Chapter 138 Don't Do This Tonight
Rebecca narrowed her eyes at him. “That’s exactly what a serious child would say,” she teased, wanting to see his reaction.
If she had to be honest, she was actually enjoying the dinner with him and she was grateful he didn't remind her of Derek in any way.
Adrian laughed. “And you? Let me guess… you were trouble?”
Rebecca smiled slowly. “Nah. I was not trouble.”
“You were.”
“I was well-behaved.”
“Liar.”
She gasped lightly, a smile tugging at her lips. “I can’t believe you just called me that.”
“You smiled when you said it.”
“That doesn’t prove anything.”
“It proves everything.”
Rebecca laughed. The laughter sounding real and genuine.
“You don’t miss anything, do you?”
“Not when it’s obvious,” Adrian said, winking at her, and she laughed.
At some point, she picked up her glass and took a sip. Then looked at him again.
“So what’s the worst thing you’ve ever done?” she asked.
Adrian paused to think. “That’s a dangerous question,” Adrian said, and Rebecca shrugged.
“I know.”
“And you want an honest answer?”
“Yes.”
He thought for a moment. Then said, “I once ignored someone I shouldn’t have.”
Rebecca tilted her head. “That’s it?”
“It was worse than it sounds.”
She studied him for a second. But she didn’t push.
“Hmm,” she said. “That’s not very exciting,” she said, sipping from her drink.
“What about you?” Adrian asked curiously.
Rebecca smiled slowly. “You won't believe it,” she said excitedly.
“Try me,” Adrian said, sounding interested.
“I broke a boy’s nose once,” she said and burst into laughter when she saw his reaction.
“…What?” he asked, covering his own nose dramatically.
She laughed. “Don’t worry. You're safe. I only broke his nose because he deserved it.”
“I need details.”
“He was annoying me,” she said simply.
“That’s not enough reason to break someone’s nose,” Adrian teased.
“It is when you’re ten,” Rebecca said, shaking her head at the memory.
Adrian stared at her. Then shook his head. “I don’t know what to say.”
“Say you’re impressed.”
“I’m concerned.”
Rebecca laughed again. “You should be.”
Time passed quickly. They talked about small things. Childhood stories, embarrassing moments and little things that made no sense but somehow felt important.
At one point, Rebecca wiped the corner of her eye.
“You laugh too much,” Adrian said.
“You started it.”
“I did not.”
“You did.”
“You’re the one telling violent childhood stories,” he said and she smiled.
“And you’re enjoying them.”
“I am,” Adrian said with a slight chuckle.
When they finally finished eating, Rebecca leaned back slightly. “That was actually fun,” she said.
Adrian looked at her. “‘Actually’?”
She smiled and then shrugged. “I didn’t expect to enjoy it this much.”
“Well, I did.”
“Of course you did.”
“I’m usually right.”
She shook her head. “You really believe that.”
“I do.”
They stood up and walked outside. The night air was cool. Rebecca took a small breath, then looked at him.
“Thank you,” she said.
“For tonight.”
Adrian nodded. “You’re welcome.”
There was a short silence. Then he said, “We should do this again.”
Rebecca raised a brow. “You’re already planning the next one?”
“Yes.”
“You don’t waste time.”
“Well, I don’t see the point.”
She folded her arms lightly. “You’re very confident.”
“I’m very sure.”
“About what?” she asked, and he looked at her.
“About you.”
Rebecca felt that small shift in her chest. She looked away for a second.
“You don’t even know me,” she said.
“I know enough to want to.”
She looked back at him. He wasn’t joking. He meant every word of it.
Rebecca exhaled slowly. “You’re a problem,” she said.
Adrian smiled slightly. “Not yet,” he said and for the first time, Rebecca didn’t try to argue that.
A comfortable silence settled between them as they walked outside.
Rebecca didn’t notice anything was wrong at first as they walked out, looking straight ahead.
She walked out of the restaurant beside Adrian, still holding onto the quiet warmth from the night. There was a small smile on her face. A smile she hadn’t forced. At least not after all the fun she has had.
With everything they'd talked about, the smile just felt easy.
They walked in silence and stopped when they finally reached her car. Rebecca reached into her bag and pulled out her keys.
“Thank you again,” she said, glancing at him.
Adrian nodded. “You’ve said that already.”
“I know,” she replied, a small smile forming. “I’m saying it again.”
“I noticed,” he said, winking at her.
She rolled her eyes lightly and opened her car door.
“Goodnight, Adrian.”
“Goodnight, Rebecca.”
She got in, placed her bag on the seat beside her, and slid the key into the ignition. Then she turned it but then it didn't come on.
She frowned slightly and tried again. The engine made a weak sound… then stopped.
Rebecca sat still for a second, then tried again but same thing happened.
She sighed softly, leaning back.
“Don’t do this tonight,” she muttered under her breath, trying to turn it on again.
But then, it still didn't come on.
How was she supposed to go home now? Order a ride? Would Adrian offer to take her home? Should she accept it?
God! Why did it have to be now?
Outside, Adrian hadn’t moved since he'd wanted to watch her leave before leaving.
Seeing as she was yet to move, he squinted his eyes as he watched her through the window, noticing the slight tension in her face.
Rebecca tried one more time. Still nothing.
She let out a breath, then opened the door and stepped out, trying all she could to not feel.embarrassed.
Adrian was already looking at her.
“Is there a problem?” he asked.
Rebecca gave a small, tired smile.
“My car has decided it’s tired too,” she said, and Adrian chuckled lightly.
He walked closer, glancing at the car. “Let me see.”
Rebecca stepped aside, folding her arms lightly as she watched him. He opened the driver’s door and tried the ignition himself.
But the same weak sound came and then it went off just like it had been doing.
Adrian leaned back slightly. “It’s not starting.”
“I figured that much,” Rebecca said dryly.
He looked at her. “You should have said something earlier if it’s been acting up.”