Page 27 of In Spades

But here I was, cleaning away. Rich would throw a tantrum if he knew I was laundering a guest’s sheets every single day.

What Rich didn’t know wouldn’t kill him. On second thought, maybe I should tell him.

Cleaning Will’s room gave me something to look forward to. For forty-two minutes a day, I got to have an adult conversation that didn’t focus on all the shit swirling around my life like a tornado of unfortunate events. It was nice to have someone who had no clue about what was going on at home.

I found myself rushing through all the rooms before him and dragging my feet through all the rooms after.

Plus, I couldn’t remember a time when I’d laughed so much. I had always thought that a dry sense of humor and a killer deadpan were two of the sexiest qualities a man could have. Well, that and a nice ass.

Will had all three.

When we ran into each other at Jokers during girls’ night and played a round of pool, he won.

The date wager was a coin-flip scenario.

I meant it when I told Hannah Jane that I simply enjoyed the attention and wanted nothing more. But when Will pinned me between the pool table and his broad chest, it was like tossing a quarter in the air.

I knew in my heart which side I wanted it to land on.

I also knew I couldn’t let that outcome happen.

Will didn’t let it go.

“So, when are you gonna let me take you on a date?” he asked, typing away on his laptop. He was sitting out on the chaise lounge. The balcony doors were propped open, letting the sea breeze blow in.

It was night and day compared to the first time I had come to clean the room. He wasn’t hunched over his laptop in the dark with noise cancelling headphones and bags under his eyes. He sat outside and worked casually in the sunlight and fresh air while I tidied up inside.

Not that the room needed it.

He was the type of guest who made his bed every morning, left used towels in a neat pile, and kept trash to a minimum.

Every day since he won that pool game, Will asked me the same question.

So, when are you going to let me take you on a date? His question echoed in my mind. Every time he asked, I laughed it off and made something up about not having a day off.

But I did have a day off coming up.

Going on a date would’ve been fun. It had been a long time since I’d gotten dressed up for something other than hanging out with friends.

I loved girls’ night, but it was more fun for Maddie, Erica, Hannah Jane, and Bridget. They had men waiting for them at home when the night was over.

But what could I have said to Will?

Sure, you can come pick me up from my shitty trailer.

Dinner? Sounds great! I can’t stay out too late, though, because I have four kids that I’m responsible for.

Why did I drop out of college? Great question! When I found out my parents funded my tuition with drug money, dropping out seemed like the right move. Besides, when it comes to paying for classes or keeping the lights on, the choice is pretty easy.

“I can hear you thinking over there, Kris,” Will called from the balcony.

I brought the duster to a halt. “Sorry, did you ask me something?”

Will chuckled and closed his laptop. “Only the same question you avoid every day. You keep turning me down, and I’m starting to take it personally.”

“Sorry, I’m just a little distracted today.” I laughed nervously and finished dusting the ledge that held the coffee maker. He’d already gone through the entire bag of coffee grounds I picked up from Queen’s. Good thing I stashed a fresh bag in my cart for him.

“You know,” he began, moving inside. He set his laptop on the freshly made bed. “I’m a pretty good listener.”

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