Page 10 of The Darkest Knight

A small part of her wanted to roll her eyes at his condition, but the other part of her, the one that liked to eat and have shelter, knew this wasn’t something she could turn down. The bigger factor was that he was putting up all the financial backing and he had the business shrewdness that she did not. “Fine.”

“Also, if I agree, and I did say ‘if’, you would need to stay here. The brains of the project must be available. Luckily, the guest cabin is livable.”

“You’re wanting me to stay here? To rent a cabin?”

One corner of his mouth lifted. “No, I want you to live in the cabin as a fringe benefit.”

Again, she was up against the wall. Without the capability of driving or owning a car, she was sort of stuck. “Okay, but you haven’t waited for me to tell you how much.”

He smiled and, yes, just as she’d earlier thought, it was quite amazing. It certainly warmed up his otherwise harsh expression. He became an entirely different man when he talked business. “You see, I can about guess what you’d be asking, but I have my own number in mind, maybe a little more than you would ask. You see, did you figure in a salary for yourself, Ms…Reese?”

She clasped her hands together. “No, I did not. That would be considered a luxury that I didn’t think I could afford.”

“First lesson in business, everyone’s time is worth money. Sell yourself short and everyone else will too.”

She nodded. “Okay.”

“Did you stay in a local hotel last night? Do we need to pick up any of your belongings?”

“I-I’m afraid everything I own is with me. I flew in this morning from Chicago.”

“Just as I thought.” He stood, and she had the urgency to follow, so she did. “The cabin where you’ll be staying is nothing luxurious, but it’s decent. You can stay there. If I agree to go further with this project, it’ll be yours.”

Reese chewed on her bottom lip. “Are you sure?”

“About the cabin?” She nodded. “Yes, I’m sure. Is there a problem?”

“No, not at all.”

“I wouldn’t think so considering you came prepared.” He looked at the suitcase.

“Since I don’t have a car, I’m afraid I have to carry everything with me.”

“Do you have someone who is expecting you to return?”

“No. Those who matter and would be worried, I’ve told them where I am. The list isn’t long.” She cleared her throat, not sure if that answered his question.

“Then I’ll drive you over.” He whistled through his teeth and Spike shot up from the rug, shook out his body, and rushed to the door.

She followed Seth to the red, beat up truck, watched him pull down the tailgate, and he commanded Spike to climb in. Once Seth was behind the steering wheel, the cab seemed a lot smaller. Although Abby sat between him and Reese, she caught a scent of his Irish Spring soap. She liked it. Probably a little too much.

Even after Seth had left her alone at the cabin, making a quick getaway, his scent still lingered in her nostrils.

He’d excused himself saying that he had errands to take care of, leaving her to explore the cabin alone, which was rustic and very comfortable. Actually, it was nicer than her rundown apartment back home. The livingroom had a couch and chair that weren’t too worn. A fireplace with cut wood stacked next to the hearth. The kitchen was small, but had everything she could ever want, at least since it was only temporary for now. The bathroom, also small, had a stand-up shower, sink, and toilet.

The best thing about the place was that it was free. She didn’t like taking handouts, and if Seth wasn’t a millionaire, she would have offered him a little money, even though she didn’t have much. Since she arrived back from Iraq, money had been an issue.

Seth certainly didn’t live as she suspected most tycoons did. His cabin, although decorated nicely, wasn’t luxurious by a long shot.

She wasn’t sure if he would agree with taking on the project, but for now, all she could do was hope. Would he see her project as a positive change? Honestly, this was her last chance.

With no insurance coverage, no savings, and a dump rental, she wanted change too. Leaving her broken relationship last year wasn’t enough change. Still now, each time she remembered how she’d almost killed him made goosebumps scatter her flesh. He had been away on business and had flown home unexpectedly, wanting to surprise her. Sneaking into their bedroom, he had crawled into bed with her. She’d come out of a nightmare, felt someone beside her and instinctively reached for her gun that was under her pillow each night. She had the barrel pointed at him until she’d come fully awake. She wasn’t sure who was scared more. Brandon, because he’d never been in a situation like that before, or her, because she’d almost hurt someone she cared for. Two days later, she’d packed her belongings and left, finding a cheap apartment. As far as she was concerned, a relationship wasn’t an option, at least not for now.

Opening her suitcase, she picked out dry clothing. She couldn’t wait to get out of her damp clothes, and a long hot shower sounded like heaven. And Seth was a great host. She found fresh towels in the closet and a variety of toiletries under the sink. She wasn’t much into masculine scented shampoo and conditioner, but she didn’t feel like she was in the position to complain, especially when she knew things could be worse. While she was deployed, she used a bar of soap to wash everything.

The water was perfect as she climbed in and stood there for a long time, allowing the warmth and the steam to ease the tension. Fifteen minutes later, she was dressed and drying her hair with a hair dryer she found in the cabinet. It was still damp when she heard pounding on the door. Stepping across the room, she pulled back the thin curtain on the door’s window and found Seth standing on the stoop, his broad back toward her. Her stomach fluttered as she hadn’t expected to see him so soon.

Opening the door, he turned and held up a small brown bag in one hand and a plastic bag in the other. “I made you a sandwich. Thought you could use something to eat. I also brought a bag of dog food. I didn’t think you probably had Abby’s food in that suitcase.”

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