The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1617

Inside the car, Shirley sat frozen, barely breathing. Her neck and shoulders felt stiff and sore.

The drive, barely ten minutes, dragged on like forever.

Just when she thought she couldn’t take another second, the car finally stopped.

Shirley carefully lifted Andrew’s head and settled it against the seat. She stretched her arms and shoulders, hoping to ease the tight, aching muscles. Quietly, she grabbed a blanket from the backseat and tucked it over him, gentle as could be.

Watching Andrew sleep, Shirley couldn't help sneaking glances at his face. Her feelings tangled up inside her. He looked so different in his sleep, almost cute.

“Hans, could you look after him for a bit?” she asked quietly after only a few moments, forcing herself to look away.

“Of course. Don’t worry about a thing.” Hans glanced over at her, grinning in a way he could barely hide. “Are you two dating now?”

Shirley shook her head so fast she nearly gave herself whiplash, face turning bright red. “No, no, nothing like that.”

Hans just smiled meaningfully, his eyes darting to Andrew. In a softer voice, he asked, “But do you like him?”

Shirley’s eyes went wide. She looked startled and lost, like someone had just read her mind out loud.

“Hans, we’re just friends.” Her voice was low and very serious. “Really. Nothing more.”

Hans sighed a little, still smiling. “Andrew’s a great guy. Maybe you should think about it.”

Shirley bit down on her lower lip, her face tinged with sadness.

It didn’t matter if she liked him. It didn’t matter if she wanted to think it over. There was just no way for them. The distance between their worlds was simply too much.

Some things were better left alone. Otherwise, if you fall in too deep, everyone ends up hurting.

Hans kept his gaze steady through the rearview mirror. “But what if she doesn’t like you back?”

Andrew dropped his head into his hands, rubbing at his temples, but a small smile still tugged at his lips. “Then I’ll just have to chase her till she does.”

He had his whole life ahead of him, and he didn’t believe for a second that he wouldn’t eventually win her over.

“That’s the kind of attitude I like. You really are Anthony’s brother.” Hans shot him a thumbs-up, full of praise.

"Shirley’s a catch. She’s polite, kind, smart, and driven…”

“So don’t wait too long. You should take a page out of Anthony’s book.”

Andrew looked up, puzzled. He frowned just a little. “Learn from Anthony?”