“Yes, but it’s the only one that looks out over to her private entrance.” She shakes her head.
“How did you manage to look out of it?” I fold my arms accusingly.
“By climbing onto the counter, now, will you let me fin?—”
“No more nighttime trips to the kitchen,” I interrupt; I swear this girl was put on this planet to test my patience.
“Jack, that's unreasonable. What if the baby is hungry?” She gives me ‘those’ eyes as she strokes her belly, trying to manipulate me and fucking succeeding.
“Then you wake me, andI’llget whatever you need. I mean it, Gracie,” I warn, leaning over her and resting both hands on the armrest.
“Fine,” she agrees, so that she can get back to her story. “So, I’m looking out the window, perfectly balanced and safe.” She pauses to smile cleverly, and I want to bite it off her lips. “I watched Cecelia get out of a car, and a guy walk her to her door; then they kissed.” She crosses her arms when she’s finished.
“You must have been dreaming.” I shake my head and laugh, standing up to give the girl some space.
“Check your CCTV.” She shrugs, struggling to manoeuvre the top half of her body so she can reach down and prod her ankles. “They definitely look bigger today than they were yesterday,” she pouts.
“Probably because you were wearing those stupid heels,” I tell her, rounding my desk and bringing up the security footage on my laptop.
“So youdothink they’re fat?” She stares at me angrily.
“I never said they were fat. They’re not fat. They’re not even swollen. You're just paranoi–”
“Oh, so I can’t even validate my own feelings now?” She looks pissed off.
“Of course, you can. I didn’t mean–”
“Relax, I'm playing with you,again.” She drops her act and flashes me an amused smile, then nods confidently at my laptop screen like she’s ready to have her point proven.
“That's Gordon Linchford,” I explain when I see the man in question walking Cecelia to the door, just like she said.
“Is that your little girlfriend's dad?” She tries to make herself sound funny, but instead, it comes out bitter. I say nothing, just stare at her until she realises she’s being pathetic.
“Anabella’s dad,” she corrects herself, but not without an eyeroll.
“Calm yourself, he’s married. In fact, Cecelia is very friendly with his wife. She probably spent the evening with her, and he’s dropped her home.”
“Then snogged her goodbye on the doorstep?” She looks at me as if I’m some kind of idiot.
“That is not a proper kiss, that's just two people saying goodbye.” I don’t want her getting carried away with this shit. Cecelia’s been staying the hell out of my business lately, and I’m happy to show her the same respect.
“This is how two friends say goodbye.” Gracie stands up and comes towards me, leaning over me, and taps a kiss against my lips.
“That is not what that was.” She rests her ass on my lap and focuses on the screen. “What a scandal; Cecelia Ravenshaw, the grieving widow. screwing her best friend's husband.” She sighs
“So she’s screwing him now, too?” I laugh, loving how this girl’s imagination runs wild. I just wish she could imagine staying here with me when all this is over.
“Clearly.” She wraps her arms around my neck, looking pleased with herself.
“You seriously need to get out more.” I shake my head and get back to work.
The smile drops from her face, making me instantly feel guilty. Sometimes I forget this place is her prison, and that I’m her keeper.
“I’m sorry. I forg?—”
“Jesus, I got you again, Jack. You make it too easy.” She giggles, standing up and heading for the door.
“Where are you going?” I check she’s not planning on climbing any more windows.
