Contract Marriage: I Will Never Love You Chapter 34: Long Drive

Sarah

I can’t help but smile as I watch Matthew begrudgingly agree to a long drive. I know he’s not thrilled about it, but his acceptance ans I have an opportunity to make this trip exactly what I want it to be.

It’s not every day I get to spend hours alone with him. Sure, he’s a little uptight, a little stiff, but I like that. I love the challenge of getting him to loosen up and let his guard down.

"Don’t worry," I say, flashing him a big smile. "I’m sure you’ll enjoy the drive more than you think."

I pull out my phone again, quickly booking the rental car. A nice, comfortable SUV.

"I don’t know, Sarah. Being stuck with my Boss’s daughter in a car for hours sounds terrifying," he says.

I raise an eyebrow at his comnt, a playful smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "Terrifying?" I repeat. "Is that how you really feel, Matthew? You’re that afraid of ?"

He gives a quick, almost nervous glance before looking away. I can tell he’s trying to keep his composure, but I can see through it. He’s uncomfortable.

Jesus...why won’t he loosen up a bit?

"Look, it’s not like I’m worried," he says, his voice shifting as he scratches the back of his neck. "I’m just... well..."

"Just lighten up, will you? It’s going to be fun," I say, still smiling.

I will break down his wall, I promise myself silently.

Matthew shifts uncomfortably in his seat, clearly unsure of how to respond. I keep my smile wide, not letting him off the hook that easily. It’s almost too easy to get under his skin, and for so reason, that just makes want to push a little more.

"Co on, Matthew," I tease. "You’re telling you’ve never had a little fun on a long drive? What’s the worst that could happen? We talk, maybe laugh a little, and the hours fly by."

He shoots a glance, clearly battling between professionalism and curiosity. "I didn’t say I never have fun," he says, but his tone is hesitant.

I lean in slightly, lowering my voice just enough to keep him intrigued. "Oh, I’m sure you’ve had fun on the road before. But you never had fun with ."

He clears his throat, adjusting his posture, trying to regain so semblance of control. "Look, Sarah, I—"

"There is no need to be nervous," I interrupt, flashing him a mischievous grin.

He exhales sharply. "I’m not nervous," he mutters.

I can feel my victory coming closer, and I push just a bit further. "Oh, I think you are. You don’t need to be. I promise I won’t flirt with you."

There’s a brief silence before he smiles slowly. "Fine. I will trust you for now," he says, his voice steadier now, though still holding that defensive edge.

I smile back. "You’re safe with , I swear."

I’m sure he doesn’t believe , but that’s part of the fun, isn’t it? Getting him to question just how serious I am.

The car rental is confird, and we head outside to pick it up. I glance over at Matthew as we walk. He’s stiff, every step purposeful like he’s still on high alert around . It only makes want to tease him more.

"So, who will take the first half of the trip?" I ask.

"I will," he says quickly. "I am a better driver anyway."

I gasp. "Excuse ? What makes you think that?"

Matthew glances over at , a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "n are better at driving," he says with a slight chuckle, his tone light and confident.

I raise an eyebrow, my competitive side sparking to life. "Pfft. That’s bullshit."

He shrugs. "We’ll see about that."

I cross my arms, giving him a pointed look. "Whatever, I will just lay back and enjoy the ride."

We reach the rental car, a sleek, black SUV parked just in front of us. The keys are handed over to Matthew, and we set off to Texas.

As we pull out of the rental car lot, I settle into the passenger seat, propping my feet up on the dashboard. Matthew shoots a disapproving look, but I just grin back at him.

"Relax, will you? We’re on an adventure!" I say, wiggling my toes.

He sighs, focusing his attention back on the road. "Just don’t scuff up the interior, okay? We have to return this thing in one piece."

I roll my eyes playfully. "Yes, sir."

I feel light and airy, the happiest I had ever been. I realize I am enjoying myself even with him acting so tense.

"Hey Matthew, what do you call a cow with no legs?" I ask.

He glances over at , one eyebrow raised. "I don’t know, Sarah. What do you call a cow with no legs?"

"Ground beef!" I exclaim, bursting into laughter at my own joke.

Matthew tries to suppress a smile, but I can see the corners of his mouth twitching. "That’s a terrible joke," he says, shaking his head.

"Oh co on, that was a classic!" I protest, still giggling. "Okay, okay, I’ve got another one. Why can’t a bicycle stand up by itself?"

He sighs, but I can tell he’s amused. "Why?"

