Not A Small-Town Girl

Emery sounded worried.

"No need," Danielle replied casually. "It’s a small matter."

"Alright, but stay sharp," Emery said, clearly still concerned.

"Okay," Danielle said. After hanging up, she turned and found David watching her intently. His intense gaze caught her off guard, making her heart flutter like a calm lake disturbed by a sudden ripple.

Breaking the silence, she said, "I should head home now."

David’s lips twitched into a soft smile. His voice was low and gentle as he said, "I’ll drive you."

In the car, the ride was quiet. As the smooth motion of the vehicle lulled her, Danielle’s eyelids grew heavy. Before long, she was sound asleep.

When the car rolled to a stop in front of Treeside Villa, David glanced over at her. Her peaceful expression caught his attention-long lashes resting on her cheeks, her delicate nose, and lips faintly pink.

Without her usual cool and guarded demeanor, she looked soft, vulnerable, and entirely captivating.

Meanwhile, Danielle’s brothers had excitedly returned home to spend time with her, only to find her gone with David.

They sat in the living room, waiting anxiously for her return. Finally, a servant informed them that Danielle had returned and was at the door. They rushed out, seeing the car had been parked for a while with Danielle still inside. They grew uneasy.

David noticed them approaching. He’d been about to wake Danielle but hesitated, reluctant to disturb her. As he debated, a sharp knock on the car window broke his train of thought.

"Danielle!" Her brothers pressed their faces against the car window, looking nothing like the composed, high-powered professionals they usually were. Instead, they peered in like kids trying to sneak a peek through a peephole.

The knocking startled Danielle awake. Groggy and disoriented, she blinked a few times, trying to gather her thoughts.

David’s gaze softened as he looked at her. A small smile played on his lips as he gently ruffled her hair.

"Finally awake?"

"Yeah," Danielle mumbled, her voice still thick with sleep.

Her brothers, impatient and eager, called out urgently, "Danielle, come on, get out of the car!"

Turning toward the window, Danielle caught sight of their faces squished against the glass. She let out a sigh and said to David, "I’m heading in. Drive safe."

As soon as she opened the door, her brothers swarmed around her.

"Danielle, have you eaten yet?" Xavier asked, concern written all over his face.

"Where did you go? I could’ve gone with you," Austin chimed in, his tone bordering on a whine.