Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

With Francesca in the passenger seat, Andrew drove swiftly through the city. Before long, they arrived at Moonlit Sanctuary.

Just as they reached the gated community, a loud rumble echoed across the sky, followed by heavy rain. The sudden downpour was intense, with flashes of lightning cutting through the darkness.

Francesca hugged herself, her voice soft with unease. "Andrew, it's storming... I don't like being alone when there's thunder. Can you stay with me for a while?"

Andrew pulled the car to a stop along a quiet street. Towering trees lined both sides, their silhouettes barely visible in the dim light, while the car's warm interior glowed softly.

"Alright, I'll stay until the rain stops."

Francesca's face lit up with joy. "Andrew, you know... ever since I was little, thunderstorms have always scared me. But right now, with you here, I don't feel afraid at all. Actually, I feel... safe."

Andrew glanced out the window. Raindrops pounded against the glass, the steady drumming filling the silence between them.

"This storm isn't letting up anytime soon. Looks like we'll be here for a while, Fran."

Francesca shook her head. "I don't mind. But... do you need to get back and rest?"

Andrew chuckled. "I'm fine. I'll wait it out with you."

A comfortable silence settled inside the car, the only sound coming from the steady patter of rain outside.

Francesca rested her chin in her hands and murmured, "Andrew, can you turn down the air-conditioned a little? It's getting kind of cold."

Andrew adjusted the settings without a word, his gaze fixed on the rain outside. Meanwhile, Francesca stole a glance at him, studying his sharp profile.

She thought he was actually handsome.noveldrama

Suddenly, Andrew turned his head.

Francesca had been staring too intently, and before she could look away, their eyes met. Flustered, she scrambled for an excuse. "Ah-uh, is the rain letting up? If it is, I should probably head home!"

Andrew smirked. "Nope, it's actually getting heavier. At this rate, you might not be sleeping alone tonight."

Her cheeks turned scarlet. She stammered, "I-It's fine... I'll just wait a little longer, then."

Andrew raised a brow. "Fran, why is your face so red? Are you running a fever?"

He reached out, pressing the back of his hand against her forehead. Her skin was burning hot.

Francesca pulled away shyly, mumbling, "I don't think I have a fever... I just feel warm."

Andrew frowned. "Then why did you ask me to turn down the air-conditioned?"

Francesca groaned in frustration.

"My body feels cold, but my chestet

and

t feel like they're on fire. I

don't know why!"

Andrew studied her quietly.

Francesca hesitated, then slowly met his gaze. Her eyes shimmered, filled with an alluring softness.

Andrew leaned in, closing the distance between them.

Francesca's fingers tightened

around the hem of her dress, heret

heart pounding wildly. She wondered if Andrew was about to kiss her.

The space between them grew smaller and smaller. Her mind raced, torn between resisting and letting it happen.

However, before she could make a decision, her body answered for her.

Her lips parted slightly, and she instinctively closed her eyes, waiting for his touch. Seconds passed.

And then... nothing.

Confused, Francesca peeked one eye open-only to see Andrew casually unbuckling her seatbelt.

With a click, he freed the strap and leaned back.

"If you're feeling too hot, don't keep

the seatbelt on. You'll be more comfortable if you just relax,". Andrew said casually and leaned back into his seat.