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“No imposition.Get in.”

There’s no point arguing as his mind is made up.

He holds the door open for me, making clear he’s not going anywhere without me.

“You’re so bossy,” I mumble under my breath as I get in.

“You’re welcome,” he responds.

I expect him to close the door, but before I have a chance to slip on my seat belt, he reaches for it and leans across me closely, snapping the buckle into the clip.

I hold my breath as he looks up at me.“Safety first.”

All I am capable of is nodding.

He smirks as he shuts the door.

I watch through the windshield as he strolls toward the driver’s side, no rush to his stride.The asshole knows the effect he has on me.But I keep my cool.

He climbs in, and the truck rumbles to life.It’s a vintage Ford pickup.I wouldn’t expect anything less from Kit.He doesn’t speak and drives away.I avoid looking back and focus ahead.It’s too sad otherwise.

He senses I need some time to process things and switches on the radio.

I think about the last time I was in a car with Kit.I was just a child.He drove me back to my aunt and uncle’s house.I still get anxious riding in cars with others because although my parents’ deaths feel like a lifetime ago, their screams still haunt my dreams.

But there’s a stillness I experience with Kit.I felt it when I was a child.And I feel it now.

I don’t give it much thought because my head hurts.

So much for feeling rested.

I lean my head against the headrest and close my eyes.I don’t sleep.Just listen to the world passing me by.It’s not long before Kit pulls the truck up.

I gradually open my eyes.It takes me a moment, but I realize we’re at the garage.Kit opens the door for me.He has my box of belongings in his hand.

“My place is above the garage,” he explains, reading my confusion.

I nod and jump down from the truck, not speaking.

This is all too much.

Kit leads the way through the garage.It looks and smells like any garage.This is a piece of Kit’s world.I’m thankful he’s allowed me into it.

We climb the stairs and find a door at the top.Kit unlocks it.

“Welcome.”He holds the door open for me.

I enter and am surprised.It’s bigger than I thought.It’s an open-plan living room and kitchen area.But the space is big enough to fit a small dining table, a three-seater couch, a coffee table, and two leather bean bags, which are propped in front of the mounted TV.

The brick walls give it a rustic look.

I like it.

“There’s only one bed.”He quickly adds, “But I’ll take the couch.”

“The couch is fine,” I reply.“I’ve slept on far worse.”

Kit seems to understand this isn’t up for discussion now, but I know come nightfall, I’ll be in the bed.