“Go and do what you need to do,” Kit interjected. “We’ll be fine. Isn’t that right, Raiden?”
“We’ve got this,” he confirmed.
“There’s enough formula and diapers to last a couple of days,” Carys supplied.
One look at Blaize said he’d made up his mind. He gave a slight nod as he locked gazes with Carys. Checking to see if she was on the same page?
“Let’s do this.” She could think of no better reason to put her job on the line than to help Rue find a real home. If going to Austin got them one step closer to that, so be it.
“I’ll grab an overnight bag.”
“Can we stop off at my place on the way out of town?” she asked. “I need a change of clothes.”
“Sure,” he said.
The thought of spending the night with Blaize in a hotel room should probably freak her right out. It didn’t. Sure, the sexual current running between them showed no signs of dimming. However, they were adults capable of restraint. Her body wanted to argue against what her mind realized…having any type of relationship with Blaize beyond professional would shatter her once it ended.
“It was good to meet you,” she said to Raiden as Blaize excused himself to grab his bag.
Raiden’s gaze bounced from Carys to Kit and back. “I apologize if I’m stepping out of line here, but Blaize seems different with you around.”
“Our relationship is strictly professional,” she countered a little too quickly. Had she just showed her hand to Blaize’s family? “I’m here because of Rue. Your brother has been great, though. And we’re going to get to the bottom of paternity.” Wow, had she really just rambled on?
Great. Way to keep cool.
“I understand,” Raiden said with a layered look. “I’m sure the two of you will figure it out soon.”
“In the meantime, I sure have enjoyed having another woman in the house,” Kit interrupted. “I hope you’ll stay on a little longer when you return from Austin.” She glanced at Raiden. “Don’t get me wrong—I love my boys. But the house can use more feminine energy.”
Her smile lit up her eyes.
Carys laughed.
Blaize walked into the room. He stopped and studied everyone’s faces. He opened his mouth to speak and then snapped it shut before focusing on Carys. “Ready?”
Probably not, but they needed to go anyway.
Chapter Twelve
Carys had been quiet on the ride to her apartment. Too quiet. Blaize had half a mind to ask what his family might have said to her. He decided to let it ride instead.
He parked on the street in front of her bungalow.
The crease in her forehead when she glanced at him concerned him.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
A beat passed. “Maybe nothing. I’m not sure. I think the trash can has been scooted closer to the window. I don’t leave it there.”
“Do you want to come with me to check it out or stay in the Jeep while I take a look?” he asked, reaching for the door handle.
“I’m coming.” She was out the passenger side before he could open the door for her.
Carys took the lead as he scanned the area for any unusual activity.
The trash can had been pushed against the wall underneath what looked like a kitchen window. Nothing else seemed out of the ordinary. “The storm could have blown it over or tossed it down the street. A well-meaning neighbor might have returned it.”
“That’s a good point,” she said. “Mind if we take a walk around the house before going in? Just to be sure nothing else feels funny?”
