“Security,” he said. “No cameras inside, if that’s what you’re asking. You can change your clothes. Or whatever.”
“I don’t have any other clothes,” Lila pointed out.
“Did you put them on the list?” He looked over the notes she’d given him. Toothbrush, dog food, contact lens solution… “No clothes,” he said. “I guess you’re sleeping naked.” He realized he probably shouldn’t have said that. “TV?”
“I guess you’re sleeping naked, too,” she replied. “Unless you keep clothes here? Just in case?”
“We do, actually,” he gestured at a dresser in the corner. “But if it makes you feel better, I won’t make you go naked alone.” He winked at her as a knock sounded on the door. He opened an app on his phone; a camera feed showed the man waiting on the other side of the apartment door. His phone dinged – confirmation from Rusty that the new arrival was their courier.
“It’s safe,” Sawyer said, standing. He got the door and brought in sacks with the Target logo and take-out containers of food. He set the bag of dog food on the floor, and tipped the delivery man.
“Hungry?” he asked, opening the take-out containers in the kitchen. He fished plates and forks out of the cabinets and drawers.
Lila reached around him to take out bowls, and poured dog food and water out for Hans. She shook her head. “Not really. Maybe in a bit. I’m still… settling in.”
“I can wait,” Sawyer said. He was still full from the giant sandwich he ate. He stuck the food in the fridge. “Don’t worry,” he said. “Your parents are safe. They’re eating takeout – probably pizza – in a place just like this, totally secure. There’s a manhunt on for the shooter. They’ll catch him. All you have to worry about here is…” he looked around. “Not being bored to death by the décor.”
Lila smiled and pulled herself up onto the kitchen counter, fiddling with a cabinet pull. “Are you always this confident?”
“Have you seen me?” Sawyer leaned his elbow on the counter next to her. “I didn’t get this job just because I’m pretty.”
“You look like guys I went to high school with. I bet you played football.”
“I bet you were on the math team.”
“I was.” she said. “And debate.”
“I always got along well with nerdy kids,” Sawyer said. “But I couldn’t tell anyone.”
“Why not?”
“Ruin my reputation.” Sawyer grinned. “Plus, too cliché. A jock and a nerd. What would that have been – a teen rom com?”
“I liked teen rom coms,” Lila said. “I always wanted to be the girl in one.” She eyed Sawyer. “Can I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
“Do you kiss all your clients when you need a diversion?”
Sawyer’s face pinked. “Just the pretty ones. And sometimes the burly ones.”
“You do not,” Lila made a face.
Sawyer rested his hand against her thigh. “Caught me.” He stepped in between her knees. “Are you mad about it?”
Lila shook her head. “I don’t think so.”
“Don’t think so? Aren’t you supposed to be the smart one, here?”
“The playing field seems pretty level,” Lila leaned towards him. “I might still need a diversion.”
“Come here,” Sawyer waited as she leaned down from her perch, her mouth hovering near his. Her hair fell around her face and he brushed it back, before kissing her. This time, he didn’t let go.
