Deirdre was still blushing, so she turned her head toward the window throughout the journey.

It wasn't until the car stopped that she realized they had reached their destination.

Suddenly, Brendan leaned over, taking her by surprise as he unfastened her seatbelt. "What are you thinking about? We're running out of time."

Deirdre straightened her back, feeling nervous as the man's body temperature and breath sprayed onto her ear, causing her thoughts to become jumbled. Her eyes flickered as she replied, "I can manage on my own."

Brendan didn't refuse her request. After Deirdre unbuckled her seatbelt, he said, "Deirdre, do you remember? I took you to the amusement park twice before."

Deirdre paused her movement of opening the door.

"The first time, I was filled with guilt and afraid of losing you. The other time, I wondered when I would be able to be with you openly and honestly. You are harboring ill feelings toward me now that we can come openly. I know I was wrong, but can we f