Chapter 14.2

Shannon’s mind and pulse raced nearly as fast as the tires. She felt as if she were standing on the edge of a cliff. It wasn’t the storm that had her on that edge—it was anticipation. Behind her, figuratively speaking, lay

sameness and familiarity. Safety. Before her, the unknown. And Nick. And maybe, just maybe, excitement like she’d never known.

Each time the lightning flashed, it illuminated the interior of the car with an oddly harsh light, throwing Nick’s face in sharp relief, his eyes in

deep shadow, the hollows of his cheeks, black slashes. For just a second, in that light, he looked like every fantasy she’d ever had.

Did he really want her, or had she misread him?

No, he’d wanted her. She’d been sure of that a few minutes ago, so there was no reason to doubt him now. He still wanted her if the rigid set to his jaw and his white-knuckled grip on the steering wheel were any indications.

“You’re awfully quiet.” She spoke softly, but her voice sounded loud in the car.

“So are you,