Page 276 of Rush

“Are you seriously going to make me wait the entire drive?”

He takes a slow sip of his coffee, gaze steady but unreadable.

“Seems I’m not the only one being made to wait.”

Wait for what?

Does he mean the drive? Or…does he mean me? The waitress cuts in before I can press, my protest swallowed along with my curiosity.

Once we’re fed and sufficiently caffeinated, we’re back on the road.

Thirty minutes later, Broderick pulls into an airport.

My stomach drops.

The last time I’d been whisked away like this, it ended with me losing both my virginity and my mind to Alex—only to come crashing back to reality when everything with Madison imploded.

My hands clench in my lap.

“You okay?” Broderick asks, glancing over. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost. You’re not afraid of heights, are you?”

“No,” I squeak—only for the fall that happens after the high.

He doesn’t look convinced.

“I have another surprise for you.”

“Brody, it’s your birthday. Shouldn’t I be the one surprising you?”

“I like making you happy.”

My heart stops. Then warmth blooms in my chest—but the apprehension still lingers.

Broderick isn’t Alex.

“Okay,” I whisper. “Can I at least know if we’re flying or driving?”

“Nope.”

“Is this some elaborate revenge for the sock I threw at your face?”

“You did nail me square in the eye.”

“Deserved.”

He studies me for a second, something unreadable passing behind his eyes. But he doesn’t press. Just reaches for my hand and gives it a squeeze.

This not-date—part two—is tipping the scales.

And I’m starting to realize there might be no going back from here.

We’re still sitting in the car, parked near the private terminal. I haven’t moved—still half-stuck in my head, twisting knots I don’t know how to undo.

Then Broderick reaches over and takes my chin between his fingers, gently turning my face toward him.

“Hey,” he says softly. “Come back.”

I blink.