Nine

Charli

I stalk into the apartment and make a beeline for Keagan’s room. His door is wide open, and he’s sprawled on his bed with his tablet. When he looks up, I give him a glare before turning on my heel and entering my own room, closing the door firmly. I’m disappointed Keagan let me deal with Devlin without giving me any warning. Then again, he works for Devlin, not me. It’s not fair to hold it against him, but there’s also nothing wrong with letting him know that I’m not happy about it.

As I strip down and change into a tank and jeans, I keep an eye on the door. I’m certain Keagan would never invade my personal space without permission, but I’m still cautious. After I’m finished, my bladder begs me to use the bathroom after drinking the soda at the eatery.

When I open the bedroom door, I find Keagan standing in the hall, waiting. He quickly signs, Can we talk? Please? His blue eyes are urging me to let him explain, and he looks genuinely stressed that I might be upset with him.

My heart melts a little, because if Keagan is as genuine as he appears, the poor guy is struggling with the situation he’s found himself in. Give me a minute, I need to use the bathroom, I sign.

Keagan nods. My room?

I agree and head for the bathroom. When I wander into Keagan’s room a few minutes later, he’s patiently standing in the middle of the room, waiting for me. He politely motions to the bed, and I walk over and sink down onto it.

Keagan frowns and signs, We really need a sofa or something.

I’m in full agreement. After my first paycheck.

He nods, knowing better than to offer to pay for it himself. I think it’s difficult for him to sit back and watch me struggle to pay for the things that I want. Especially since he doesn’t have to pay rent. However, he does understand my need to be financially independent, so he tries not to push.

May I? he signs, referring to the bed. When I nod, he sits down and looks at me with troubled eyes. I value your friendship, Charli. We haven’t known each other long, but I really enjoy what we’re building. But I also have a job, and it pays my bills, especially my student loans. When Mr. Kade requests information from me, I can’t ignore him.

When I begin to scowl, he signs, I only report to him when he requests it. Not everything we do, or the conversations we share, are monitored or repeated. I’m not here to spy on you.

No, you’re a glorified babysitter, I sign back with a peeved look.

His eyes hold mine. I don’t consider myself a babysitter, Charli.

Well, I do.

The corners of his lips turn downwards. I wish you didn’t think that, but I can understand why you feel that way.

As I scan his handsome features, I decide it’s time to let the topic rest. It’s not like he can do anything about it anyway, and if anything, I’m just making him feel worse. It wasn’t my intention, but I’d felt the need to let him know I wasn’t happy about it. Now that I’d accomplished that, I’m feeling a bit better. Can you at least give me some warning next time? I sign.

He grimaces. Had I given you warning, would you have still met him out front?

No.