Alex's POV
I hit the gas, the engine roaring as I sped away from the curb. This trip was already a win. I, Alex, had scored the mission over Noah and Eli, and the girl they’d been fighting for—the girl at the center of all the drama—was right here, in my car, with me. I felt a rush of triumphant giddiness. They always treated me like the clueless little brother, but now they had to trust me. I was loving the power shift.
At a red light, I turned to look at her. Ari. She was so quiet. "Hey, Ari. Am I making you uncomfortable?" I asked, trying to keep my voice light.
She looked at me, gave a faint, slight smile, and nodded. Was she freezing up again? The light turned green, and I started driving, feeling the weight of the silence. I needed to break the ice, and fast, or this whole trip wo
