Think of the money.
I know she ran away from home at seventeen so that explains the lack of belongings. What makes a kid want to disappear? Her work history is sketchy which suggests she either didn’t work or did cash in hand jobs. From then to now, she might as well have not existed. I’ve never had a case like it.
I place back the books and move into the kitchen area. On the side are a bunch of pink flowers. I’m no expert but they look pricey. Jealousy boils through me, hot and deep-seated. It can’t be a boyfriend—I would have known about one—but she’s a gorgeous girl, so there’s nothing to say she wouldn’t have plenty of admirers. I search through the roses and find a card buried under the buds. I want you. I snort. Welcome to my world.
Sheets rustle and I shove the card and flowers back. When I’m sure she’s not getting up, I continue my search. I’ve never met anyone with such little junk. I search her kitchen top to bottom but come up with nothing.
A stash of paperwork catches my eye on top of one of the mottled cream cabinets. Bingo. On tiptoes, I grab the small pile, throwing a glance over my shoulder. From where I am, I can see her sprawled. She’s kicked off the duvet and is lying face down. I turn away quickly before the temptation to stand and watch her kicks in. She’s wearing some kind of sleep shirt thing. If I’d have known there were bare legs under that green bedding, I might not have left her to sleep so easily. Out of tights or trousers, those legs are amazing.
The top letter is a college acceptance for a diploma from a two years ago. The info is limited. Nothing new. It’s odd though, the idea of her investing in her education. Why bother when you’re preparing to escape the country? Unless she’s not as smart as I’ve given her credit for and she’s planning to stick around. Surely she’s got to know her stepfather would come after her. Why else change her image and keep such a low profile? The next few are wage slips from the bar. She’s barely making anything. I’m guessing she lived off tips until she started her job at the bank.
I cast aside the pay slips and underneath is a tatty old envelope. A grin begs to break free. This looks important. A key to her past? A creak from behind me sends my pulse racing and I shove the papers back on top of the cabinet. By the time I’ve turned around to face the bedroom, Jess is standing in the doorway. I take in those endless legs and the pastel striped shirt that just touches the tops of her thighs. I’m staring and I can’t help myself. The shirt is held on by snaps. The lightest of tugs and the whole thing would be off. My jeans tighten and I drag my gaze up to her face.
She’s been sick and she’s part of a job. I shouldn’t be imagining running my tongue up and down those legs and sucking on her tight nipples, even though I can see them pressing against the cotton.
“You’re still here.” Surprise lights her sleep-tinged voice.
I shove my hands in my pockets. “Yeah, still here. Wanted to make sure you were okay. You didn’t sleep long.” I rock back on my heels and hope she can’t see my rock hard arousal.
“I’m okay. A little fuzzy but better. Guess the painkillers kicked in quick.”
“Good.”
Jess drags a hand through her tangled hair. “So…”
Crap I wish I’d thought further ahead. I still need to see that letter. I have to persuade her to let me stick around so I glance at my watch. “It’s nearly lunchtime. You want to get something to eat?”
I gulp as uncertainty flickers across her face. Why does it feel like more than a job is on the line here?
“I’m not sure I’m up to it,” Jess admits.
Of course she isn’t. Her skin is pale and she looks exhausted still. I’m a fucking idiot. “I’ll grab something then. You don’t have much in.” I thrust a thumb over my shoulder toward the fridge.
Colour blossoms on her cheeks. “Yeah, sorry. You must be hungry.”
Damn, now she’s apologizing? What is this woman about? “I’ll run around the corner and get something.”
“Oh no, you really don’t—”
“I do.” My tone broaches no argument and thankfully it works. She sags a little and nods. “I’ll be back in a few.”