The car ride back was silent.
I sat stiffly in my seat, picking at the skin around my nails.
My thoughts wouldn't let me.
Why did he stop earlier?
The question kept circling, over and over, refusing to settle.
Was it something I did?
Something I said?
Is it because I said we should just be friends…?
My chest tightened slightly.
No. That couldn't be it.
Right?
I do like him… I really do.
I just don't know if I'm ready for… whatever this is.
I glanced at him from the corner of my eye.
Ian looked calm, resting one hand on the wheel.
"Hey." His voice cut through my thoughts, as he placed his other hand on my thigh.
I froze slightly and turned to him.
He glanced at me before returning his eyes to the road. "You've been awkwardly silent," he said.
My heart skipped. "I haven't…"
"You have," he interrupted softly. "It's unusual."
"I'm just tired," I said quickly.
He hummed. "Are you cold?" he asked, already reaching to adjust the air conditioning.
