âKarina, are you giving me the silent treatment?â
His voice softened, laced with a hint of tenderness, like a boyfriend trying to mend fences after a spat.
His breath brushed her cheek, a featherlight touch that sent a ticklish warmth through her.
Karina felt a blush creep up to her ears.
She stepped aside abruptly, her voice edged with irritation.
âCarlow, if youâve got something to say, say it! And can you please back off?â
Barlowâs smile widened.
âAbsolutely not.
How else can I enjoy your adorably shy reactions from a distance?â
âYouâ¦â
Karina bit down on her Lip, vexed at how easily he could fluster her.
She glared at him, a fierce spark in her eyes, then turned away, determined to ignore him.
Just then, the elevator doors slid open, revealing the basement floor.
Karina strode out quickly, her heels clicking sharply against the floor.
âs BunnyBookery
Barlow chuckled, trailing after her.
âKarina, hold up.
Donât just leave me in the dust.
â
Ignoring his plea, Karina reached her car and pulled out her keys to unlock it.
As she swung the door open, Barlow appeared beside her, grabbing her arm gently.
âYouâre so distant with me.
Couldnât you have waited for a second?â
Karina huffed in frustration, âCanât you see Iâm not interested in this game of yours? I have an emergency.
â
Barlowâs playful demeanor dimmed, giving way to a more somber tone.
âWhat happened? Itâs perilous to drive this late at night.
Allow me to take the wheel.
â
Karina felt a surge of irritation.
âCarlow, why arenât you asleep at this ungodly hour? Did you come out just to follow me?â
âYes.
â
Karina was momentarily struck dumb.
âI donât need your help!â
âBut Haleigh is worried sick about you venturing out alone.
Do you want her fretting about your safety all night?â
Barlow invoked Haleighâs name.
Karina found herself momentarily at a loss for words, realizing that his presence was at Haleighâs behest.