Teasing his girl was all part of the fun and added some excitement to their relationship.

A bachelor just wouldn't get it. Carlow mused as he stepped out of the car.

Outside, Karina just wanted to hurry home and put today's events behind her.

"Karina," Carlow called out from behind her.

She halted and turned to face him, a mixture of embarrassment and irritation crossing her features.

“What is it?" she asked.

Carlow approached Karina slowly, draping his coat over her shoulders.

“Are you upset?" he asked, a playful lilt in his voice.

Karina couldn't help but roll her eyes inwardly. He knew perfectly well, yet he was still asking!

Yet, the gentle tone of his voice and the warmth of the coat enveloping her stirred warmth within her.

Nevertheless, she retorted, “Why would I be upset?"

Carlow nodded, studying her. “Ah, I see. Agents usually are thick-skinned. I assumed you wouldn't be bothered by a couple of jokes from me."

Karina was taken aback by his comment, the warmth she felt fleeting as she shot him a cold stare. She was momentarily speechless.

A flicker of amusement danced in Carlow's eyes as he looked down at his shirt. "You did get my shirt dirty. Perhaps you should help me clean it, hmm?" he suggested teasingly.

Karina glanced at the water stain on his shirt, her embarrassment resurfacing.

"Fine, I'll clean it when we get back," she conceded, tossing the coat back to him.

"And another thing, please refrain from unnecessary closeness!" she blurted out, recalling how he had lent her his shoulder in the car.

Couldn't he have just woken her up?

That incident had left her feeling utterly mortified.

Without waiting for a response, Karina turned on her heel and briskly walked towards the apartment building, eager to escape the awkwardness.