Chapter 309

Aria's POV "Mr. Duncan," I replied, surprised to see him here of all places. "My car just... died on me." "This rain is brutal. Come wait in my car—my secretary can handle this." His eyes took in my drenched appearance with a hint of concern. "That's really not necessary," I protested. "The tow truck should be here any minute—" A sudden sneeze interrupted me, completely undermining my argument. I sniffled, mortified, and lowered my voice. "Really, I'm fine." Owen raised an eyebrow. "Do I look like I bite?" "No, of course not." "Then why do you always look terrified when you see me?" I felt my face flush with embarrassment. "I don't!" The truth was I just didn't feel we knew each other well enough for this kind of favor, but I couldn't say that out loud. "Get in my car and let my secretary handle this," he insisted. "Unless you think a young woman should stand alone in a storm?" "I just—" "You'll catch pneumonia at this rate." The cold was seeping deeper now, and I finally relented. I'd