Strangers To Lovers

Chapter Fourty-Nine

The BMW M5's specs rolled off the salesperson's tongue like it was second nature: "5.4-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine, 0 to 60 in 3.2 seconds, and a top speed of 189 mph with the M driver’s package."

Isabelle leaned into the showroom window, eyes gleaming as if she were on a treasure hunt. “Is this the lightest model yet?”

I couldn’t help but chuckle at her excitement. My wallet was itching just standing in the dealership, imagining the price tag attached to this beauty. A brand-new BMW M5, barely released to the public. Still, Isabelle flashed me a grin, one that made me wonder if she was really considering buying this thing or just toying with the idea.

“Safe driver?” she teased, her voice sweet and playful, but with an edge that made you second guess.

I shrugged, trying to keep the mood light. “Don’t we all strive to be safe drivers?”

She tilted her head, her heart-shaped face framed by dark waves of hair, and gave me that knowing look. “Of course. But if you’re on an empty back road with no one around… it’s okay to have a little fun, right?”

There was something about the way she said it, like she was living life with one foot on the gas pedal and no intention of hitting the brakes. I glanced at the BMW again, a mechanical beast that screamed speed and power, a far cry from the calm, innocent exterior Isabelle liked to present.

“I hope you reach the age of thirty,” she added with a wink.

I chuckled nervously, though I wasn’t entirely sure she was joking. “What do you think of it?” I nodded toward the car.

She grinned, leaning closer to the window, fingers trailing across the glass like she could already feel the steering wheel in her hands. “It's tempting. Almost irresistible.”

The salesperson joined us again, a wide smile plastered on her face as she recognized the sparkle in Isabelle’s eyes. “Are you thinking of taking this one home?”

Isabelle glanced back at me, her lips curling into a sly smile. “Maybe. But I need to see how it compares to a Maserati first.”

“Maserati?” I echoed, raising an eyebrow. “Why the sudden switch?”

She shrugged, nonchalantly. “Ella always said there’s no car like a Maserati. I’ve been thinking it might be fun to test that theory.”

I had to bite back a grin. Of course, she was doing this because of Ella. The playful competition between those two was always simmering just beneath the surface, though Isabelle would never admit it. “Let’s see about that.”

She laughed and shook her head. “You’re sweet, Luke. But I don’t need to compete with anyone.”

Just then, her phone buzzed, and Isabelle’s smile widened as she read the message. “Oh, by the way,” she said, tucking her phone back into her purse. “I’ve been meaning to introduce you to my girlfriend, Rachel.”

I blinked, caught off guard. “Wait, what?”

Isabelle grinned mischievously. “Surprised?”

Rachel appeared out of nowhere, tall and poised with striking confidence. She shot me a half-smile before locking her arm with Isabelle’s. “Nice to meet you, Luke.”

For a moment, I just stood there, trying to piece together how I’d missed this development. But before I could respond, Rachel gave me a once-over and teased, “So, you’re the famous Luke I’ve heard so much about?”

I tried to laugh it off, though my head was spinning. “Famous, huh?”

Isabelle smirked and gave Rachel a playful nudge. “Be nice.”

We ended up signing off on the paperwork for the car, but my mind kept wandering. Isabelle’s carefree nature suddenly made more sense—she had been keeping this from me, and I wasn’t sure if I felt more confused or relieved. But before I could dwell too long, Isabelle cut through my thoughts.

“By the way, how’s Ella doing?”

I stiffened at the mention of her name, unsure where this conversation was heading. Isabelle had a way of making me feel on edge, even when she wasn’t trying to. “She’s good. Dealing with a lot of family stuff, though.”

Isabelle nodded, a sympathetic look crossing her face. “Family stuff, huh? Well, she’s lucky to have you.”

I smiled tightly, my thoughts drifting back to Ella. Isabelle’s comment had hit a little too close to home.

Later that evening, after returning home, I parked my new car outside Ella’s place. The sight of Levi’s Maserati and Channing’s car already in the driveway made my heart skip a beat. The driveway was packed, so I ended up parking on the street.

I knocked on the door, and after what felt like an eternity, Ella opened it, looking flustered. Her eyes widened when she saw me standing there, but her smile quickly followed.

“Luke! What are you doing here?”

I glanced behind her, noticing the tension in her posture. Something was off, and I could sense it immediately. “I just came to show you the new car.”

Her smile faltered for a second, but she quickly recovered. “Oh! That’s great!”

I nodded, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. “Is everything okay?”

Her gaze flickered toward the living room, and I followed it to see Levi sprawled out on the couch, a comforter pulled up to his chin.

I frowned, stepping closer. “Levi, are you okay?”

Levi waved me off, though his face was pale. “Just twisted my ankle. Nothing serious.”

Ella stood awkwardly beside me, biting her lip. I could tell she was holding something back, something bigger than Levi’s injury.

“What happened?” I pressed.

Ella hesitated, her eyes darting toward the door. “It’s nothing, really. Just a long day.”

I didn’t buy it, but I decided not to push her right now. Instead, I reached for her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “You know you can tell me anything, right?”

She nodded, but her eyes were clouded with worry. “I know.”

“Is it Channing?” I asked softly.

Ella’s expression tightened, and for a moment, I thought she might brush me off again. But then she sighed, leaning her head against my shoulder. “There’s a lot going on with him and Levi. I’m just trying to hold everything together.”

I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her close. “You don’t have to do it alone, Ella. I’m here. Always.”

She stayed in my arms for a long time, the weight of whatever she was carrying pressing against both of us. Finally, she pulled back, a small smile on her lips. “Thank you, Luke.”

I kissed the top of her head. “Anything for you.”