I bite my smile before replying, “I would never. We just have to watch Hank to make sure he doesn’t try to play with the flame.”
His frown returns as he moves his gaze from me to his cat. “Hank, don’t ruin this for us.”
Hank’s eyes flick from Chris to me, and I give him a pointed look, trying to convey my agreement with Chris’s statement, ignoring that we’re talking to a cat as if he can understand.
“Do you want to start dinner soon? I didn’t eat lunch, so I’m starving.”
I scoot the stool back. “Definitely. I’ll start now. Should be about an hour or so.”
His smile warms me. “Great, feel free to dig through any cabinets you need. I’ll be in the living room getting some work done, so just call for me if you need help finding anything.”
When he leaves me to go do his work, I blow out a slow breath, suddenly nervous to cook dinner for my attorney.
What in the heck is my life?
16
Chris
Swiping my hand through the fog on the mirror, I stare at my obscured face. Even through the distortion, I look shockingly refreshed. I didn’t think I’d be able to sleep, obsessing about Lily being just feet away from me. But instead, I fell asleep immediately and slept harder than I have in a very long time.
The only thing I would’ve changed about last night was if she was in my bed next to me.
Shaking my head, I groan softly at the bolt of arousal that thought brings, no matter how wrong it is. I need to focus on figuring out how to keep her safe and out of jail.
My phone vibrates on the counter.
Jack: I can come over a little later this morning if you want, and look over her security system. Does that work?
I texted Jack late last night, asking if he could help with Lily’s security system. Even though she isn’t staying there, I want her house to be protected just in case.
After responding that this morning works, I get dressed and brush my teeth. I leave my bedroom to start the coffee, assuming Lily is still asleep. I’m about to round the corner at the end of the hall when a noise alerts me to Lily’s presence. A low humming hits my ears, followed by what I assume is Lily making coffee. I stop and cross my arms, just enjoying listening to the sounds of this woman I’m so confused by, puttering around in my kitchen. The humming stops, and she says something in a low voice. I know Hank has joined her.
It's only been a few days, but I can’t deny how much I like having her here. As much as I love my condo, there’s always been something missing. I’m beginning to wonder if that was having someone here with me. Hell, maybe that is why I kept Hank all those years ago. I didn’t want to be alone.
Before I can dwell on that too much longer, I step out of the hallway. Lily glances up, and the smile she gives me makes my heart skip a beat.
“Good morning. I hope I didn’t wake you up.”
I swallow hard as I work to keep my voice steady from the rush of emotion seeing her gave me. I blame my wayward thoughts for this. I know I sound gruffer than intended when I say, “No, I’ve been up.”
Her smile starts to fade, and I want to kick myself for not being friendlier. It’s not her fault my body can’t control its reaction to her.
She gestures to the hall behind me. “I’m going to go take a shower. I hope you don’t mind; I looked around until Ifound everything for coffee so it’s brewing. It should be ready in a few minutes.”
“I don’t mind at all. This is your home for the foreseeable future. Help yourself to anything.”Including my bed.I clear my throat.“I have a friend coming over to your house this morning to look at your security system. I’m sure the one you have is fine, but I want to make sure there isn’t anything else we can do to make it more secure.”
I don’t miss the look of relief that passes through her beautiful features. “Okay, thank you. I think that’s a good idea.”
Nodding, I take a step toward the kitchen. “We’ll need to leave in about forty-five minutes, unless you need more time. If you don’t want to come with, I can go meet him since you gave me access to your system via the app.”
The other night, Lily asked if I wanted to download the app and let her log in on my phone. I never would’ve suggested it, but having access to keep an eye on the system did bring me a little bit of comfort.
She smiles. “I’ll go with you. I can be ready.”
I blow out a slow breath between pursed lips, dispelling some of the inappropriate feelings I’m having as I watch her walk away.
I need to get my shit together.
