Chapter 39
Dean’s car idled quietly at the curb, its low hum the only sound on the sleepy, leaf-lined street. The sky was a deep indigo, the stars scattered faintly above the rooftops, and the breeze carried the cool scent of dry leaves, woodsmoke, and the first real chill of fall.
Lena stood just beyond the porch light, the soft golden glow wrapping her in warmth as she hesitated by Dean’s side. Neither of them seemed in a rush to say goodbye, like parting would break the delicate spell the evening had cast over them.
Dean turned to her with a small, lopsided smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Hey,” he said, voice quiet and roughened by the chill. “You know… I’m kind of glad all this happened today.”
Lena tilted her head, arms wrapped around herself. “You mean me dragging you
