From a Wrong Turn to Mr. Right novel Chapter 68

The familiar scent of him lingered at the tip of Olivia Bennett’s nose—a clean, crisp pine, both comforting and steadying her nerves in the chaos.

The collision she braced for never happened. Instead, her palm instinctively covered her stomach as she exhaled a shaky sigh of relief.

“Oh my gosh, I am so sorry! Are you guys okay?” The girl who’d almost barreled into them instantly dropped her grin, standing frozen and pale as a ghost, stammering apologies.

Her friend looked just as startled. She shot a nervous glance at Ethan Carter, then quickly echoed, “Seriously, we didn’t mean it! Did we hurt you at all?”

They’d just been horsing around between classes—what was supposed to be a playful shove suddenly got out of hand. The girl could see it clearly: if Ethan hadn’t pulled Olivia aside, there would have been a full-on collision.

Olivia peeked out from Ethan’s protective arms, her cheeks still pale with leftover fright.

But seeing how close the girls were to tears, and knowing it was just an accident, Olivia found her voice. “Don’t worry about it, really. Just watch where you’re going next time, okay?”

Relief washed over the two girls. They looked at Olivia with wide, guilty eyes. “Thank you, Olivia. We’re really sorry. We’ll be more careful.”

Olivia’s gaze dropped to the pair of cupcakes in Ethan’s hands—little chocolate ones with colorful sprinkles, still perfectly intact.

One of the girls noticed too, her face still apologetic. “Do you like cupcakes? Can we buy you another one to make it up to you?”

They hadn’t meant any harm, and now they were being so sincere. Any irritation Olivia might’ve felt melted away.

She shook her head, offering a reassuring smile. “Really, it’s fine. Go on, you’re good.”

The two girls exchanged a grateful look, then gave a quick, awkward sort of bow—an old habit from childhood etiquette classes. “Thank you, Ethan. Thank you, Olivia.”

They hustled away, not even stopping to buy their own desserts. To be fair, Ethan looked downright intimidating, his expression so grim it could curdle milk.

But this time, Olivia stayed put, tipping her chin up to search his face with those dark, star-bright eyes.

She didn’t say a word, just looked at him, eyes sparkling with something he couldn’t quite read.

He frowned, the last of his coldness melting away. “What’s up?”

Olivia didn’t answer, simply kept her gaze fixed on him.

Confused, Ethan lifted a hand as if to shield himself from her stare.

She dodged, grinning now, her eyes dancing with laughter as she looked up at him.