Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 84

Simon flashed a confident grin, casually wrapping his arm around Quinn's waist like it was no big deal.

"Hop in, Quinn," he said with a nod towards the car.

Quinn slid into the front passenger seat, and Simon, ever the gentleman, leaned over to buckle her seatbelt.

After shutting the door, he turned to Clara and gestured towards the back. "Come on, Clara. We gotta get going. Mom's waiting."

Clara wasn't having it. Ignoring him, she dialed roadside assistance for her flat tire and started walking towards the street to catch a cab.

Simon jogged a few steps forward, urgency in his stride.

Just then, Quinn rolled down the window. "Simon..."

That single word seemed to ground him. It hit him-maybe Clara was ticked off because Quinn snagged the front seat. Clara had once laid claim to that seat, no questions asked. But ever since Quinn came along, that changed.

Simon's frustration simmered inside, and when he got back in the car and hit the gas, his eyes flickered to the side mirror where Clara stood, hailing a cab.

Next to him, Quinn's face twisted with irritation. Her lips pressed into a tight line. "Simon, maybe we should pick up Clara. You know how Mom is—it'll be a whole thing if we don't."

reason to speak to Clara, but his pride held him back. Now, with Quinn's suggestion, he was tempted to roll down

"But she texted me today. It's almost like she

the car sped up. Of course, Clara couldn't just not care. The same woman who once threatened to jump off a building to keep their engagement wouldn't just stop caring.

in the mirror, Quinn clenched her fist and discreetly

I think Simon's really into

into Colton's protective side as if he were some knight ready to swoop in

"Nate, Clara's heading to your sister's place for

for Ada's house immediately. His sisters always had his back, no matter what trouble he stirred up. Clara had embarrassed him once,

the familiar-looking house, she rang the doorbell and was

you're looking younger every time I

how to make someone feel

a seamless duet

over her gift to the housekeeper, who rolled her eyes and inspected the gift

thrown off, thinking she

housekeeper's face turned sour. "You always used to bring them before. It's been months since you visited, and I'm out. Did you forget? They need to be ordered in

voice was full of complaint, making Clara chuckle lightly. "Are you talking to

brow, setting the box aside. "Who else? Never mind. I can't