Page 20 of Delicate Storm

“What?”

“The creepy guy. Are you looking for him?”

“No,” I lie, my eyes drifting back to hers, finding her bottom lip trapped between her teeth as she bites back a smile.

“Okay.” She nods. “My mistake. But ooooh… I almost forgot.” She does that finger gun motion as her smile widens. “I owe you a drink.”

“What?” I’m getting whiplash with the way this conversation is changing. “Why?”

“For helping me.”

“When did I help you?”

“On the plane, you came to my rescue with that jerk in my seat, and then again just now.”

“I didn’t—”

“Believe me, you did. So drink?”

Like always, the answer no pops into my head so fast you’d think I’d set it as a default response. But unlike other times, today my thoughts go to war.Why not have a drink? Isaac’s usually asleep by now and… Isaac…that’s why. My life is complicated enough and I’m playing catch-up. But it’s just a drink. Athank youdrink. Why am I making a big deal out of this? She might be one of those people that always needs to settle debts. I know I am. I hate the thought of owing people. But in this situation, that’s aherproblem, not ameproblem. Plus I do have food in my hands. No. It’s a no.

Decision made.

“I have to get this upstairs.” I subtly nod toward the elevator. “Maybe another time?”Maybe another time? What time? I barely have time to scratch myself.

“Another time it is. I’ll hold you to that. I’m sure we’ll run into each other around the building, since we both live here.” Her eyes widen while my brows furrow.Maybe I should have said yes and gotten it over with. It's too late now.

“I’m sure we will.”

“Iknewit!” Paige fists pumps the air and smiles brightly, confusing the hell out of me. “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“You weren’t going to tell me if you lived here or not, remember?”

Releasing an exasperated laugh, I shake my head. I wasn’t going to tellanyoneI lived here. It’s supposed to be short-term, but it’s now week four and I’ve yet to decide what the hell to do next. I want to find a house and give Isaac a solid base, but I don’t want to rush it. Right now, all my decisions are coming from a place of panic, and I can’t afford to put housing into that mix.

Paige stares at me in anticipation and my shoulders drop. “Well done,” I deadpan. “Great detective work. You win.”

She bites back a smirk and raises a single brow, trying not to laugh. “Was that a joke? Mr…”

“Window-Seat Guy.”

Her jaw drops before she bursts out laughing, and I can’t help but smile.Who the hell am I?

“Window-seat guy… I can’twaitfor that drink. You have layers. I like it.”

“Good to know.”

“Alright. I won’t keep you any longer. See you around.”

She lifts her hand in a wave as though she didn’tjusttell me some guy was stalking her and is expecting me to walk away. I’m not.

I fold my arms over my chest and stare at her, waiting for her to catch up.

“What’s going on right now?” she asks, pointing to my tense stance. “What are you doing?”

“I’m waiting.”

---