Page 17 of Darlin'

"Mhmm," Jesse hums, no longer in a playful mood as he heads to the foyer and grabs a leather vest off the coat rack. "I'm gonna head out for the day. Don't burn the place down while I'm gone, yeah?" He nods toward the kitchen. "There are some Chinese leftovers in the fridge if you get hungry." He gives me a knowing smirk. "Or cereal."

"Uh—" Carbs on carbs on carbs. I mentally calculate how much cash I have left in my wallet. "Is there a grocery store around here?"

Jesse's brow perks up. "Thought you said you have no money."

"I have enough for an apple," I say, flicking my nails. "And maybe some fixings for a small salad. You know...somethinghealthy."

Jesse blinks. "I'm sure you'll find something in the fridge that fits your rabbit diet."

"Simply because I don't want to consume processed sugar or MSG doesn't make me a rabbit," I state with a huff.

"No, it just makes you incredibly difficult." Jesse sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I'll pick something up for you on my way home tonight, okay? In the meantime, a couple of bites ofhuman foodwon't kill you."

"Not immediately, at least," I groan. If Momma knew I was eating sugary cereal, she'd have my head on a spike. "Just leave me a set of keys. I'll look up directions to the store."

"Can't. Only got one set." Looping his arms through the vest, Jesse hikes the collar and grabs his keys from a metal bowl on the console table. He tosses me a smug side-eye. "Plus, you're not allowed to leave the house."

"What?" I ask, taken aback. "I'm not allowed toleave? Says who?"

"El Presidente," Jesse says, a hint of bitter resentment in his tone as he opens the front door. His features harden as he looks back at me. "Don't leave."

"What is this? Thornfield Hall?" I glower at him. "You gonna lock me in my room?"

"If you leave while I'm out, then yes, I guess I'm gonnahave to." He snorts, running a hand through his hair. "Thornfield Hall, huh? Funny."

"Why's that funny?" I ask, scowling. "Is imprisoning someone funny to you?"

"It's just fitting." Jesse's amused gaze floats across my scrunched-up face. "You're definitely a Bertha."

I tilt my head, impressed the man knows his literature yet equally offended he'd compare me to a violent, neurotic housewife from the 1800s.

"I amnota Bertha.” I hold my head up high. "If anything, I'm a Jane."

"Yeah." He chuckles, twirling his car keys around his index finger. "JaneAir-head." My jaw drops to the deepest corners of hell, and he has the audacity to laugh at me. "Enjoy your castle,Bertha."

Jesse's not a smart man, I'll tell you that. Now that Beau has stepped in to ensure that I cannot be evicted from this temporary nightmare of a living situation, my need to pander and play nice to my host is virtually non-existent.

You want Bertha, Jesse Paxton? I can give you Bertha.

"Oh, don't worry," I call out, smirking at Jesse as he struts toward his truck. "I plan on making myselfrightat home."

CHAPTER 6

Good Vibes Only

"Savannah!"Jesse yells, his stomping footsteps jerking my body off the bed.He’s finally home."Come out here, rightfuckingnow!"

I smile like the dang Cheshire Cat as I check the clock on the side table and peel the Vitamin C sheet mask off my face. It's eleven at night. Better late than never, I suppose. I was worried I'd fall asleep before he got home and saw the wonderfully amazing upgrades I made to his living quarters.

He's been gone all day. It wasn't wise to leave me alone for fourteen hours with no wi-fi password, a finicky cable box, and no freaking food. And with the sun blocked off by dreaded clouds, what's a bored gal to do other than redecorate?

"Savannah!" Jesse pounds his ‌fist against my bedroom door three times, each bang louder and more aggressive than the last. Oh, he's mad. Perfect. "Open the door."

Stifling a melody of devious giggles, I unlock thedoor and pop my head out, givingMr. Rochestera combative smile. "Yes? Can I help you?"

"What the fuck did you do to my house?" he asks, fuming.

I blink. "What?"

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