Jordan’s eyes flashed in anger. “I resent that. First, I don’t think badly of you. Second, I’m not a golden boy.”
“You had an ideal childhood, you were an exemplary student, and your career was impeccable before you came to the LD. Yes or no?” I countered.
“Yes, but—”
“We couldn’t be more different if we tried, Jordan. It’s probably why we squabble from the day we met,” I said, yawning.
When he looked at me, it felt as if aliens were probing my brain with chopsticks.
“Did you get any sleep?” Jordan asked me a question I dreaded.
“Some,” I lied.
I didn’t want him to know that I needed him for that.
“It’s late,” Jordan said, glancing at the house. “I’ll keep watch. You can sleep if you want to.”
I looked at him sharply. “Which part about ‘some’ didn’t you understand?”
I didn’t need his pity either.
He rolled his eyes. “Whatever.”
The perks of this little assignment? Jordan Slade’s presence. I got used to him in prison, so being away from him felt funny. I missed… looking at him. He also smelled awesome, so when he stretched, I found myself inhaling more deeply than necessary.
He noticed it because his eyes widened comically. “Are you sniffing me?”
I snorted. “No! What’s the matter with you?”
“Oh my God, do I smell bad?” he gasped, sniffing his armpits. “If I smell bad, I will kill myself.”
I chuckled. “You smell great. Relax.”
“How can I relax when you’re sniffing me?” Jordan growled. “Speaking of smells, your friend went overboard with her perfume, don’t you think?”
“Which friend?”
“Maria.”
His tone, fused with annoyance, made me smile. “You don’t like her. I knew it.”
“I don’t have an opinion of her,” Jordan said, glancing at me. “She’s beautiful, though. Right?”
I shrugged. “Sure.”
“I mean… is she like your type or something? Or not?”
“Whose type isn’t she, Jordan?”
“Mine.”
“Good for you.”
“So, what’s your type, then?” Jordan insisted.
“I don’t know,” I mused. “I like redheads, I guess. Why are we talking about this?”
“Because I’m curious.”
