound. Like a balm to ease all pain.

“I’ve never heard you laugh before,” I whisper my thoughts. “It’s a beautiful sound. You should laugh more.”

He’s silent, saying nothing.

Worrying I’ve somehow managed to piss him off again, I utter, “I’m sorry.”

“For saying I have a nice laugh? Or for the drunk dial?”

I can’t read anything from his tone. So, I peek open an eye and look at him.

His eyes are fixed on the road ahead, but there’s a soft curl to his lips, which isn’t usually there.

Warmth spreads across my chest.

I close my peeking eye, feeling relieved but exhausted. “The last one,” I whisper.

There’s silence again. But it doesn’t feel uncomfortable this time.

It feels…serene.

Not a word I thought I would ever use with Kas.