Page 27 of Delayed Penalty

“Says the guy feeding the seven-year-old donuts every morning.”

He makes a noise, and it’s the closest he’s come to a laugh yet. “I’m not very skilled in the kitchen either. Guess we’re alike in that department.”

“Is that going to be a requirement for the job?”

“I’ve gotten by without it, so I guess not. Besides, she’s not that hard to feed. She likes the basics like chicken nuggets and grilled cheese—that sort of stuff.”

“I could handle that. Speaking of the job…we haven’t really covered what all it entails.”

“Keep her alive.”

“Gee, why didn’t I think of that?” I roll my eyes. “I know that part. I mean, what are her school hours like? Is she allergic to anything? Do you have a schedule for her? What time does she go to bed? What are my hours? What’s my salary like?”

He tips his head to the side. “You’re asking questions like you’re so sure you got the job.”

I stand up straighter, ready to fight for it, and he laughs disdainfully.

“Relax. Assuming she’s alive tonight…” He gives mea look that saysShe fucking better be.I hold up my hand, letting him know I got his message loud and clear. “…then you’re hired. Flora clearly loves you, and that’s a win in my book.”

“And you?”

“DoIlove you? Moving kind of fast, aren’t you,Quinny?”

I narrow my eyes at the nickname. “I meant how doyoufeel about me working for you?”

He stares at me, his grayish-white gaze burning into me. I sip my coffee, praying he doesn’t notice my hands shaking under his stare.

“Well, you’re here, aren’t you?” is his answer.

He brings his water to his lips, chugging back half the bottle in one go, and I pretend I don’t pay any attention to how his throat bobs as he takes the long pull.

When he’s finished, he drags the back of his hand over his lips. “Hundred thousand.”

My breath catches in my throat because there isno wayhe just said what I think he did. “Excuse me?”

“You asked about your salary, right? A hundred thousand for the season.”

A hundred thousand?That’s… That’s… I don’t even have the words. I could get my car fixed and I meanreallyfixed. I could pay my credit cards off. I could buy groceries. And shoes. Oh my gosh,so manyshoes!

“Plus room and board, obviously,” he says.

Wait. Room and board? Is he saying…

“I’ll be living here?”

“Well, yeah. I’m going to be on the road a lot.”

Shit. I hadn’t thought of that, but now that he says it, it would make the most sense if I lived here instead of trekking back and forth. Which means I’m going to be living with Adam Hayes. I know he’ll be gone a lot, but what about when he’s not gone? Then what? We just…live together? I’m not sure I’m ready for that.

“Besides, aren’t you struggling to pay your rent anyway? Solves that issue.”

Oh. Right. I almost forgot about that part.

“I guess it does make sense,” I agree. “When…When would all this happen?”

“Well, I could give you half the money up front.”

I do my best not to let my jaw hit the floor.Half?That’s fifty grand for doing nothing!

---