Chapter 143

Night fell, and a light rain drifted down, blanketing the neon-lit city in a gray haze.
Juniper hugged her backpack, squatting under a sheltering eave, her clear eyes watching the passing cars. A strange sense of disappointment welled up when she didn’t see a certain someone’s car.
“Where are you headed, little lady?” A taxi driver, feeling sorry for her, rolled down his window and kindly asked, “The rain’s getting heavier. I can take you home.”
“That’s okay,” Juniper said, checking the time and shaking her head. “Someone’s coming to get me. Thanks.”
“Alright then,” the driver said with a good-natured smile. “Well, stay safe.”
“I will.” Juniper nodded slightly and popped a candy into her mouth from her pocket. Her mood lifted a little as she continued to watch the traffic expectantly. Finally, just as the candy was about to dissolve and her patience was wearing thin, a low-key black sports car screeched to a halt beside the road.
“Juniper.” The car door opened, and a tall, imposing man holding an umbrella stepped out hastily. Juniper looked up and met Shanley’s handsome, worried face. He seemed to have left in a hurry; his tie was askew, his hair was slightly messy, and he hadn’t even changed out of his slippers. The usually cool and noble man looked a bit disheveled, but his face was still as handsome as ever.
“Sorry, I’m late.” Shanley stopped in front of Juniper, tilting the umbrella entirely over her, his large frame shielding her from the wind and rain.
“There was an accident on the north side, caused some traffic.” He explained patiently, “Are you cold?”
Even though she had been under the eave, her clothes and hair were still damp. Without a moment’s hesitation, Shanley took off his jacket and draped it over her, wrapping her up tightly. By now, the rain was pouring down, drenching the man. His white shirt turned transparent, clearly revealing the contours of his muscles under the streetlights.
“I’m okay.” Juniper averted her gaze, embarrassed, then couldn’t help but look back for a second glance.
Was this the kind of perfect physique-broad shoulders, narrow waist-that Luella always talked about?
“The rain’s too heavy. Let’s get in the car,” Shanley said. Holding the umbrella with his left hand to keep her dry, he used his right to gently pull her closer. Their distance closed in an instant, and a distracted Juniper stumbled into his arms.
“Oof.” Her forehead knocked against his hard chest, a tingling sensation spreading through her.
“Are you alright?” Shanley quickly opened the car door, shielding her as she got in, and asked with concern.
Sitting in the passenger seat, Juniper’s senses were filled with the clean, pleasant scent that was uniquely his. She parted her lips, “I’m fine.”
“Let’s go home.” Shanley went around to the other side, got into the driver’s seat, and started the car, heading straight for Cloudscape Community. After being out in the wind and rain, he worried the girl might get sick.
In the quiet car, Juniper was wrapped in his suit jacket, her body feeling warm. In contrast, Shanley’s shirt was soaked, and his neat hair was dripping with water.
“You Juniper bit her lip, found a tissue in her bag, and handed it to him. “Want to wipe your face?”
“Hmm?” Shanley turned his head, his eyes landing on her face. After a two-second pause, a wicked smile played on his lips. “I’m driving. How am I supposed to do that?”