Page 31 of How to Break My Heart 1

I turn to face him. “I’m not getting in there with you.”

“Stop being stubborn and get in the goddamn car before you get sick.”

It’s a total downpour that even my coat doesn’t stop my dress plastering to my skin. My hair and makeup are undoubtedly ruined, so at this point, who cares if I catch a cold?

“I’d rather end up in the hospital than step foot in your quarter-life-crisis mobile,” I snap.

His hands tighten around the steering wheel. “If you don’t get in, Everleigh, I will step out and put you in this car myself. Is that what you want? A little hands-on kidnapping scenario?” He simpers, voice laced with a daring edge. “If that’s what does it for you, I am more than happy to oblige.”

My mouth drops. “You are such an ass!”

Before I know it, I’m yanking the door open and sliding into his stupid car. “There. Happy now?”

Aston gives me a sly smirk as he shifts the car into gear. “Buckle up, sweetheart. It’s going to be a wild ride.”

The last thing I needed today was to be trapped inside a small sports car with Aston Beaumont. My teeth are chattering so Ireach out to the heating knob, fingers trembling as I fumble to crank up the warmth.

“Who said you can touch my controls?” Aston questions sternly.

“I’m freezing,” I bite back. “Do you want me to die of hypothermia inside your car?”

Beside me, he rolls his eyes. “Ironic, since a moment ago, you were willing to go to the hospital rather than get into my quarter-life-crisis mobile.”

“More like penis-extension mobile,” I mutter under my breath. “Everyone knows men who drive Porsches have something to prove.”

Aston relaxes in his seat, then reaches out to turn up the heat. The car takes only seconds to warm, releasing the tension inside my body.

“If you’re still cold, I have a coat in the back you can put on,” he offers, but his tone sounds annoyed. “Can’t have you dying in my penis-extension mobile.”

He takes a sharp turn, causing me to jerk to my right.

“I would get it if you’d stop driving like a maniac,” I complain.

I reach over and pull the navy wool coat toward me, feeling the weight of the expensive fabric as I drape it around my shoulders, the soft material cocooning me against the lingering chill. Closing my eyes momentarily, I relish the warmth and allow my body to relax. I’m beyond exhausted, with my social battery completely drained. Hopefully, Aston will leave me in silence for the rest of the drive so I can regroup.

The car’s speed slows as Aston takes the next turn smoothly. He briefly glances at me but then focuses back on the road. “Better?”

I don’t even acknowledge him, suddenly aware I’m too close to my enemy. With a need to distract myself, I let my eyes wander to his hand resting on the stick shift. Every time he shifts gears,the veins protrude, and I squeeze my legs tight because of the uncontrollable sensation taking over. Why do his hands have to look so…

Don’t say it, Eva.

He changes gears again, forcing me to turn away as the simple movement makes my urges all the more unbearable. It’s been a while since a guy touched me, but it hasnotbeenthatlong.

“I assume your guy friend will assist you with the tire,” Aston alludes in a sharp tone.

I shrug, staring out the window. “Right, my guy friend. Maybe, I could ask.”

Aston slams his foot on the gas, obviously bothered by my answer. I turn my head to look at him, and under my intense stare, he shifts his body uncomfortably.

“You seem rather annoyed by myguy friend,” I begin, keeping my smirk at bay. “One would think you have a problem with me, too.”

“I’m not annoyed,” he insists. “I just don’t want to be planning this wedding on my own while you’re busy with some boyfriend doing God knows what.”

I raise a brow with a glassy stare. “I’m not a flake. Maddy is my best friend. Besides, weren’t you supposed to take Ramona home?”

Aston’s eyes widen.“Fuck.”

“Don’t tell me you left her behind without a word.” I laugh, the image of a stranded Ramona too amusing to resist. “The poor girl assumed she was getting laid tonight.”