CHAPTER 29

ZAYN CARTER

What. The. Hell.

Ari's head was on my shoulder.

Not just for a second—not just an accidental brush—but full-on leaning against me. And the craziest part?

She wasn't moving.

She was asleep.

I went completely still, my body locking up like I'd just been hit by a goddamn truck. My brain screamed at me to move, to nudge her off, to do something—but I didn't.

Because—fuck—I didn't hate it.

Her hair, soft against my neck. Her slow, steady breathing. The warmth of her body pressed lightly against mine.

What the hell was I supposed to do with this?

I glanced around the car, making sure no one was paying attention.

Jenni was turned toward the window, scrolling on her phone. My mom was humming softly along to the music playing in the car, and Ari's mom—Michelle—was beside Jenni, her eyes closed like she was half-asleep. My dad was focused on the road.

No one was watching.

Good.

I exhaled slowly, forcing myself to relax. The last thing I needed was for someone to catch this and make a big deal out of it.

I turned my head slightly, just enough to get a better look at Ari.

She was completely out, her face relaxed, her lips slightly parted. The oversized shirt she was wearing—my damn shirt—had slipped off one of her shoulders, exposing smooth skin and a delicate collarbone.

I swallowed hard, forcing my eyes away.

This was dangerous.

She didn't even know what she was doing.

Didn't know she was pressed up against the one guy who'd spent the whole night trying not to look at her.

Didn't know she was testing the very last ounce of self-control I had left.

I clenched my jaw and turned my head back toward the window.

This meant nothing.

She was tired. That's all.

It wasn't like she did it on purpose. It wasn't like she—

"Ohhhhhh my god."

Jenni's voice.

Shit.

I snapped my head up just in time to see her peeking over the seat, eyes practically glowing with mischief.

"No." I shot her a glare, my voice low so no one else would hear.

She grinned. "Yes."

"Shut up, Jenni."

"I'm not even saying anything," she whispered, biting back a laugh. "But you look— oh my god, you look so uncomfortable. This is hilarious."

I shot her another glare, my entire body tense. "Drop it."

Jenni smirked but didn't push it, probably because Michelle was right next to her.

I sighed, shifting slightly, but Ari just moved closer.

For fuck's sake.