Chapter 47

 47:
“Understood.”
The car eased forward again.
A stillness settled over them, broken only when Collin’s low voice drifted above her head.
“Linsey, how long do you plan to stay in my arms?”
Her breath hitched, and in an instant, she scrambled to create space between them, mortified. It wasn’t until she moved that she realized she had been gripping his shirt, her fingers curled into the fabric without even noticing. Heat rushed to her face, her hands clenching awkwardly as she struggled for something—anything—to say.
“Jewell, your reflexes are really impressive,” she blurted after a long pause. “You hit the brakes so smoothly and saved that cat. Nice work.” From the front seat, Jewell Ellsworth stole a quick glance at the rearview mirror, noting Collin’s unreadable expression before replying with a good-natured chuckle.
“Thank you, Mrs. Riley. Years of experience on the road have sharpened my instincts.”
Linsey forced a light laugh, attempting to shake off the awkwardness. Collin, his face unreadable, lifted his head slightly.
“Jewell, focus on the road.”
“Of course, sir,” Jewell responded at once.
Linsey bit her lip, sticking out her tongue in embarrassment before quickly turning away, pretending to be completely absorbed in the passing scenery.
Collin wasn’t fooled. He knew exactly what was running through her mind. A quiet chuckle escaped him before he drawled, his voice laced with amusement, “Feeling shy now? You weren’t this reserved last night.”
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The next moment, Jewell quietly raised the partition inside the car.
Linsey hesitated, her gaze flicking to Collin, confusion knitting her brows. “Did something happen last night?” Her voice barely rose above a whisper.
She bit her lip, her tone turning more uncertain. “You seemed… off this morning. Did I do something wrong? I swear, I don’t remember anything.”
Collin’s jaw tightened, his expression shadowed by something sharp and unreadable. “You don’t remember trying to undress me?” His voice was low, edged with mockery.
The sarcasm stung. Linsey blinked, stunned, pointing to herself in disbelief.
“Me?” Her voice cracked. “Undress you?” She shook her head furiously, as if trying to physically erase the accusation. “No. No way. I-I’d never do something like that.”
As soon as the words left her mouth, Linsey saw Collin’s expression darken, shadows pooling in his eyes.
She hesitated, fingers tugging at the hem of her sleeve. “I mean it. I don’t remember anything,” she murmured, doubt creeping into her voice. “Someone once told me I’m not great with alcohol, so maybe… maybe I lost control last night.”
Collin’s head snapped toward her, his eyes narrowing with a sharp, dangerous glint. “Really? So getting drunk and acting out is something you’ve done before?”
Linsey faltered, realizing she might’ve crossed a line. Her voice softened, almost apologetic. “I used to drink with my roommates sometimes, but after one bad night, they never let me near alcohol again.”
She forced a weak laugh, though it barely scratched the tension. “But I don’t think I ever undressed them.”
Collin’s gaze didn’t waver, his silence pressing down on her like a weight.
She didn’t mention her ex-boyfriend, though the history between them stretched over years. They had likely shared more than just drinks—those reckless, restless years had left room for moments far more intimate.
.
.
.