Page 23 of Below The Surface
“Okay, but I could eat.” My stomach growls, as does Kay’s.
“I get so focused I don’t even remember to eat.”
“You’re gonna have to tell me about some of these skills you have.”
“Maybe someday, but that’s not today.” He takes my hand and then stops. “Shit.”
“What?” I freeze.
“Go get some clothes.”
How the fuck do I keep forgetting to grab clothes? I do as he says and literally tip toe through my apartment and look around every corner. I barely breathe. Thank goodness that annoying rose scent is gone. I thought I was going to choke on it forever.
When I’m locking back up Kay’s waving at Mr. Arie when he pops his head out.
“Everything alright?” he asks.
“Yeah, D’s just grabbing some clothes. We’re going to the pool to swim a bit.”
“Ah, which one? I like the one downtown.”
“That’s the one I prefer too,” Kay lies. That’s not the pool he’s mentioned before.
There’s a reason he’s not telling Mr. Arie where we’re going. Kay probably suspects Mr. Arie might be in on it. The camera in the hallway is so obvious that it makes people think he wouldn’t be good at setting up an entire system in someone’s house without them knowing. But he’s a homebody that wants to know what everyone’s up to.
“Alrighty, I’m good.” I hold up my small duffle bag.
“And we’re off to the pool. See ya later Arie man.” Kay finger waves and leads me from the building.
“Okay, Arie gives me a vibe, but I don’t know what kind yet.”
I nod, never noticing it until today. “I always thought he was nice, but yeah, there’s something off about him.”
“Wanna go grab your truck or do you like being my passenger princess?”
My cheeks burn, and he smirks. I haven’t minded being driven around. It’s not something I get very often.
“Awe, you like being my princess, don’t you?” He cups my cheek and gives it a pat. “You forgot your ball cap. I got a tiara you can wear if your head feels lonely.”
I fight the smile as much as I can, but can’t help it. “You’re ridiculous.”
“It’s part of my charm, obviously.”
Our stomachs growl again.
“So, I need food or I’m gonna get hangry. And you don’t wanna see me hangry.” Kay starts the car, and before I can answer, my phone rings.
“This is Dallas.”
It’s Hayden and I put the call on speaker.
“Uh, there’s something weird going on at the gym. I got here to drop off your truck, but someone posted a note on the door.”
“What kind of note?” Kay asks.
“Uh, a love note? There’s a vase with a blue rose. Does that mean anything to you, Dallas?”
“No.” I shake my head even though he can’t see me.
