She turns to me immediately. “No. There’s no need—”
“Not open for negotiation,” I cut her off. “You may scare me, but I’m not backing down on this.”
I glance at her quickly, expecting resistance. Instead, she surprises me. “I’d appreciate that, Mr. Khanna,” she says, her voice softer. “But only thrice a week.”
I blink. Then raise my hand in surrender before she changes her mind. “Deal.” I return both hands to the steering wheel, a small smile settling on my face.
“So,” She asks after a moment, “what’s your story?” She turns to me slowly, narrowing her eyes. “How are you so cocky and confident and…just you?”
I laugh. “Wow. You really know how to flatter me.”
She shakes her head, smiling. “Confidence probably comes from my father,” I say, my voice softening without me planning it. “He was…something else. I’ve never seen anyone so full of himself.”
I chuckle at the memory. “My mom used to roll her eyes every time he spoke.”
She smiles faintly.
“He passed away a few years ago,” I add, glancing at her briefly.
Her expression softens immediately. “I’m sorry.”
I nod once. “Cocky is just…a shield,” I add lightly, winking. “But you can ask anything. I’ll answer honestly.”
She raises an eyebrow. “Anything?”
“The offer ends today,” I grin.
She hums. “How many siblings?”
“Two. Older brother, younger sister. I’m the middle child.” She nods.
“Why do you listen to Christmas music?”
I chuckle. “It’s fun. Reminds me of home. My dad had a whole playlist. Forced us to listen every December.” She smiles at that.
“Are you a texter or a caller?” She fumbles with her purse.
“Neither,” I say. “I prefer meeting people.”
Her eyes widen slightly. “We are very different.”
I laugh. “If you could look into your past or future, which one would you choose?”
“Future,” I say without hesitation. “I already know the past.”
I glance at her. “You?”
“Past,” she says quietly.
I want to ask why. I really do. But she doesn’t give me the chance. “If you could change something about yourself?”
“Green eyes,” I say.
She gasps. “That’s the last thing you should change,” she says immediately. “You have beautiful eyes.”
My lips stretches into a wide grin which she clearly notices and rolls her eyes. “Oh no,” she mutters. “Don’t start.”
“I didn’t say anything,” I laugh.
