When My Ex's Worst Enemy Became My Sanctuary novel Chapter 159

The car was so quiet, Mamie could hear both their breaths. After awkwardly giving Scott her address, she curled up against the car door, practically glued to the window, eyes fixed on the blur of streetlights and buildings rushing past.

“Is the temperature alright?” Scott’s voice broke the silence. He looked over at her, gentle, but his sudden attention made Mamie jump.

“Oh, it’s fine,” she said quickly, forcing a small smile before turning back to the window.

Scott’s eyes narrowed a little, then softened. A hint of a smile played on his lips. “Does your neck hurt?”

Mamie blinked, confused. She turned her head, clutching her phone a little tighter. “What?”

He spoke slowly, every word measured. “You’ve been staring out the window this whole time. Doesn’t your neck get sore?”

She didn’t know what to say to that. Scott continued, “Mamie, you seem a little nervous riding in my car.”

He gave her a reassuring look. “Relax. I’m not going to bite.”

Even though his tone was calm, Scott had this pressure about him, something almost intimidating that Mamie couldn’t shake. She couldn’t help remembering that time at the hotel, when she’d spilled her drink on his shirt. The way he spoke—part teasing, mostly serious—made her want to keep her distance.

Mamie swallowed. “I’m not nervous. I just… didn’t sleep much last night.”

Scott only hummed in response, not bothering to figure out if she was telling the truth.

Mamie spotted the subway entrance coming up and pointed. “You can drop me off here.”

“I’m heading in,” she said.

Scott just nodded, and as soon as she was out, he pulled away.

When Mamie walked through the front door, Claire greeted her with a playful scold. “You didn’t tell us you weren’t coming home last night. Your phone was off, too. If Addison hadn’t said you were with her, I would’ve thought something happened.”

Mamie pressed her lips together, about to explain, when Addison came in, the housekeeper opening the door for her.

“Josh, Claire, Mamie. I said I’d pick you up from work, but you beat me home,” Addison said with a grin. She handed Claire a shopping bag. “I saw this on my last business trip and thought it’d be perfect for you.”

She turned to Josh with a box in hand. “And I got you some new tea. Had a friend pick it up…”