Reckless Soul: A Protector Romance (A Surviving Love Novel Book 2) by Brinda Berry

Author:Brinda Berry [Berry, Brinda]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
ISBN: 9780991632053
Publisher: Sweet Biscuit Publishing LLC
Published: 2020-09-24T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

Collin

Veronica hums while she types. The office is silent except for her faint humming. It’s small enough that we share the same area. Two desks at opposite sides of the room. A conference table in the middle. I strain to pick up the tune of her song, wondering if it’s one I know, if it’s her favorite. She’s wearing the same clothes, clean of course, but this reminds me of her current state. Two changes of clothing. She has so little, but she acts as though it doesn’t concern her in the least.

I don’t care what she wears. It’s the thought she might need something. I’m positive she’d be unhappy if I offered to buy her some.

Her hesitation to take things makes my next suggestion a tricky one. “You almost done with those emails?”

“Um-hmm.” She meets my gaze. “What can I do for you?”

“I was thinking. Maybe you’d be willing to work a little longer. Semi-permanent.”

Her back straightens and her hands move from the keyboard. “What do you mean? How long?”

I shrug. “A couple of weeks? A month? I haven’t thought that far ahead. It’s just so nice to have some help. I didn’t realize how much time I spent doing the tedious tasks that take me away from the actual work my clients pay me to do. Malerie took a lot of duties on herself, but it’s hardly fair. She’s taking a lot of class hours this summer and…”

I don’t finish because I can see her processing my proposal, wavering on a response that I won’t like.

She stands and walks around to the front of her desk. “You know I appreciate everything. You took me in, gave me this job to make enough to fix my car—”

“And you’ve helped me. That’s why I know I need you.”

She looks to the window. “I can’t live in your game room.” Her mouth forms a tiny smile. “As much fun as your roommates are, I need to find a place of my own. The guys have probably already complained.”

“You’re wrong. I think they want to kick me out and keep you. But I have a solution.” I hold up a hand. “Don’t say anything. Listen for a minute.”

I stroll to where she stands and take her hand. Tugging her behind me, we ascend the stairs, which lead to the office loft. It’s still empty.

I release her hand and wave her to enter. “The futon at the house is mine. I can bring it over here. You’d have a bathroom and a kitchen. I ordered a refrigerator yesterday. I won’t charge you rent because you are helping me out by staying longer. You could save everything you make.”

It’s my best sales pitch. I wanted to say I needed more time with her. I thought about adding I’d be good to her, protect her from her boogie man. I almost said she might be the best thing that’s happened to me all year.

In the end, financial reasons seemed the most persuasive. Ever since the night at the rooftop pool, she’s kept her distance.

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