Who’s the Dog Now? novel Chapter 25

As Naomi sat in the passenger seat, the warm air from the vents blew gently over her, chasing away the chill and seeming to reawaken her senses. She began to shiver slightly as waves of delayed shock washed over her, making it impossible to control herself.

“Are you cold?” Lennon asked, reaching over to turn up the heat.

Naomi was about to turn and thank him when she noticed a sheen of sweat on his forehead.

She paused, realizing that the weather wasn’t actually that cold. It was just her, prone to feeling chilly, who had dressed in extra layers today.

Lennon, on the other hand, seemed to handle the cold well. He was only wearing a gray polo shirt under a suit jacket, which he must have taken off and tossed in the back while driving.

For Naomi, the temperature in the car was perfect, but for Lennon, it was probably a bit too warm.

“I’m not cold.”

Naomi couldn’t bear to see him uncomfortable for her sake. She reached for the controls to lower the heat.

Lennon reached out at the same time, and her hand landed directly on top of his.

They both froze.

Naomi’s fingers were icy, while Lennon’s were warm, almost like a hand warmer. She felt a brief, comforting heat from the touch.

“Sorry.”

Naomi quickly pulled her hand back, her fingers curling slightly as if trying to hold onto the warmth.

Lennon just grunted, his expression unchanging.

“Let’s just keep it at this temperature. It’s fine.”

Naomi hesitated for a moment before finally nodding.

Lennon gave her a nod, started the engine, and drove off.

Naomi watched his car disappear into the flow of traffic, a soft smile still on her face.

“Hey, isn’t that Naomi? Did she come to school by herself today?”

“No way. Aren't she and Zebulon always joined at the hip? Besides, Zebulon always drives her to school. Did something happen between them?”

“They must have had a fight. This is going to be good. Everyone knows Naomi is Zebulon's number one simp. We all know he doesn't even like her; she’s just desperate. He probably only hangs out with her so he doesn't break her heart. How pathetic. A simp is gonna simp, but they always end up with nothing. She should try simping for me instead. I’d treat her right!”

The whispers around her made Naomi uncomfortable, especially after what Zebulon had done to her today.

She opened her mouth, wanting to tell them all, “Zebulon and I have nothing to do with each other anymore, so please stop talking about us,” but it felt too dramatic. And it wasn't in her nature to make such a scene. So, in the end, she just walked away in silence.