Philip Shaw held her for a while, then let her go.
Aldana Candi rubbed her flushed cheeks and whispered, "I have to go home."
She opened the car door, trying to get out.
The man reached out, holding her hand, looked down at her and chuckled, "Do you plan to leave after teasing me?"
Aldana's face was still a bit red. She had said some things she shouldn't have, but she had no regrets.
"I don't live there anymore," she said softly. "It's close to where I work, you don't need to drive me."
Philip Shaw smiled slightly and then let her go. "Then I'll walk with you."
Aldana looked at him, then smiled too, got out of the car, and walked alongside him on the street.
In the deep night, the long street was almost deserted.
The winter wind blew, bringing a slight chill, but her fingers were gently held in his dry palm, warmth seeping through from his body temperature.
