The Bond Between Us novel Chapter 178

Anastasia had been hanging around the neighborhood entrance for almost half an hour when Herman rolled up in his Chevy. Spotting the familiar ride, Anastasia sprung up with a grin, opened the door and hopped in. "Where are we heading? Monica and I already had our grub, what about you?"

"Grabbed a bite." Herman twisted slightly, buckling Anastasia's seatbelt for her.

His distinctive scent engulfed Anastasia, and his handsome face was so close it made her heart race. He always had this subtle floral scent that was just irresistible.

"You'll find out when we get there."

After fastening her seatbelt, he snuck in a quick peck on her lips before settling back into his seat.

Anastasia's eyes widened in surprise and he chuckled. "Hold on tight."

Her cheeks turned a shade of pink and a shy smile spread across her face. She muttered under her breath, "Such a rogue."

He took one hand off the wheel to hold hers and drove out towards the outskirts of the city.

An hour later, they arrived at the highest hill on the outskirts. Standing on the viewing platform, they could overlook half of Riverdale. The wind was strong atop the hill and the night was chillier. Herman had come prepared, he handed Anastasia a thick coat to keep her warm, then led her towards the viewing platform.

"You brought me here for the night view?" Anastasia glanced around. “I heard this hilltop’s usually a hotspot for night-time hikers, why’s it deserted tonight?”

"That just means we got lucky, and no one will bother us." Herman brought her to the edge of the viewing platform, jesting, "Darling, take a good look, this is the kingdom I've won for you."

At this, Anastasia couldn't help but chuckle and turned her gaze elsewhere.

He chipped in, "I haven't won that side yet, just focus on this."

"Herman, when did you turn into such a joker?" Anastasia laughed.

The night view here was breathtakingly beautiful. Neon lights glittered as far as the eye could see, and the hustle and bustle of the city sprawled out before them, seemingly endless.

"I've always been too caught up in life, and never took the time to admire our city." Anastasia smiled. "It's really pretty, so charming."

He held her from behind, joining her in admiring the cityscape. "But it doesn't hold a candle to you."

She turned in his arms, back against the railing, arms encircling his waist, looking into his dark eyes.

Someone else's fireworks, and they didn’t cost them a dime. She felt so much better.

Herman couldn't help but smile. These fireworks didn't cost him a cent; it was Flynn who footed the bill.

Halfway up the hill, Flynn and Nelson were busy setting off box after box of fireworks. There were probably a hundred boxes of fireworks on the ground, enough to last an hour. They'd been preparing for a while. The mosquitoes on the hill had given them quite a hard time.

As Flynn set off the fireworks, he complained, "Why should I pay for Herman's attempt to please his wife? My allowance hasn't increased, yet he's expecting me to foot the bill, sigh."

Nelson laughed, "You better hope Mr. Salstrom doesn't hear this, otherwise you'll not only be out of pocket, but your allowance might also even get docked."

Flynn found a spot to sit and enjoy the fireworks. "I paid for this, I might as well enjoy it. Nelson, come join me."

Nelson remarked, "Isn't it a bit weird for two guys to watch fireworks together?"

Flynn was speechless.