Page 13 of Exposed

Matt’s arm protectively bands around my waist, and I don’t hate it. His nearness pushes out the troubling thoughts of my previous life. The one I’m not sure I’ll ever go back to.

This full night’s rest was divine. Usually, the few times I nod off, my three or four minute nap is punctuated by a recurring nightmare.

However, last night’s dream was different. The beginning was the same, but the ending changed. In my familiar nightmare, the cops never believe me. For the first time last night, they did. Not to mention, last night was the best rest I’ve had since my world turned upside down two months ago.

Speaking of which, I need money.

“What time is it?” I ask.

“Nine.”

I work at ten.

“You don’t strike me as someone who sleeps in,” I murmur.

“I didn’t. I’ve already worked out, showered and madebreakfast. I came back in here to check on you,” he responds.

“You what?” I turn around in his arms so I can see his face. In my entire life, no one has ever checked on me.

“Wanted to make sure you were okay,” he reiterates, nothing but sincerity in his blue gaze.

Gosh, he’s insanely hot. His neatly trimmed beard doesn’t hide his sharp jawline and his perfect cheekbones. His bright blue eyes search mine, and a lock of his dark blonde hair falls on his forehead.

Whoisthis guy? Letting strangers stay in his house, then checking on them. I’ve never met a man like him.

“Is this your small town upbringing?” I ask.

“Maybe. Or I just have an affinity for my house guest,” he winks at me.

“You’re such a flirt. I need to get ready for work,” I wriggle in his hold.

“Your catering job?” He asks, loosening his hold so I can get up.

“Yeah. A quinceanera.”

“I’ll warm up breakfast before you go,” he stands from the bed in his gray shorts and nothing else. The sight of his bare feet and torso makes my stomach flip. My stars, he is fine. Like ultra-fine.

“You can use my bathroom. It’s bigger,” he offers.

“Thanks, but it’s fine. I already have my stuff in your other one.”

Since I showered last night, it doesn’t take long for me to get ready. When I look in the mirror of the guest bathroom, I hardly recognize myself. My natural dark blonde hair is a dark brown color now. I’ve always had long hair,but I took the scissors to it a couple of months ago, and now it doesn’t even touch my shoulders.The bags under my eyes reveal how tired I am.

And I’m hungry, but I haven’t been eating enough. I’m trying to save money, and sometimes skipping meals means faster saving.

I miss makeup, but I’m not wasting hard earned cash on that right now. I wash my face with cold water, pinch my cheeks for a little color and call it good.

We have to wear our hair up at work, but mine is hardly long enough for a braid anymore. Noticing my light roots are showing, I make a mental note to buy a box of hair dye after work. I comb and pull my locks into a ponytail, then put on my work uniform.

I bought three of them, and I have to go to the laundromat today after I’m done working.

My eyes take in the beautiful photography on the walls again as I pad down the hallway on plushcarpet. One is of a sparkling waterfall nestled in between huge black rocks, and another is a sunset over glittering ocean waves. Matt’s house seems magical compared to where I grew up.

When I walk into the kitchen, I stop short with the smell of freshly cooked bacon and eggs. Matt’s small table is set for two, the window next to it open to let the ocean breeze in.

“Pepper,” Matt calls, and my eyes snap to his.

“What?” I ask.

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