That gasp was totally unnecessary. But in my defense, I wasn't used to seeing billboard models right in front of me. Ahem.

Not that he was a billboard model. He should be, though.

It was that guy. The one from the bar. My neighbor.

What's his name again?

His hair was artistically styled in a messy but cute way with several curls falling on his forehead. Different from the bedhead I countered on that fateful day I woke up in his house. In a dark blue, three-piece suit that fit him so well, that angels were probably crying in heaven at the sight of this perfection, yeah, he should definitely be on billboards.

"Can I give you a lift?", he asked in his deep voice, breaking me out of my creepy thoughts. He had probably figured out I needed a ride.

The dialer was still ringing and Steve was not picking up. Reality check.

"No, it's okay", I waved him off. "Someone will come to pick me up", I said with all the confidence I could muster but my voice sounded weak. I was getting really worried about the slipping minutes.

"It's not a bother. I can drop you off wherever you need to go.", he said, cutting the engine off and relaxing back in his seat. As if to say, I have all the time in the world.

I was swayed. I really wanted to accept his help.

It's okay if I accept help just this once, right?

But he's a stranger.

But he's also my neighbor.

What's the worst that could happen?

All these thoughts were zipping through my head at lightning speed. I was feeling a bit dizzy, honestly.

As if catching on to my overthinking, he said, "Whoever comes to pick you up will have to deal with the morning rush and you look like you're in a hurry." He was absolutely right. If Steve leaves the office now, he will probably be stuck in traffic for some time and then we will face traffic again on the way to court.

That decides it for me.

"Okay". I let out a long breath and made my way to the passenger side of his car.

I settled back in the plush leather seat after plugging in my location. Did I mention how fancy his car was?

Absolutely out of this world. I mean, I did well for myself and my car was pretty awesome too but this was next level. The leather of my seat was butter soft and the interior was sleek and shiny. 

I bet he doesn't let his girlfriend eat in the car!

A random though popped into my head which led me to wonder if he had a girlfriend or not...

"Law firm?", he asked me after reading the address on the navigation.

"Uuh...yeah...I am a lawyer", I don't know why that came out so awkward. I guess I wasn't used to introducing myself to people anymore. I mean my social circle basically just includes my colleagues and clients and all of them already know me so.. 

"Can I have your card?", he asked while navigating the busy road. I couldn't tell if he was serious or joking. Did he not believe me?
"Sure, I guess....", I said awkwardly again. Aarghhh. "I'm a criminal defense lawyer so you probably wouldn't need my services", placing the card on the dashboard.

"You never know", he said with a smirk which kinda made him look sinister for a moment. I swear I got goosebumps on my arms.

That's exactly why you don't trust strangers.

Please, please, please God, let me make it out of this alive...

This guy was strange A.F. Last time, in his apartment, he suddenly became weird and now all this mysterious bulls**t. 

Serena often says that I tend to be dramatic about these things but I think I'm justified,  considering my past.

I better stay away from this person as much as possible. He's bad news.