Page 18 of Tempt

Thank you.

Two words in big, tidy handwriting.

I open my suitcase and start to put my belongings on the bed.

Everything is beautifully decorated but it feels strangely impermanent, like I’m staying in a hotel. In the end, I leave them there and head down to the living room.

Homework time.

I don’t have my books, but I need to work on my psych topics project, and do some reading online.

I pull out my notebook computer. It looks wholly uninviting.

The couch, by contrast, is supremely comfortable.

This nannying gig is serious work.

I shift down so my head is on the pillow to search for more info on this group therapy thing. But when I flip open the computer lid, I don’t have the internet password.

Is Daniel the kind of guy who’d keep the standard one or change it?

Probably the former.

But just for fun, I take a few guesses.

Hotdad1234

Nope.

Bestsmileever

Also no.

My eyes drift closed.

Five minutes. I’ll study in five minutes.

6

DANIEL

“Kat?” I call under my breath when I step into the foyer.

The hall light is on, but inside, the house is quiet.

It’s been a long day of teaching, which I love, plus administration and department politics, which I don’t.

All I want is to be home, check on Andy, and go to bed.

I yank off my tie and set my bag by the door.

When I enter the main area, my attention drags to the kitchen.

Jesus.

There’s paint everywhere. The island, the counter…the floor.

I take a step to the side, nearly missing planting a sock foot in a puddle of purple paint.

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