The shoot ended earlier than expected, and your phone was almost dead.

The streets were mostly empty now — late enough for the city to thin out, but not late enough to feel quiet. Your Uber had cancelled. Twice. The next one was twenty-three minutes away and crawling through traffic like it had all the time in the world.

You were freezing in a silk dress that looked better on camera than it did fending off the night air.

This wasn’t cute anymore.

You hovered your thumb over your recent calls, stared at one name in particular, then sighed hard through your nose.

Christian Harper.

God, he was insufferable. But also irritatingly dependable. And you hated how easy it was to call him.

He picked up on the second ring. “Didn’t think I’d hear from you tonight, sweetheart.”

“I need a ride,” you said bluntly.

“I figured,” he replied, unfazed. “Text me the address.”

You hung up without saying thank you. He’d know.

Exactly eighteen minutes later, a dark, low-slung car pulled up beside the curb, humming like it was barely awake but still more expensive than your rent. The passenger window eased down.

There he was — Christian Harper. Perfectly put together, shirt unbuttoned just enough to be criminal, jacket thrown carelessly in the backseat, like even it didn’t dare wrinkle. His hand rested lazily on the steering wheel, the other tapping once against the door.

“You look like you lost a bet,” he said, eyes raking over your outfit.

“You look like a smug bastard,” you shot back, yanking the door open.

“I take that as a compliment.” He nodded to the seat. “Get in before you freeze that designer attitude off.”

You slid into the car, slammed the door, and immediately sighed at the warm air and the faint smell of cedar and something expensive.

“Thanks,” you muttered, crossing your arms.

He pulled into traffic without looking at you. “You’re lucky I like you.”

You scoffed. “You don’t like anyone.”

He glanced your way, a slow grin spreading. “Maybe I like you more than I let on.” He hesitated, then added, “So... what are you going to do the next time your Uber ghosts you?”