From Frost to Flame

Part 68: The Ride

The office building lights faded behind them as Vegas pulled the car onto the road.

The city wasn't loud tonight. Just soft traffic. Streetlights passing in warm flashes.

Pete leaned back in the passenger seat, loosening his tie.

"You don't have to drive me every day, you know."

Vegas didn't look at him. "I know."

"So why do you?"

A beat.

Vegas changed lanes smoothly. "Because I like it."

Pete tilted his head. "Driving?"

Vegas's lips curved slightly. "Having you next to me."

Pete glanced at him.

Simple answer. No arrogance. No teasing.

Just honest.

Pete looked ahead again, pretending that didn't make his chest warm, but his ears were slightly red.

A few seconds passed before he spoke again.

"You're driving slow,"

Vegas raised an eyebrow slightly. "I'm driving normally."

"You usually act like the road personally offended you."

Vegas exhaled quietly, almost amused.

"I'm not in a hurry."

"To get rid of me?"

Vegas glanced at him briefly.

"To waste time with you."

Pete blinked.

"...That sounded bad."

Pete nudged his arm lightly.

Vegas's jaw twitched like he was fighting a smile.

A small silence settled between them.

Pete leaned his head back against the seat and closed his eyes for a second.

"You're really different outside the office," he murmured.

Vegas adjusted the air conditioning slightly toward Pete's side.

"How?"

"You don't look like you're about to fire someone."

Vegas gave a low hum.

Pete shifted slightly in his seat, then let his head fall a little to the side.

Vegas noticed.

Without saying anything, he reached over at the next red light and gently adjusted the headrest behind Pete.

His fingers brushed the back of Pete's neck for just a second.

"Sit properly," Vegas said quietly.

Pete opened one eye.

"Bossy."

"You'll complain later if your neck hurts."

Pete didn't move away.

"...You notice too much."

Vegas's hand lingered near his shoulder for a brief second before returning to the steering wheel.

"Only the important things."

Pete's heartbeat stuttered.

A few blocks later, Pete spoke again.

"I don't want the office version," Pete said after a moment, voice quieter now.

Vegas didn't answer immediately.