Page 78 of The Lair

“That’s all really good.” There’s a but coming. I feel it in my bones. “But I’m worried that living with your boss could compromise your position at the bar.”

It’s a reasonable concern to have—and one that has crossed my mind before—but I say, “This is only temporary. And Travis… he’s not the most social person, so I rarely see him athome anyway. We don’t argue about laundry or dirty dishes or anything like that.”

She doesn’t sound too convinced. “Well, as long as you can keep your professional relationship separate, I suppose it will be fine.”

“It will.” And this time, I’m confident it’s not wishful thinking. It’s about time my life starts looking up. “I’m going to make dinner. We’ll talk soon, okay?”

“Okay, honey. We love you, and please take care. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“All right. I love you too.”

There’s no denying that Jada is worried—and I get why—but I also appreciate how much genuine trust she puts in me and my decisions. And it’s that reminder that gets me through the rest of the afternoon as I put away some clean laundry and make two pizzas for dinner.

Some time later, the front door opens, then slams closed, and my boss walks in.

“Allie?” he calls out. When he comes into view, his frown is as deep as it can get. “What are you doing?”

All right, I’ll give it to him—it’s the first time he comes home, and he sees me sitting on his kitchen floor, watching the oven.

“Chilling.”

He doesn’t look amused.

“What are you doing?” he repeats, even though I’ve already answered his question.

“I’m making pizzas for dinner. There’s one for you if you want.”

Travis ignores that, his imposing body looming above mine, looking even bigger when he puts his hands on his hips. “Get up. You’ll catch a cold sitting there.”

“I’ll be fine.” I give him a small smile, hoping to get one in return or—at the very least—a frownless expression. I get neither. “I’m watching them, so they don’t get burned.”

“They won’t,” he grunts. “Get up.”

Travis holds out a hand in my direction. “Come on.”

I try not to overthink it too much as I slide my much-smaller palm into his.

Once I’m on my feet, I let go of his hand before he does it himself and makes my heart do one of those uncomfortable drops.

“Dinner should be ready in ten. Are you hungry?”

I’ll take his grunt as a yes. “You didn’t have to cook for me.”

“And you didn’t have to offer me a room here, but alas. It’s not like I’m being forced to do it, boss man. I’m doing it because I want to. I love cooking. It’s relaxing.”

“Don’t call me that.”

“Don’t call you what? Boss man?”

“We’re not at work.”

I shrug. “Fair enough.”

I watch as he takes his winter jacket off, his biceps flexing with the motion. “I’m gonna get changed.”

He disappears down the hallway without another word, and I take a moment to breathe. In and out, and again.

Travis is his own person, and I like him just the way he is. Grumpy edges and all. I shouldn’t expect him to do a one-eighty just because I’m now living here.

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