I am 15 chapters ahead on my patreón, check it out if you are interested.
https://www.patréon.com/emperordragon
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Chapter 33: First Drive
Sam had barely finished brushing her hair when she heard the familiar sound of a car pulling into her driveway. She glanced out her window and blinked in surprise. That wasn't just any car—it was a sleek, silver Toyota Corolla, one she definitely hadn't seen before. She rushed downstairs, opening the door just as Jon stepped out of the driver's seat, his signature lopsided grin in place.
"Surprise," he said, gesturing toward the car.
Sam folded her arms, raising a brow. "And who's car did you steal?"
Jon chuckled, leaning against the car. "It's mine. Just bought it yesterday. Jay helped me, he negotiated like a seasoned war general."
Sam walked up, running her hand along the car's hood before turning to Jon with a smirk. "Look at you, Mr. Independent. Your first car. I'm proud of you."
Jon beamed. "Wanna go for a ride?"
Sam didn't need to think twice. "Absolutely."
The moment she slid into the passenger seat, she was hit with that unmistakable new car smell—well, new-ish. It was a used car, but Jay had ensured it was in pristine condition. The seats were clean, the dashboard polished, and everything inside felt… like Jon. Comfortable, warm, and just a little bit exciting.
"Where are we going?" she asked as Jon pulled out of the driveway.
"You'll see," he said, shooting her a playful glance before focusing on the road.
Their first stop was the movie theater, a classic choice but always a favorite. Jon, being the ever-thoughtful boyfriend, had already bought the tickets. They settled in with a tub of popcorn, their hands occasionally brushing as they reached in at the same time. Sam found herself stealing glances at Jon rather than watching the movie. He had that relaxed yet focused expression, his jawline sharp under the dim theater lighting. She felt a warm flutter in her chest—how did she get so lucky?
Halfway through the movie, Jon leaned in and whispered, "You're staring."
Sam smirked, unfazed. "So?"
Jon just chuckled, shaking his head before throwing an arm around her shoulders, pulling her in as they watched the rest of the film in comfortable closeness.
After the movie, they wandered through the streets, the cool evening air wrapping around them as they made their way to a well-known food truck Jon had been raving about. The line was long, but neither of them minded. They stood close, talking about everything and nothing, teasing each other in between stolen kisses.
When they finally got their food, they sat on a nearby bench, their legs casually brushing against each other's. Jon had a burger, while Sam had tacos, both of them occasionally trading bites. The food was incredible, but even better was the effortless ease of their conversation, the way their laughter blended with the sounds of the city.
After dinner, Jon led Sam back to his car, but instead of driving off, he leaned against the hood, pulling her close between his legs. "Did you have fun?" he asked, his fingers lazily tracing circles on her back.
Sam nodded, resting her hands on his chest. "A lot."
Jon smiled, tilting her chin up with his fingers before pressing his lips to hers. The kiss started slow, sweet, but as always with them, it quickly deepened. Before she knew it, they had slipped into the car, the windows fogging up as the night carried on.
When the night finally wound down, Sam found herself curled up against Jon in the passenger seat, her heart still racing, her body still tingling from their passionate lovemaking. Jon glanced at her, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips.
Sam exhaled, shaking her head with a grin. "I think I really like your new car."
Jon chuckled, pressing a kiss to her temple. "Good. Because I plan on taking you on a lot more dates in it."
And as she looked at him, feeling warm, happy, and completely at peace, she knew there was nowhere else she'd rather be.
The sun had long since set when Jon finally pulled into Sam's driveway, the soft hum of his car's engine the only sound between them for a moment. The night had been perfect—movie, food, laughter, and the undeniable connection that always seemed to pull them toward each other. Sam glanced at Jon, her heart still fluttering from the time they had spent together.
Jon turned off the ignition and looked at her, his blue eyes shining under the dim glow of the streetlights. "I guess this is where I say goodnight, huh?" he said with a small smirk.
Sam exhaled, almost annoyed at how much she didn't want to leave. "Yeah... but I don't want to."
Jon chuckled. "I could always drive around the block a few more times if it means keeping you here a little longer."
Sam smiled, reaching up to brush a stray lock of hair from his forehead. "As tempting as that sounds, my dad might come out with a shotgun if I stay out here too long."
Jon nodded. "Right, and while I have great reflexes, I'd rather not test them against a shotgun."
They shared a laugh before falling into a comfortable silence, their eyes locked. Sam leaned in, pressing a slow, lingering kiss to his lips, savoring the warmth and the taste of him. When she finally pulled away, her voice was barely above a whisper. "Thank you for tonight. It was perfect."
Jon's hand gently squeezed hers. "Anytime."
With a final reluctant glance, Sam opened the door and stepped out, the cool night air wrapping around her. She turned back as Jon rolled down his window. "Drive safe, okay?" she said softly.
Jon gave her a reassuring grin. "Always."
She watched as he pulled out of the driveway, the red taillights disappearing down the street. With a happy sigh, she turned toward her house, her heart still racing from the night they had shared.