Page 32 of Caged

“Really? That’d be great. I wasn’t expecting to replace an appliance so soon after moving. And of course, it’s the washing machine, so I have to pay for cleaning now, too.” I added a hint of hysteria to my voice. “I haven’t even unpacked yet.”

“It’s the least I can do for a new neighbor. What’d you say your name is?”

“Charlie.” I made like I’d shake his hand but the glass was in the way. “Charlie Bishop.” I chose my best friend’s first name and her soon-to-be last name.

“I’ll come around, Charlie,” he said getting up and walking to the door. Jaden was in the perfect position to see inside the office from where he pretended to read a poster.

“I’m Adam. Adam Parker,” he extended his hand. The watch on his right wrist was either the real deal, or doing agreat impression of a Rolex.Maybe he’s the owner?That would explain the overly generous discount.

“It’s nice to meet you. You have no idea how much I appreciate your generosity.” I left my ‘husband’ out of my answers, knowing it never hurt to play up the flirty female card.

“Here, let me take those.” He held his hand out for the clothes.

Openly flirting with my fake husband in the room wasn’t a good idea, but a few bashful glances might serve us well. A guy like Adam wouldn’t care about my marriage vows if he thought I’d sleep with him. I repressed my shiver and focused on the job.

I looked up at him through my eyelashes. “Thank you.”

“I’ll put these in the back and get you the customer form.”

“Okay, thanks.”

I walked over to Jaden and pointed at a flyer. Without moving my lips I whispered, “You get all that?”

He nodded, then said louder, “Let me snap a picture so we don’t have to take the flyer.”

“Ms. Bishop,” Adam called out, subtly ignoring my married status and confirming my suspicions.

I ignored Adam’s slip up, took the form, and asked, “Will cash be okay?”

He pointed to a metal sign above his window with a greasy smile.

Cash is King.

And a PI’s best friend. Or worst enemy, depending on who wasusing it.

I handed him the form, sans address and phone number, and a twenty.

“Can I pay the balance when I pick up my order?”

His sleazy smile widened. “Of course. I’ll have your clothes ready by five. It’s a pleasure doing business with you Ms. Bishop.”

“It’s Mrs.” Jaden half-growled as he walked over to stand beside me. Playing the jealous husband, he placed his left hand on my lower back and stuck out his right hand. “I’m Henry Bishop.”

“Right, my apologies. I use Miss as a general nicety.”

Sure you do.

“Oh, it’s okay. He gets grumpy when he’s hungry,” I said, patting Jaden’s rock hard abs.

Chapter 14

Jay

“Let’s check out the Chinese restaurant while we’re here,” I suggested while forcing myself not to react to Maxwell’s warm hand on my stomach. Even through my t-shirt, it sent a zing to all the wrong places. It didn’t help that her tight jeans showed off her perfect ass and her low-cut t-shirt did nothing to hide her impressive cleavage. Her shirt was almost the same shade of blue as her eyes, and accented her fiery red hair. She’d replaced her usual strict bun with a high ponytail that bounced as she walked.

It practically begged me to wrap it around my hands and pull her head back.Nope. Not going there.Maxwell might be hot, but she’d probably lecture me on my kissing form or some other stupid shit, killing any and all desire.

“Okay. Thank you again for all your help, Adam. I really appreciate it,” Maxwell said.

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