The Billionaire's Dangerous Redemption (by Claire Winters) novel Chapter 181

181 An Unexpected Intimacy

The statement hung between us, weighted with meaning I wasn’t ready to acknowledge. Sebastian reached into a compartment between our seats and produced a water bottle. He twisted the cap open before handing it to me.

“You clearly needed the rest,” he said simply. “You were sound asleep before we even

left the mountain roads.”

“You can recline your seat if you want to rest,” Sebastian suggested, his voice gentle against the backdrop of snow falling outside. “We still have about forty minutes before we reach the city.”

Heat flooded my face. “An hour and a half? Why didn’t you wake me?”

“Hazel? We’re here.”

Sebastian shrugged, as if it were nothing. “I had calls to make. Some emails to send.” He held up his phone. “I was perfectly occupied.”

“Oh God.” I buried my face in my hands. “I’m so sorry.”

I smoothed my hair, horrified. Had I snored? Drooled? Made any embarrassing noises? The questions must have shown on my face because Sebastian’s smile widened.

“Thank you,” I said, handing the water bottle back. “For the ride, and for… letting me sleep. And the coat.”

“Hazel Shaw.”

Sebastian looked at me for a long moment, something unspoken simmering in his gaze. Just as I was about to close the door and flee to the safety of my office, he called out.

“What? Where-” I looked around frantically, recognizing the familiar surroundings of iny office parking lot. “Did I-?”

bastian watched me with those intense eyes of his. “Better?”

“My pleasure.” His voice had dropped lower, sending an involuntary shiver through me that had nothing to do with the temperature.

I nodded, suddenly hyperaware of everything about him-the way his shirt stretched

across his broad shoulders, the faint scent of his cologne that clung to his coat, now folded neatly in his lap, the patient way he waited for my response.

The last thing I needed was to appear vulnerable in front of Sebastian. Being alone in his car already felt too intimate, too close.

“You’re probably thirsty,” he said.

Sebastian nodded, though his eyes told me he saw right through my hasty retreat. “Of

course.”

## Hazel’s POV

I glanced out the window, seeing the snow had turned to a light dusting here in the city. Sebastian had driven me all this way, then simply waited in the parking lot until I woke naturally. The thought made my heart beat faster.

I needed to escape this car, this moment, before I did something stupid like lean across and kiss him. The thought startled me so much that I fumbled for the door

handle.

“Fall asleep? Yes,” Sebastian confirmed, his eyes crinkled with gentle humor. “For about an hour and a half.”

“You shivered a bit when we hit the highway,” he explained, taking it from me. “The temperature dropped further.”

“It’s been a long day,” he persisted. “Just close your eyes for a bit.”

“Better?” he asked.

“I rescheduled.” His voice was calm, unbothered. “Nothing was more important than making sure you got back safely.”

I shook my head. “No, I’m fine.”

Yes,” I admitted reluctantly. “Thank you.”

“Don’t be. I was happy to let

you rest.”

That’s when I noticed something else-Sebastian’s expensive cashmere coat was draped over me like a blanket. At some point, he had covered me with it. The gesture was so intimate, so caring that it sent a strange flutter through my chest.

“Your coat,” I said, lifting it awkwardly.

I pushed the door open, stepping out into the cold afternoon air. It cleared my head immediately. I leaned down to say a final goodbye.

I closed my eyes, just to sell the charade. The gentle hum of the engine, the warmth of the heater, and the smooth motion of the car created a lulling effect. Sebastian drove carefully, avoiding bumps and taking turns with deliberate gentleness.

I accepted the bottle, our fingers brushing momentarily. Even that small contact sent electricity up my arm. I took a sip, grateful for the cool water against my dry throat.

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