"Because it’s two-tired!" I say, barely able to get the words out through my laughter.

This ti, Matthew can’t help but chuckle, a deep, rich sound that fills the car. "Alright, that one was actually pretty good," he admits.

I beam at him, feeling a sense of triumph. "Now tell a joke," I demand.

Matthew shakes his head, a small smile still playing on his lips. "I don’t know any jokes," he says.

I gasp in mock horror. "What? How can you not know any jokes? Everyone knows at least one joke!"

He shrugs, keeping his eyes on the road. "I guess I’m just not a very funny person."

I lean back in my seat, studying him for a mont. "I don’t believe that. I think you’re just holding out on ."

Matthew glances over at , his eyes are smiling. "Maybe I am," he says cryptically.

I sit up straighter, intrigued. "Ooh, so you do have a joke! Co on, tell !"

He hesitates for a mont, then sighs in resignation. "Okay, fine. But don’t say I didn’t warn you."

I clap my hands in excitent. "Yes! Okay, hit with it."

Matthew clears his throat. "Why don’t scientists trust atoms?"

I tilt my head, considering. "I don’t know, why?"

"Because they make up everything," he says, a mischievous glint in his eye.

There’s a beat of silence, then I burst out laughing. "Oh my god, that was so nerdy! I love it!"

Matthew chuckles, looking pleased with himself. "I told you I wasn’t very funny."

I shake my head, still grinning. "I thought it was."

Matthew glances over at , his grin widening as he sees my reaction. "You’re just saying that to make feel better," he teases.

I shake my head. "No way! That was perfect. I might even steal that one for later."

He laughs quietly, the sound warr than before. It’s nice to see him starting to loosen up, even if it’s just a little.

His phone starts to ring. He picks it up and glances at it, and his face suddenly turns serious. He puts it to the side and lets it ring.

"Aren’t you going to get that?" I ask curiously.

"I...uh...it’s Amanda. I will call her later. Don’t want to get distracted from driving," he says.

I narrow my eyes. He seems uncomfortable. Shouldn’t he be happy that his girlfriend is calling? "Why not connect it to the blue tooth and talk to her?" I suggest.

Matthew hesitates, his fingers tightening on the steering wheel. I can almost feel the tension in the air, and it makes even more curious.

"I just don’t feel like talking right now," he says, his voice tight, like he’s trying to brush it off.

The phone rings again.

"You should really pick it up, Matthew. She must be worried that you are driving all alone with ," I drawl.

He mutters sothing under his breath.

"What was that? I didn’t hear what you just said," I say.

"I...I didn’t tell her," he says, his face flushed.

I sit up straighter, my curiosity piqued even more. "Didn’t tell her what?" I ask.

Matthew shifts uncomfortably in his seat, his eyes glued to the road, but I can see the way his knuckles grip the wheel a little too tightly. "I didn’t tell her I was going on this trip with you," he admits.

I blink in surprise. "Why?"

Matthew doesn’t imdiately answer, and the car falls into a heavy silence. Finally, he sighs and speaks, his voice quieter.

"I don’t know. I guess... I didn’t want her to overreact. Or maybe I didn’t want to deal with the questions," he admits, still avoiding my gaze. "She tends to get jealous when it’s just and other won."

So, you’re hiding this from her?" I ask, trying to sound casual.

Matthew’s jaw tightens, and I can tell this is difficult for him. "Not hiding it. Just... not making it a big deal. We’re just coworkers, Sarah."

I pout. "I like to think we are friends."

Matthew glances over at . "Friends? I don’t know if that’s a good idea, Sarah. You’re my boss’s daughter."

I roll my eyes playfully. "Oh, co on, Matthew. We can be friends and still keep things professional. It’s not like I’m asking you to run away with or anything."

He chuckles nervously. "I don’t know."

I lean back in my seat, studying him for a mont. "She should trust you more."

Matthew’s grip tightens on the steering wheel again. "She does," he mutters.

I lean back in my seat, a sly smile playing on my lips. I can’t help but feel satisfaction at the thought of Matthew hiding from Amanda.

It’s vindictive to think this way, I know, but there’s a part of that relishes the idea that he might feel sothing for , sothing that’s making him feel guilty about being alone with .

I stretch languidly, letting my long legs extend out in front of , and I catch Matthew’s eyes darting to the side, looking at .

I smirk. I may not be as pretty as Amanda, but I know my legs are my best feature.

This trip is going to be one to rember.