Page 100 of The Quiet Witness

Just one more. You got this, come on.

“Clutch, gas, just a little, no more.” With another jumble, the car fell silent once more.

She rested her head on the steering wheel. “Oh my fucking God. What is wrong with me?!”

Without warning, warm fingers pressed down on her sweat-slick right hand. Kate didn’t struggle as he gently but firmly guided it back onto the stick shift. Not letting go, he murmured. “Take a deep breath, relax your shoulders.”

She followed suit, easing the tension in her shoulders for an inch. If only now her mind wouldn’t keep short-circuiting at the way his fingers traced circles over her hand. “Good, now try again.”

She huffed, glancing out the window.

It didn’t go unnoticed. “We’re not continuing this trip until you’ve got the car rolling without a hint of a hitch.”

It triggered her to release an uneasy laugh. “Is that a threat?”

“Nope.” His hand squeezed hers encouragingly. “Just a promise.”

She attempted to shoot him one of her well-known glares, she’d hoped for ice daggers. Instead, a pained expression took over. He really needed to stop touching her this way before she did something stupid.

Never again, remember? He might be kind to you now, but did you ever hear him say the hunt is off? She nearly drew her hand back, but settled on cussing him out. “Insufferable asshole.”

Another squeeze. “I heard that.”

“Good,” was all she could mutter. Still his touch didn’t move away.

“Clutch.” He murmured.

“Okay, but—,”

“No buts.”

Kate pressed the clutch all the way down.

“Good, now gas it, lady. But… slowlyyy.”

She pushed down on the gas tentatively, squinting one eye shut, knowing what would definitely happen.

The car inched forward and Lucien’s hand clenched over hers. “Okay! Wait, at this point, feel the car? It wants to roll forward. A bit more gas. Yes, that’s it. Now release the clutch.”

Biting into her lip, she allowed the clutch to rise, slow as a slug.

“Hmmhmm.” Trusting his guidance, the car started rolling forward.

A squeal of joy split the tense silence. “Oh my God, I did it, I did it.” She couldn’t help the harsh slap she aimed at his arm.

His answering chuckle sent butterflies through her. “Sure you did. Now press the clutch and brake. Middle pedal, please.”

Kate corrected her near mistake of pressing the gas and successfully stopped the car.

A soft smile lit up his green eyes while he put the gear in neutral. “Yes, yes, you did it. Why is this slap my reward?”

Kate cackled, overjoyed with her win. “Don’t act like a wuss! You can take it.”

But then something hit her. That word, reward. Maybe he did deserve something more than a harsh slap.

In her joy, she reached over, bending over to plant a quick kiss on his cheek.

Shock set in on Lucien’s face.