Page 6 of Sofa King Safe

“I knew it,” she hisses like she solved a case.“It’s about time you found something soft to warm your bed.”

“She’s not in my bed.”There’s a warning to my tone, but Macy doesn’t seem to value her life.

“Oh, I get it.Can’t close the deal.You know if you need advice on how to please a woman?—”

“I’ve been thinking it’s about time I revise the HR policy on workplace harassment.”I turn to Macy, and she waves me off like I made a funny joke.

“I’m just saying, my wife is averyhappy woman.It would be smart to take advantage of my expertise.”

“Do you know if we can order bleach for ears?”I pretend to squint at the computer screen like I’m searching for it.

“All right, all right.”Macy gives in.“Hannah and I just want you to be happy.She’s worried about you spending so much time alone.I think that’s why we were so excited when I told her you went over there for lunch.”

“Glad to know my comings and goings are such a hot topic with the two of you.”

“Okay, when you say it like that, it sounds gross.”

My eyes widen, and I shake my head.“That’s not what I meant.”It’s too late because Macy is already laughing at how uncomfortable I am.“Can’t a man find peace in his own store?”

“Apparently not today.”Macy goes back to messing with the drill to see if it can be repaired.

Meanwhile, I keep an eye on Clean Kitty until the light finally goes off.When it does, I practically jump over the counter in my rush to leave.

“Are you good to lock up?”I ask Macy while I grab my stuff.She was set to close this week, but I always like to make sure in case something comes up.

“I got you, Rhodes.Go get your girl.”

It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell her she’s not my girl, but I stop myself.If I play my cards right, she will be soon enough.I plan on doing everything I can to make it happen, but there was some truth to what Macy was saying.I do spend a lot of time alone, and I’ve never had a relationship.I’m not experienced when it comes to love, but I’m determined to make it happen.

By the time I make it across the street, I see Quinn is reaching for Boss, and I go inside.

“Ready to go?”I ask, and she beams at me.

“Sure am.Did you have a good day?”

The question might seem mundane, but it warms my heart.I’ve never had someone to come home to, so nobody has ever asked me that.

“I did,” I admit.“Oh, and before I forget, I ordered a lock for your door.Should be here tomorrow.I thought I had one that would work, but that’s an old door, and it needs to be custom fit.”

“Custom?”Her smile falls a little.“That usually means expensive.”

“I told you I’d take care of it.”She bites her bottom lip for a second, and I can see the hesitation in letting me do this for her.“If it makes you feel any better, it will be good practice for me.I haven’t done a lot of them, so it’s kind of like keeping up my skills.”It’s a lame excuse, but it’s the best I’ve got.

“Well, I guess in that case.”Her smile is back, and I grab her bags while she gets Boss loaded in the truck.

Once I help her up and then climb in the driver's side, the three of us head home.“I know we could have eaten in town, but I thought I’d make dinner while you get settled in.”

“You can fix locksandcook?”She shakes her head.“Boy, you really are going to have a hard time getting rid of me.”

“That’s the plan, sweetness,” I say, and her eyes widen.I could try and downplay the words, but I’ll let her do with them what she wants.“First, we’ll have to see if Boss approves.”

As if he’s been listening to our whole conversation, he meows at me, and I rub the top of his head.Quinn laughs, and I look over to see her watching us.

“I have a feeling he’s going to love it.”

ChapterFive

QUINN

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