Dinner felt like a war zone.

Watson and Joshua were locked in this silent, stubborn face-off, both trying toe out on top. Allison acted like she didn''t notice a thing. Carolyn did her best to ignore it, too.

Afterward, Joshua offered, "Want me to give you and Lizzy a ride home?"

"I drove myself," Allison said.

Joshua grinned. "Then give me a lift. It''s on your way, right?"

Allison gave him a look. "Didn''t you bring your own car?"

She nced at Carolyn. "Aren''t you taking Ms. Witt home?"

"She drove, too," Joshua replied, not even looking at Carolyn. His voice softened when he spoke to Allison.

Allison rolled her eyes. "You drove here. Why do you need me to take you?"

"Brian just texted," Joshua exined, "His car broke down nearby. The tow truck''s an hour out, but he needs to get home fast. I sent my driver to pick him up it''s close. Good thing I brought a driver today."

Watson let out a sarcasticugh. "How convenient."

Joshua just smiled. "Isn''t it, though? What a coincidence."

Watson didn''t bother answering.

Allison obviously wasn''t buying it.

Joshua immediately called Brian, putting him on speaker. "Brian, your car died, right? My driver''s on his way. I just happen to be eating nearby."

Brian caught on fast. "Yeah, didn''t I just tell you? Why are you calling again? Hurry up, I''m in a rush!"

"Hang tight, he''ll be there soon."

Joshua hung up and shot Allison a look, eyebrows raised-See? I wasn''t lying.

He told his driver to go.

Before Allison could say anything, Carolyn jumped in. "Joshua, I can give you a ride."

Joshua barely nced at her.

?

verhet

"That''s out of your way. I live right next to the Owens

"

family-practically neighbors. Allison''s headed that way.

Allison knew Joshua and Brian were putting on a show, but she didn''t call them out. Joshua had already sent his car off. If she refused, he''d have to go with Carolyn-and, selfishly, she didn''t want them alone together.

She shot Joshua a look and said coolly, "Let''s go," then climbed into the car. Joshua''s smile was full of quiet triumph. "Coming." He slid into the front seat, tossing Watson a smug, challenging grin as he did.

Brooklyn drove, Allison and Lizzy in the back, Joshua up front.

As the car pulled away, Carolyn and Watson exchanged a tired, exasperated nce.

When they reached the Owens family''s gate, Allison spoke up, her voice low. "You can get out here."

She definitely didn''t want Javier seeing her and Joshua arrive together-talk about hard to exin.

Joshua seemed to get it. His eyes darkened a little as he opened the door, but he didn''t get out right away.

"There''s nothing between me and Carolyn, She just wanted to talk

business tonight," he said, turn

in

his seat to look Allison straight in the eyes.

The soft, golden light lit up Allison''s face, making her look stunning and

heartbreakingly distant.

She didn''t react, just said, "Okay."

"Allie, good night," Joshua said as he got out.

Allison didn''t reply.

Joshua stepped out, and Brooklyn drove into the Owens family''s underground garage.

Allison got out and headed for the elevator, her mind miles away.