Chapter 606:

Gerry protested, "If the dog sits up front, the cops will ticket me. What are you thinking?"

Caden retorted, "You're a Hopkins. Why are you afraid of a ticket?"

Gerry sighed. "A ticket is nothing compared to what I'll face at home. If my dad finds out I'm causing trouble, I'll get a beating."

Caden laughed mercilessly. "Scared of your dad and brother? You might as well call yourself a coward." He swiftly nudged the dog toward the window, took its place, and sat beside Alicia.

Alicia, embarrassed by his obvious actions, glared at him.

Gerry teased, "Can't you two stop being lovey-dovey for even a minute?"

Caden replied seriously, "Then just close your eyes."

Gerry smirked. "If I close my eyes while driving, we'll all end up in hell."

Caden had no intention of crossing boundaries in the car, especially since Alicia was shy and reserved around friends. Bored, he toyed with her ring finger, gauging its size. Alicia squirmed at his touch; the ticklish sensation prompting her to retaliate by lightly scratching his palm.

A fleeting warmth touched Caden's heart. He gently closed her hand into a loose fist, leaving a small gap, then playfully slipped two fingers inside. Alicia barely registered the gesture until Caden, with a teasing smile, said, "Quite soft."

Her mind flashed back to his suggestive whispers in bed. "Lucky, you're soft everywhere. So soft. Especially here. It's like you could just melt away."

Blushing, she pinched him, muttering through clenched teeth, "Can you not be so flirtatious in someone else's car?"

Caden flashed a charming smile and leaned closer, feigning obliviousness. "What was that? I didn't quite catch it." He brought his ear close to her lips.

Alicia reached to pinch him, but he seized the moment, kissing her.

Gerry watched, rolling his eyes dramatically. Why were they kissing all of a sudden? Get a room! Jealousy surged, prompting him to honk the horn loudly. Alicia quickly pushed Caden away and pretended to be engrossed in her phone.