The Casanova quip did wonders for her nerves—anyone who could poke fun at themselves was aces in Carys’ book. Her lips twitched into their customary grin, her dimple making an appearance. Chase was kind enough to (re)introduce her to his friends, and she twitched her fingers in apologetic greeting, the embarrassed flush across her cheeks slowly receding. Mason, Ryan, Seth. She [i]had[/i] to get it right next time [s]if there even was one[/s].

Looking back up to Chase [s]ignoring the slight crick in her neck[/s], Carys offered a bracing laugh. [i]All the way out here[/i] was a stark reminder of just how foolish she had been, spacing out and exploring without even a thought for her personal safety. She hadn’t even brought [i]mace[/i]; she knew better than to explore without it.

“I, uh, kind of got caught up in exploring?” Even Carys knew how ridiculous that sounded. “Admittedly, it’s not the smartest thing I’ve ever done.”

[i]So much for that college degree,[/i] she nearly snorted aloud.  Fingers pushing her bangs behind a pink ear, she nearly gaped at Chase’s offer. That was…unexpected, to say the least. She still couldn’t quite get over the strangeness of people actually [i]owning[/i] cars. They’d always been such a hassle. 

“Oh, um,” Carys began, suddenly aware that she’d just been looking surprised at Chase. “I mean, it’s not that big a deal, Google says I’m only like…fortyish minutes from my house that-a-ways,” she pointed over his shoulder, “I’d hate to trouble you; I mean, any more than I already have.”
	
Admittedly, it was a tempting offer. Even Carys, who had routinely walked over five miles a day for most of her adult life, was worn down. She brightened her smile, squaring her shoulders. It wouldn’t be that bad, she tried to tell herself. She’s spent countless days in university thriving after pulling all-nighters. Of course, she’d been eighteen and invincible then, but she dismissed that detail.