Chapter 747
With Francesca in the passenger seat, Andrew drove swiftly through the city. Before long, they arrived at Moonlit Sanctuary.
Just as they reached the gated community, a loud rumble echoed across the sky, followed by heavy rain. The sudden downpour was intense, with flashes of lightning cutting through the darkness.
Francesca hugged herself, her voice soft with unease. โAndrew, itโs stormingโฆ I donโt like being alone when thereโs thunder. Can you stay with me for a while?โ
Andrew pulled the car to a stop along a quiet street. Towering trees lined both sides, their silhouettes barely visible in the dim light, while the carโs warm interior glowed softly.
โAlright, Iโll stay until the rain stops.โ
Francescaโs face lit up with joy. โAndrew, you knowโฆ ever since I was little, thunderstorms have always scared me. But right now, with you here, I donโt feel afraid at all. Actually, I feelโฆ safe.โ
Andrew glanced out the window. Raindrops pounded against the glass, the steady drumming filling the silence between them.
โThis storm isnโt letting up anytime soon. Looks like weโll be here for a while, Fran.โ
Francesca shook her head. โI donโt mind. Butโฆ do you need to get back and rest?โ
Andrew chuckled. โIโm fine. Iโll wait it out with you.โ
A comfortable silence settled inside the car, the only sound coming from the steady patter of rain outside.
Francesca rested her chin in her hands and murmured, โAndrew, can you turn down the air conditioning a little? Itโs getting kind of cold.โ
Andrew adjusted the settings without a word, his gaze fixed on the rain outside. Meanwhile, Francesca stole a glance at him, studying his sharp profile.
She thought he was actually handsome.
Suddenly, Andrew turned his head.
Their eyes met.
Francesca had been staring too intently, and before she could look away, flustered, she scrambled for an excuse. โAhโuh, is the rain letting up? If it is, I should probably head home!โ
Andrew smirked. โNope, itโs actually getting heavier. At this rate, you might not be sleeping alone tonight.โ
Her cheeks turned scarlet. She stammered, โIโItโs fineโฆ Iโll just wait a little longer, then.โ
Andrew raised a brow. โFran, why is your face so red? Are you running a fever?โ
He reached out, pressing the back of his hand against her forehead. Her skin was burning hot.
Francesca pulled away shyly, mumbling, โI donโt think I have a feverโฆ I just feel warm.โ
Andrew frowned. โThen why did you ask me to turn down the air conditioning?โ
Francesca groaned in frustration. โMy body feels cold, but my chest and throat feel like theyโre on fire. I donโt know why!โ
Andrew studied her quietly.
Francesca hesitated, then slowly met his gaze. Her eyes shimmered, filled with an alluring softness.
Andrew leaned in, closing the distance between them.
Francescaโs fingers tightened around the hem of her dress, her heart pounding wildly. She wondered if Andrew was about to kiss her.
The space between them grew smaller and smaller. Her mind raced, torn between resisting and letting it happen.
However, before she could make a decision, her body answered for her.
Her lips parted slightly, and she instinctively closed her eyes, waiting for his touch.
Seconds passed.
And thenโฆ nothing.
Confused, Francesca peeked one eye openโonly to see Andrew casually unbuckling her seatbelt.
With a click, he freed the strap and leaned back.
โIf youโre feeling too hot, donโt keep the seatbelt on. Youโll be more comfortable if you just relax,โ Andrew said casually and leaned back into his seat.
Chapter 748