The night air outside the Knight estate was cooler than Courtney expected. She wrapped her arms around herself as she stepped down the broad limestone steps, the glow of the chandeliers spilling out into the wide driveway. The evening had been overwhelming—Vanessa's warmth, Sienna's playful questions, Sean's polished charm, and Dwayne's unsettling silence.
She needed a moment to breathe.
"You shouldn't be walking out alone."
Sean's voice carried easily in the quiet night as he came down the steps behind her. His stride was graceful, unhurried, his hands tucked casually into his pockets. The kind of man who always looked composed, no matter the hour.
Courtney turned slightly, offering a polite smile. "It's just a short walk to my car."
"True," Sean agreed, falling into step beside her. "But that doesn't mean you should do it alone. It's late, and I'd never forgive myself if something happened to you here."
