In the Lap of Luxury by Unsweetened Chestnuts

Xander glanced at her after he finished speaking. What he meant was evident enough.

Grace tightened her grip on the seatbelt as she calmly asked, "What did you want to tell me? Was it something that could be done with just a call?"

Xander replied, "You only had Luke with you. I was worried that you might have been forced to drink."

Grace asked, "You were the one who introduced Mr. Thorne to me. Don't you know the kind of person he is?"

Xander answered, "He's a gentleman. He wouldn't make it hard for you."

Grace continued, "Then you still-"

"I wanted to see you."

Xander tilted his head and looked at her as he made it clear. "Would you be able to accept this answer?"

Grace was stunned. She was clearly surprised.

She replied, "We just met yesterday."

"Meeting once isn't enough for some people."

Xander glanced over at the rearview mirror and drove out of the city center. He then slowed the car down and stopped by the roadside.

Grace asked, "Why did you stop the car?"

was an accident somewhere further down when I came over earlier. They haven't cleared up the road yet, so

glove compartment. There was only a pack of cigarettes

and said, "This is a mild one.

it." Xander took out a cigarette and held

"Light it

gaze was clear and

beat. She took out a lighter

to smoke in Coronia. When

was looking after me in Pamore. I just learned to

his cigarette and tossed the lighter

to Benjamin. But none of the Hawkinses had cared about her, not even Benjamin. Needless to say, she couldn't help but feel frustrated. That was

was just as Grace had said. It was too mild for him.

window and

I did it willingly. Even you're blaming me now, Xander." Grace was

ever thought what things might

'if'. Even though the ending wasn't the best, at least I was happy back then. I don't

the Hawkins family and Benjamin

was panicking deep down and begged, "Can you

"Are you regretting it, or do you still have feelings for

the smoke was

you having fun rubbing salt in my wounds,

not. It's