Nicole's POV
The rain was relentless, drumming against the car roof.
He slowed the car, pulling to the side. “The rain’s getting heavier,” he said casually, though I caught the slight smirk tugging at his lips. “Might be safer to pause for a bit.”
I frowned, glancing at the wipers. “Uh… okay?”
He killed the engine, and the car fell into a quiet bubble of sound, rain pattering all around. I shifted in my seat, suddenly hyper-aware of him. Adrian’s gaze flicked toward me, steady, intense, and something in it made my stomach twist.
“Nicole…” he began, voice low, cautious. The way he said my name sent a jolt through me. I swallowed, unsure whether to look away or lean in.
“I—” I started, but he cut me off, leaning closer, closing the space between us. His hand brushed mine, fingers ling
