GoodReadThe neighborhood wasn't exactly run-down. It once fetched a pretty penny back in the day, even though the buildings had seen better years.
But a million-dollar sports car parked in these parts? That was a head-scratcher. The residents here weren't exactly the high- roller types.
Curiosity got the better of Karen as she stole a few more glances in that direction, only to catch a glimpse of someone familiar perched inside the car.
As she edged closer, her eyes widened in recognition—it was Jeffrey.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtWhat on earth was he doing here? Startled, Karen stumbled backward, nearly taking a tumble on the pavement.
Luckily, the car's occupant seemed to be fast asleep. His eyes shut tight, hands clutching his coat, his body curled up as if to ward off the chill.
When did he even get here, and why was he snoozing in his car? That man was like a bad penny that always came back into her pocket.
Karen rolled her eyes and made to skedaddle, but fate had other plans.
She bumped into a chatty neighbor just back from a grocery run, who waved enthusiastically. "Karen! Look who's back!" Oh, great. Just what she needed—the person in the car to hear.
Without daring a backward glance to check if Jeffrey had stirred, she waved half-heartedly and quickened her pace.
"Karen!" Jeffrey called behind her.
Karen gasped. Her back turned taut as she slowly twisted around, wearing a look of pure doom, "Mr. Turner, please tell me you're not here for me." "Or what?" Jeffrey quipped. His eyes were still bleary from sleep, and if Karen was any closer, she might've spotted the crust in the corners. But even sleep-disheveled, he managed to look effortlessly cool.
His presence drew stares and double-takes in this quaint part of town. People thought a celebrity had just graced the sidewalks.
"You needed something?" Karen found herself dragging him aside, away from prying eyes. The last thing she wanted was this spectacle reaching her parents’ ears.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"Of course | need something." Jeffrey's shirt crinkled under her pull, which seemed to amuse him.
"So, spill it. What's this all about?" "I'm here to let you take your responsibility for me," he said, arms crossed, giving her a pointed look. "As adults, we should face the consequences of our actions, don't you think?" Karen gaped, "Consequences? You're not seriously hitting me up for a refund on a plane ticket, are you?" Because that would be absurd.
"How did you leap to plane tickets?" Now it was Jeffrey's turn to be baffled. "Back at the hotel entrance, when you asked if | was up for it, | took it as a sign that you wanted me to be your boyfriend. That's why | said yes." "Bull! I never said any such thing!" She had merely asked a simple question! "Maybe you didn't, but I'm old-school. | only sleep with someone if they're my girlfriend. You slept with me, so now you have to be my girlfriend.” Karen rolled her eyes so hard she thought they might stick.
If they weren't in public, she'd have given him a piece of her mind for his shamelessness.
"Are you short on girlfriends, or what's your deal?" Karen narrowed her eyes, pointing an accusing finger at him. "Ah! | get it now.
You're out for revenge, right? My calling you out bruised your ego!" He shrugged, feigning innocence, "Not at all. I'm just here to make you take the toll." "Cut the crap and get lost! I've got a house to get back to!" She didn't have time for this nonsense.
"Going home? Great, I'll join you. Might as well meet your folks." Karen stopped dead in her tracks and glared back, "Are you psycho?" He nodded, playing along, "Yes. And you promised to take me to the hospital.” "I did no such thing!" Jeffrey pretended not to hear her protest. He just grabbed her hand and steered her towards her parents’ building.
Panicked, Karen struggled, "What are you trying to do?" "Didn't you say that if you and | ended up as sex buddies, your mom would skin you alive? I'd love to see that happen.”
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