Page 20 of In Spades

“Used to?” I immediately cringed, wishing I could backpedal. “Sorry, that’s none of my business.”

He smiled kindly and waved it off. “I used to work for a big tech company that did defense contracting. I saw the amount of money the government and other companies were willing to pay people with my particular set of skills and decided to go into business for myself.”

I couldn’t help but giggle. “Is that just a cover? Are you actually an undercover CIA agent? Is your name Liam Neeson?”

“I’d tell you, but then I’d have to kill you.” He winked.

I tossed my head back and laughed as I shimmied the pillows out of their cases.

“Can I ask you something now?”

“Go for it,” I said, tossing the old pillowcases on the pile of bedding that needed to be laundered.

“How old are you?”

I stared down at the folded sheet in my hand. “Twenty-five.”

Will’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. He leaned back in the chair and nodded thoughtfully. “Head of housekeeping at twenty-five is impressive. How long have you worked here?”

“Five years.” I quickly changed the sheets and rearranged the pillows. “I think I just work more hours than anyone else. They kind of had to give it to me after the last girl left.”

“I doubt that, Kristin,” he countered. “You’re efficient, friendly, and observant. I can’t think of anyone more suited for the job.”

The sound of my name on his lips caused heat to flood my cheeks. My green uniform pants mixed with my red blush probably made me look like a Christmas tree.

“Thank you, Mr. Solomon.”

“Do you like your job?”

I nodded as I waddled out to the hallway with an armful of sheets. “I do.”

When I walked back into the room to inspect the minibar, he cocked his head to the side. “But?”

I plastered on a customer service smile. “That’s it. I enjoy my job.” I yanked the curtains back and doused the French doors with foaming glass cleaner.

Will narrowed his gaze as if he doubted me. “Did you go to college?”

“Yes.”

“What for?”

“Business administration,” I said flatly, barely concealing a sigh as I strangled the cleaning cloth. Reminders of the life my parents stole from me had never gotten easier. I directed my frustration at the window I was scrubbing, hoping he would change the topic.

“What do you want to do with your degree?”

I loaded my supplies onto the cleaning cart. “That’ll have to be a conversation for another day.”

Will sauntered over to the door with his hands in his pockets. “Didn’t mean to overstep.”

“Sorry,” I said, softening my voice. I pulled my lip between my teeth, tilting my head to meet his gaze. “It’s kind of a sore spot for me.”

“If it counts for anything,” Will said, laying his hand on my upper arm. “I think you’d be excellent doing whatever you’ve got your heart set on.”

Surviving.

“Thank you, Mr. Solomon,” I said with a nod, swallowing the lump in my throat. “Have a lovely day.”

I pulled the door closed and slumped against the cleaning cart.

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