Chapter Thirteen: It's Not Over

Evelyn's POV 

“What are you doing?” I demanded, my voice low.

“Shh,” he said, leaning in. “This is just a friendly chat. Relax, Evelyn.”

But there was nothing relaxing about the way my heart raced.

The cramped restroom felt suffocating, the tension between Leonard and me making the air thicker than the confined space could allow. His hand lingered on mine as I attempted to free myself, my pulse betraying the calm demeanor I tried to maintain.

“Leonard,” I began, keeping my voice low but firm, “why didn’t you tell me about this trip? It’s not like we haven’t talked this week.”

He sighed, his face softening as if he’d prepared for this question. “It was impromptu, Evelyn. I only found out about it two days ago.”

I raised a skeptical brow. “Two days? And you couldn’t find a single moment to mention it? A text, maybe? A casual, ‘Oh, by the way, I’m flying out too’? Nothing?”

“I was going to—”

“But you didn’t,” I cut him off, crossing my arms. “You always have an excuse, don’t you?”

He rubbed the back of his neck, looking uncharacteristically uncomfortable. “I’m sorry, Evelyn. I didn’t think it was a big deal.”

“It’s not,” I shot back, though my tone betrayed me. “I don’t care where you’re going or why. It’s your business. But don’t expect me to keep pretending I’m fine with how you act sometimes.”

Leonard stepped closer, his hand reaching for mine again. “I didn’t mean to upset you,” he said, his voice softer now. “If I’d known it would bother you, I—”

“You’d what? Call me? Inform me like a decent human being?” I pulled my hand away, turning toward the door. “I need to get back to my seat.”

But before I could leave, he moved, blocking my path. His tall frame towered over me, but his expression wasn’t as overbearing as his stance. It was pleading, vulnerable even.

“Evelyn, please. I’m sorry.”

I stared up at him, my defenses weakening slightly. “Fine. Apology accepted. Now, can you move?”

He didn’t budge. “Are you okay with the trip? Do you need anything?”

I blinked, caught off guard by the sudden change in topic. “I’m fine, Leonard. Just tired. It’s going to be a long day.”

He tilted his head, studying me in that way he always did when he didn’t believe what I was saying. “Tired, huh?” he murmured, a faint smirk playing on his lips. “I might have something to help with that.”

I frowned. “What are you talking about?”

“Trust me,” he said, his voice dipping into that smooth, persuasive tone he used all too well. “Do you want it?”

I hesitated. “I guess?”

The words had barely left my mouth before he leaned in, his lips capturing mine in a kiss so sudden it left me frozen. His hands rested lightly on my waist, pulling me just close enough to feel the heat of his body but not so much that it overwhelmed me.

The kiss was over as quickly as it began, and he pulled back, his gaze locking onto mine. “I shouldn’t have done that,” he muttered, though he didn’t sound regretful in the least.

Before I could respond—or even process what had just happened—I found myself leaning in, my lips pressing against his with a fervor I hadn’t anticipated. His hands moved to my back, pulling me closer, and I let myself get lost in the moment.

The heat between us grew, my hands instinctively reaching for his shirt, his fingers brushing the small of my back. It felt like we were the only two people in the world, caught in a moment we both knew we shouldn’t be indulging in but couldn’t resist.

A sudden knock on the door shattered the spell.

“Evelyn?” Dad’s voice rang out, firm and impatient. “Are you in there? I need to use the restroom.”

Panic set in immediately. Leonard and I pulled apart, our breaths uneven and hearts racing. I smoothed my hair and straightened my blouse, avoiding his gaze as reality came crashing down.

“Coming, Dad,” I called out, trying to keep my voice steady.

Leonard smirked, leaning in to whisper, “This isn’t over.”

I shot him a glare, ignoring the way my cheeks flushed. “It is.”

With one last glance at him, I opened the door, stepping out to find Dad waiting with a bemused expression. 

“Took you long enough,” he said, stepping past me.

“Sorry,” I mumbled, closing the door quickly to avoid my father getting a peek. 

“What did you come here to do anyway? Missing me that bad?” I asked, making my way back to my seat and ignoring the curious glances from the nearby passengers.

“No, not at all. I actually came to use the convenience myself. Figured that I may as well check if you were done.” 

“Oh, alright. A lady had to take her time. I also just sat there to relieve myself in and out.”

“I ordered some food while you were away though. I'm hungry if you're not.”

“Great,” I replied. “I better eat, maybe it'll calm me down” I added, turning to see if Leonard had followed behind. 

He hadn't. 

‘Why did he even choose the ladies room? What if another woman decides to go in?’

I settled in, the weight of what had just happened pressed down on me. I couldn’t decide if I was angry, confused, or exhilarated—all I knew was that Leonard had a way of making me feel.on edge. 

Our second kiss ever was ticked off in ladies room and he had mentioned we weren't done. 

I checked the time on my phone. 8pm. The trip had only just begun.