Page 384 of Hate Mates

Istill wasn’t comfortable or even used to staying here, but I had to admit, it was a lot nicer than the hotel. The evenings were easy for the most part, I tried to keep to myself as much as possible, and stay out of Jason’s way.

I walked downstairs and right into his study where he was already set up with two cups of coffee.

“What’s this?” I questioned.

“Coffee, you know, that thing you drink in the mornings.”

“Yes, I got that much, just you never made my coffee before. How do you know that’s how I take it?”

“I guessed, or maybe I’ve seen you make your coffee for the past two weeks and I just remembered. Either way, a simple thank you would work,” he huffed.

“Thank you, you didn’t have to but thank you.”

“You’re welcome. I know we are leaving in a couple of days for the first convention and I just wanted to make sure we were completely set up with everything we needed.”

I nodded, “I have photos for people to choose from, I picked those up the other day. Markers are packed and ready to go. All you have to do is pack your suitcase, and we will be good. Maxwill be here early that morning so we can get to the airport on time. I’m big on being early, so don’t sleep in.”

“I don’t plan on it, but thanks. And you are ready for this type of trip?”

“Do I have a choice? It was my idea after all.”

“True. Alright, well then I have a few things to do today, Max will be driving me so you’ll have the house to yourself.”

“Okay,” I replied.

He slowly walked out of the room with his coffee in his hand.

I could feel him glancing at me as he left.

I sighed and let my shoulders sink a little. It was strange being here by myself, but for the first time in weeks it was nice to actuallybeby myself.

I dialed Eden’s number.

“Hey! How have you been? I feel like we haven’t talked in ages. How was the event?”

“It was good. Interesting. I moved out of the hotel.”

“Finally! You found a place! Alright, shoot me the details so I can help you get some stuff to fill it up.”

“Well, Eden, no. Not yet. See Jason he kinda had a meltdown when he saw where I lived the night of the event. And he had Max move me into his guest suite.”

She choked on what I hoped was just air.

“I’m sorry, you arelivingwith Jason Baxter? You moved in with your boss? Are you sleeping with him?”

“What? Eden! No. Gosh no. It’s just until I find a suitable place, and I will. I just need to actually find a place.”

“So, until then you get to live with that hunk? Lucky. I wish they would have given me the Jason Baxter assignment.”

I laughed, “it’s not all sunshine and roses you know. He’s a dick. I barely see him unless we are working in the study. Other than that, I tend to stick to my suite, or I sit outside on the balcony for some fresh air.”

“Do you think anything will happen?”

“Like what? I jump his bones? Not a chance.”

“Don’t say never, it could happen. Hell, you two are going away together soon aren’t you?”

“For business.”

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