Page 42 of The Innovator

“Let me.” I used the opportunity to dig into what appeared like the cosmic depths of the universe. I pulled out a hammer that gleamed like new. “Why is this in your purse?”

“I was doing some handiwork and forgot to put it back,” she said without blinking.

I knew it was a lie, but I’d play along because whatever she was doing at The Prism was more than searching for the owner. Either that or my buttercup had a side job I didn’t know about.

“Okay.” I dropped the hammer back into her purse. “Can I hire you to adjust my kitchen cabinet doors?”

“You can’t afford me,” she said and told me her address.

Laughing, I drove her Mercedes SUV into the garage of my luxury apartment building. How could she afford the car and the apartment as a city employee? Administrative assistants didn’t make enough to pay for this luxury.

Was she a trust fund kid? If so, why would she work there? She should hang with the other trust fund kids. When I spotted her in the bookstore, she’d dressed up like a socialite. But right now, in her casual work clothes, she blended in with the regular crowd.

“You really didn’t have to take me home. I’ve driven with a sprained ankle before.”

“Bad idea.”

She shrugged. “Sometimes you have to do what’s necessary.”

“Well, as your landlord, I need to ensure you’re well enough to work so you can pay the monthly lease.”

She whipped a surprised look at me. “Youownthe building?”

“You have a problem with that?”

“No.” Thoughts swirled in her eyes. “You have questions for me. I see them on your face.”

“I do, but I won’t ask them. I have faith you’ll tell me when you’re ready.”

She twisted her lips. “You suspect me.”

“Because you’re acting suspicious.”

“I’m not.” She lied. “I think you’re untrusting in general.”

That comment lifted a bandage covering my wound, exposing something she didn’t even know. “When you’ve experienced a gut-wrenching betrayal, it’s hard to trust again.”

She looked at me, swallowed, and nodded. Silence filled the car, and we both let it be because anything else would be too much for the moment.

When we parked in the garage, she asked, “What’s going to happen to your car? How are you going to get back home?”

“Don’t worry about me. I’ll have my assistant retrieve the car and bring it back to my home. Someone will give me a ride back, but thank you for your concern.”

Once inside her apartment, I said, “You should take a few days off to heal that ankle.

“I already plan to.” She settled on the gray couch and examined her ankle, which wasn’t swollen. “Do you want anything to drink? Help yourself to the refrigerator.”

“Thanks. Would you like me to get you anything?”

“No, thanks.”

“Okay, then I’ll give myself a tour of your apartment.”

“I thought you owned this building. You should already know the layout.” Impatience splashed across her face.

“I do, but I want to see how you’ve decorated it. Is there some handiwork I need to check on in here?” My lips curled into a smirk from the way her eyes held mine. “Is there something you don’t want me to see?”

“I have nothing to hide.”

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