“No, I wanted to make sure there was enough,” she whispers conspiratorially, taking a sandwich from the plate.
I roll my eyes, and we both eat quietly. I can hear the guys moving around the house, and eventually David—I think he might be the boss—brings a red bag to the tiny little entry where the side door is and starts working there to put up a panel of some sort.
“Did they say how long it would take?” I’m curious about when they will be done, but I’m more interested in when I can call Rafe and let him know they’re gone so I can see him again.
“I didn’t ask. You can.” She motions to the side door.
“Nah, have they been upstairs yet?”
“I think so. Go check it out, see what they’re doing. It seems pretty fancy. You have a very nice boyfriend,” she singsongs.
My eyes bug out. I don’t know if I’m more freaked out she called him my boyfriend, or if it’s just because she mentioned he was the one doing this and I’m worried it’s going to get out she’s referring to Rafe.
“They said it was top of the line,” she continues, oblivious to how uncomfortable I am with the conversation.
“I think I will run upstairs.” I place my plate in the dishwasher after rising from the table. Mom’s still eating, so I don’t offer to take hers.
When I reach the top of the stairs, I see one of the guys up on a ladder at the end of the hallway installing something near the ceiling. I planned on just escaping into my room, but he turns before I can make it. “Hey, checking up on me?” It’s the same one who asked me about teaching riding lessons.
“Oh no, I was just—”
He lifts his hands, stopping me before I can finish. “I was just joking,” he assures me with an easy smile. “And it’s totally okay, even if you were.” He leans to the side, and I can see the small unit he’s installing.
“Is that a camera?” I point up.
“Yup, you’ll be able to access the feed from your phone or computer.”
“On the inside?” I ask.
He misunderstands my question. “No, you don’t have to be in the house.”
“I mean the camera. I just thought they would be outside.”
He climbs down so he can face me without hanging half off the ladder. “They’re pretty standard on interior installs. No one will have access to the feeds besides you and your mom. I’m guessing she’s the one who placed the order.” He leans his elbow on one of the higher rungs of the ladder. I don’t correct his assumption, but I will be asking Rafe about it later though.
“How many are there?”
“Eight on the exterior and five inside. You guys have a problem out here recently?” He tilts his head to the side and examines me. I feel the urge to pluck my shirt away from my body. I’m a little sweaty, and it’s sticking to me in all the wrong places. I end up crossing my arms over my chest instead.
“Not really, just a precaution.” I step to the side of the hall, getting closer to my bedroom door. His eyes track my movements.
“It’s smart, better to be safe than sorry.” He grins at me again.
“Sorry to bother you. I’ll let you get back to it.”
“You’re no bother at all. Answering questions is part of my job, so feel free to ask me anything you like. It doesn’t even have to be about work.” He says the last part softer and winks at me.
I let out a nervous laugh and sidestep him to get to my bedroom. “Uh, okay, thanks.” I put my back against the door when I close it behind me. Call me crazy, but it feels weird having the guy who’s installing cameras in my house flirting with me.
I tug my phone out of my back pocket and text Rafe and notice the two missed calls from Gwen.
Me:Cameras on the inside?
Rafe:Yes.
Me:Seems excessive.
Rafe:I refrained.
