While casually chatting with the student outside, Lyman reassured me with a few gentle strokes of his hand on my head.
"Mr. Donovan, is there someone else in the car?" the student asked.
I panicked.
If anyone found out I was in his car, it would be a huge scandal.
I could not let that happen.
I quickly buried myself deeper into the seat.
Lyman cleared his throat, his voice a bit huskier. "You're mistaken, just a stray cat."
It was getting really hot in here.
I could hardly bear it.
The tension seemed to stretch on forever.
Then no voices sounded anymore.
I asked in a muffled voice, "Are they gone?"
There was a moment of silence in the car.
I could only hear Lyman's shallow breathing.
He lifted my chin.
Now his voice was even raspier.
He asked, "Who are you talking to?"
I sensed something was off.
I slapped his hand away. "I'm going to be late, Mr. Donovan!"
Just as I reached to open the door, he pulled me back.
He frowned and sulked, "You're so cold to me now.
"You didn't use to be like this."
"I've grown up," I shot back.
I quickly looked him over.
His shirt was buttoned up, and his hair was perfectly in place.
Even his eyelashes screamed restraint.