“You know Kennedy and Trey. This is my mom, Leigh, and these are my friends, Copper, Bronze, and Tiny,” Jonah said.
“Hello,” I said awkwardly.
“Not sure if you knew, but the club owns the rental property, and we wanted to stop by and make sure you were okay,” Copper said, stepping forward and extending his hand to me.
“Oh, I had no idea,” I said and shook his hand. “Thanks for stopping by.”
“Also, when you’re released from the hospital, we’ll put you up in a hotel until the property is in livable condition again or another property becomes available,” Copper continued.
I hadn’t expected that. To be perfectly honest, where I would live hadn’t even crossed my mind at that point. At least most of my personal belongings were in a storage unit in Baltimore. I never took much with me on assignments because more times than not, the contract would end early, and I would find myself packing up within a week or two of finally getting unpacked and settled.
A throat clearing pulled me out of my thoughts. “We’ll get out of your hair and let you get some rest. Here’s my contact info,” he said, holding up a business card before placing it on the bedside table. “Call me if you need anything.”
“Thank you. I appreciate the offer, but I’m sure I’ll be fine,” I said, even though I wasn’t completely sure about that.
With that, he nodded and left the room. His friends following behind him like dutiful soldiers and left Kennedy and I alone in the room.
She plopped down in the oversized chair in the corner and made herself comfortable. “What are you doing?” I asked curiously.
“Getting comfortable. I’m not letting you stay here by yourself,” she informed me.
Normally, I would have argued and insisted I didn’t need a babysitter, but truthfully, the near-death experience had shaken me, and I was grateful to have the company.
***
After an uneventful night in the hospital, Kennedy drove me to the hotel where Copper had booked a room for me. Correction, he booked a deluxe suite for me. Kennedy squealed in delight, “Oh, I think I need to stay with you for a few more nights.”
“Kennedy, this is too much. I can’t stay here. Really, I just need a place to sleep and shower,” I said as I stared wide-eyed at the lavish room.
Before she could reply, someone knocked on the door. She peeked through the peephole and yanked the door open to reveal Jonah and Trey.
“What are you guys doing here?” I blurted.
Trey chuckled, and Jonah held up a set of keys. “Dropping your car off for you. The house hasn’t been cleared yet, but Splint got one of the firefighters to grab your keys when they were wrapping things up last night.”
“Oh, uh, thanks,” I said and took the keys from him.
An awkward silence fell over the room for several uncomfortable minutes. Finally, Jonah clapped his hands together and said, “Well, I’ve got to get to work. Your car’s downstairs in the front lot. Take care.”
Trey kissed Kennedy on the cheek, “See you later, Kitty.”
Once they were gone, I sat down on the bed and started perusing the room service lunch menu. “So, things are going well with you and Trey, Kitty?”
“Oh, shut it. When I first told him my name, he thought I said Kitty, not Kennedy. But, yeah, things are going okay. We’re taking it slow and getting to know each other. What about you and Jonah?”
I blinked in surprise. “Say what now?”
“Don’t play dumb with me, missy. The way he looks at you. Damn girl, even I got a little wet from the fire in his eyes.”
“Kennedy!” I gasped. “He does not look at melike that.”
“Yes, he does. He also beat the brakes off a guy for bothering you, escorted you home, saved you from a fiery death, and had to be forcefully restrained when he didn’t know where you were at the hospital,” she said, holding up a finger for each point she made.
“That proves nothing other than he’s a nice guy who looks out for other people,” I retorted.
She grinned mischievously. “If that’s so, then why is he staying in the room next door?”
He was what? “Uh, his house was probably damaged by the fire, too. You know how newer neighborhoods are; the houses are built so close together they’re practically touching. Are you hungry? I’m going to order some room service,” I said, hoping she would drop it.
