Page 49 of Full Contact

I considered the day and realized I usually knew what time company was leaving before I let them in.

I hadn’t asked Mark yet.

Chapter eight

Mark

The leftovers filled four containers and most of a refrigerator shelf. I handed them to Trier one at a time while he made room, moving a jar of mustard to the door shelf.

“I ordered too much rice,” I said.

“You ordered enough.”

“For four people.”

“Or two people twice.” He took the last container from me. “You’re getting it.”

Peaches had come back to the kitchen while we worked and eaten again. Trier marked the amount on the sheet without making anything of it.

With the dishes done and the cat accounted for, the day caught up with me all at once. I’d been focused on the next task since one a.m. There were no tasks left, and my adrenaline dipped.

We sat on the couch. I’d ended up at the lamp end again. I reached up and rubbed the back of my neck.

“Neck bothering you?” Trier asked. “You were folded sideways when I got home.”

“A little. I sleep better with a flatter pillow.”

Trier told me which of the two curries he thought was better. I preferred the green, and he disagreed. He reached for the menu as though the description would change my mind.

By nine, my body ached for a night in my own bed. Trier needed sleep before Friday’s recheck, and he’d had less of it than I had. It was time to go.

I collected my shoes from under the coffee table and put them on. Trier walked me to the door, and we stopped there.

“Friday,” he said. “After the appointment. I’ve got practice until four.”

“I’ve got meetings until five.”

“Seven, then.”

“That works.”

“My place,” Trier suggested. “I’ll handle the food.”

“Should I be worried about the menu?”

“No. I’ll order enough for leftovers.”

I was reaching for the door when he touched my jaw and kissed me. His thumb rested below my ear, and he took his time. I turned toward him and slid a hand around his waist.

“Go home,” Trier said. “Sleep.”

“That’s the plan.”

“Text me when you’re in.”

“Reporting requirements already.” I grinned.

“I run a tight operation.”