LINA POV:
Christian's whisper was a breath against my ear, warm and edged with the sharp scent of mint cologne. It wrapped around me, making the air feel thick.
"Call me by my name," he said, his voice low and coaxing.
Something inside me faltered. I knew, deep down, that I'd already let my guard slip, unknowingly but undeniably. The words caught in my throat before I finally let them go, soft and uncertain. "Okay... Christian."
He stood close, too close. The seconds stretched and slowed, each one magnified by his nearness. I felt comfortable with him, but that comfort only sharpened my nervousness. To distract myself, I turned my attention to Ray, though my mind stayed tethered to the moment we just shared.
An hour passed. Ashley announced that dinner was ready, and everyone drifted toward the dining table. Ashley and Luca settled beside each other, their smiles quiet conspiracies. Ray took a seat next to Luca, and Sarah and Miles claimed the chairs beside Ashley. It felt deliberate, as if everyone had arranged themselves with a purpose I couldn't see but could almost sense.
Christian pulled out a chair for me, his gesture smooth and practiced. I sat down, and Addison took the seat beside me, casting Christian a look that lingered just a little too long a look that said more than words ever could. I glanced between them, confusion flickering in my mind. What the hell was going on? Why did it feel like everyone knew something I didn't?
I wasn't a child. I could see through the thin veil of their plans. Luca and Ashley had orchestrated this evening, their motives veiled but obvious enough. I chose to ignore it, focusing instead on the food laid before me. The meal passed without incident, though tension lingered like a shadow at the table's edge.
When the evening wound down, I said my goodbyes to Ashley and Luca. Christian's voice stopped me as I reached the door. "Where are you going? Let me drive you."
I held up my keys, the metal cool against my fingers. "I drove myself."
But Sarah stepped in, her hand swift as she plucked the keys from mine. "We came in one car. I'll take it."
Before I could argue, Addison looked ready to intervene, but Miles and Sarah pulled him aside. Ashley and Luca exchanged glances, silent encouragement in their eyes.
Christian was at my side again, his presence a quiet insistence. He opened the car door for me. I hesitated, but slid inside. I couldn't ignore his gestures, the quiet care behind them.
Once seated, I punched in the location. The engine hummed to life, and we drove in silence until his gaze flicked toward me.
"Anything, Lina?" he asked, voice a low rumble that stirred the air between us.
I met his gaze, steady and sharp. "Christian, let's be real. We're both adults. What's your intention behind all of this?"
His lips quirked, a half-smile breaking across his face, dimples softening his features. He pulled the car to the side, the tires crunching against gravel. Turning toward me, his eyes held a quiet resolve.
"Intention?" His voice was almost a whisper.
"Yes. No one sacrifices business or plans an entire day of babysitting Ray without a reason. I know Luca and Ashley were behind this."
His smile deepened, and his voice dropped to a murmur. "I want to pursue you."
My heart stuttered. "I'm not interested in dating," I said quickly, though the words felt hollow even to me.
"I'm not asking you to date me," he replied. "I do not seek just the fleeting joy of your presence, nor the passing warmth of your hand in mine. I seek the seasons of you summer laughter, autumn wisdom, winter's quiet love, and spring's renewal, over and over again. I wish to stand beside you as your constant."
I stared at him, humor tinged with disbelief. "We only met a few days ago. How can you say that?"
He didn't flinch. "Reject me as much as you want. I'll pursue you harder every time. I'll earn your trust."
His words pressed against me, heavy with meaning. I turned away, my gaze fixed on the blur of the outside world. He started the car again, silence settling like fog. His confession stirred something inside me a mix of uncertainty and reluctant curiosity.
Minutes later, his voice cut through the quiet. "I saw you yesterday, near the hospital outskirts. Are you okay?"
The question caught me off guard. I hesitated before replying, "One of the crew members was injured during the shoot. I went to check on them."
He nodded, accepting my answer without pressing further.
Soon, we reached our destination. Christian stepped out and opened the door for me again, his quiet attentiveness unwavering. I wanted to avoid giving him hope, to keep my distance. But before I could refuse, he spoke.
"If you drink tonight, text me. Call me. I'll take you back to your hotel. I'm nearby."
I only nodded, hoping it would be enough to dismiss him.
Sarah, Miles, and Addison emerged from the parking lot. Without a backward glance, I walked toward them, my thoughts a storm I wasn't ready to face.