Page 95 of Two Guys, a Girl, and a Tripod

“Because I’m a slut too.” She grins a little too wide and squints. “Think we should reschedule our date tomorrow?”

“Fuck.” I completely forgot about axe throwing. “Yeah, I’ll call them in the morning. Send me your schedule for next week and I’ll get it taken care of.”

“Well, I don’t see anything wrong on the device,” Brody calls up before closing the door and rejoining us upstairs.

“I’ve got my laptop right here,” says Natalie, pulling it from the coffee table and logging in. She opens the website and pulls up the device before handing the laptop to Brody.

He takes it and resumes his seat on the couch.

“If the actual camera is ok, then what do you think the problem is?” I ask.

“Could just be a bug. Maybe an issue with the last update. I haven’t heard about any problems with this specific service, but you never know.”

He types and clicks around as if he knows exactly what he’s doing. I remind myself that I don’t really know much about his job. Hell, I barely knowhim.

He frowns and his clicking and tapping slows.

“I don’t really see anything wrong here.” He licks his lips and looks between Natalie and me. “I can do some digging at home. I have some programs that may give me a better idea of what happened.” He clenches his jaw before speaking again. “Would you two want to stay with me for a couple days? Just until the lock can be fixed.”

“I don’t know,” says Natalie.

“I’m sure it feels weird to leave when you can’t even lock up your things, but you might be safer.”

“I’ll be ok, but Sophie, maybe?” She looks at me. “I’ll be fine. I’ll sleep in the office downstairs if I have to.” That room has a separate lock on the door leading to the patio and the one leading into the garage. If we can’t lock the front door, that’s the only other secure place in the townhouse.

“Nat, I-”

“It’s fine. I have my tea, I have Netflix. I’m all good now.”

My lips form a tight line as I study her. Either she’s a better actress than I gave her credit for or she really is ok. Must be all that feminine rage she channels for her domination sessions. She knows Caleb doesn’t care about her. If itwasCaleb tonight. I find myself hoping so. Otherwise, we might have even bigger problems than an obsessive, abusive ex.

“Yeah.” I sigh and turn back to Brody. “Yeah, that might be a good idea.”

23

Brody

I don’t like that Natalie turned down my offer. I just met her, but Sophie cares about her, so I care about her. I don’t like that she can’t lock her front door, even if it’s just overnight, but she wouldn’t be swayed.

I carry Sophie’s bag into the house. It feels so bizarre to think about the fact that, just a couple hours ago, Sophie and I were right here in the kitchen, having two more firsts together. I suppose we’re about to have another one since she agreed to spend at least one night with me, though I’d prefer it to be under different circumstances.

Setting the bag by the counter, I turn to see Sophie looking around the house as if she’s seeing the mostly bare walls for the first time.

“Can I get you anything?”

“No, I’m ok.” Her eyes drift to me, but they don’t seem to focus.

I close the distance between us slowly, allowing Sophie the chance to step away or stop me. She does neither, instead allowing me to come within inches of her. It forces her to crane her neck to meet my gaze. I reach up to run my fingers through her hair, combing it back and off of her neck. Sophie leans into my touch, closing her eyes and breathing deep as she fits her cheek into my palm.

“I’m ok,” she repeats, sounding more like she’s trying to convince herself than me.

“Natalie didn’t seem that worried.” I tread carefully, not wanting to sound accusatory. “Is there something I should know before I look a little deeper?”

Sophie’s eyes snap open and I can see the answer there. Yes, there’s more, but she doesn’t know if she can trust me.

“Brody, I’m just scared,” she whispers.

Fuck, are those tears? Her brown eyes swim with them, but she clearly doesn’t want them to spill over. I lean down to kiss her.

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