Page 7 of Haden

Unless he’s planning on having her join him later…

The idea makes me shudder inside.

He’s still looking at me, an eyebrow lifted, reminding me he asked me a question.

“Oh, my room. Right. Sure. But I’m warning you. I’m not tidy. I probably left it a mess.”

He smirks. “Why am I not surprised?”

It’s my turn to narrow my gaze. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

He shrugs. “You’re a bit of a jitterbug. Full of energy. I don’t picture you being tidy. I bet your dorm room was a hot mess, but you knew exactly where your chemistry notes were. Probably on a yellow napkin tucked under a plant that needed water.”

It’s impossible not to spin to the side and give him a playful shove. “That’s so specific.” I’m unnerved. For one thing, I’m stunned that he’s so spot-on. For another thing, I had no idea the man paid so much attention to me.

“I’ll have you know the napkins were off-white because that’s what they had in the cafeteria, and I only used them when I suddenly needed to jot something down that I needed to remember.”

He chuckles, the sound vibrating through me again. This time I’m touching him. I didn’t lower my hands after I pushed his arm. “But I was right about the plant?”

I roll my eyes. “Yes, but I never took chemistry.” I stick my tongue out at him and stomp off down the hall. This is the most I’ve ever engaged with him. In the past, when he was around, there were always other people with us. Both my brothers, for one thing. Sometimes, other friends of theirs. I’ve never been alone with Haden like this.

When I reach my room, I take a deep breath. I honestly have no idea what state I left it in. The thought that Haden might see it at some point never entered my mind.

Here goes nothing…

I cringe as soon as I open the door and then rush forward to gather up the clothes that are strewn on the floor, including my bras and panties. My face heats as I try to minimize the chaos.

“Interesting…” Haden comments as he barges in behind me.

I groan and continue snatching clothes before carrying them all to the attached bathroom and stuffing them in the hamper. Why didn’t I just put them in there in the first place? It’s never a priority. I usually make a sweep through and pick up my clothes from the floor when I decide to do laundry.

My bed is unmade, too. It’s kind of hard to insist I’m not a child, considering all evidence leads to the contrary—including my hot-pink bedding—but Haden doesn’t point that out.

He wanders to the window and fiddles with the latch. “Have you tried to open this?”

“No.” After tugging my comforter up over my bunched-up sheets, I join him. I’m frazzled.

Haden tries to lift the window to no avail before dragging a finger along the frame. “I think it’s painted shut. Probably has been for a long time. I wonder if all the windows are like this.”

“Well, there are dozens of rooms in this monstrosity. You’re welcome to check them.” I don’t know why anyone would want that information. Seems boring to me. But I’m not the one who was hired to do renovations. Windows might fascinate Haden.

“Can I see the bathroom?” he asks, ignoring my comment.

I don’t bother to respond because he’s already walking in that direction.

Great. It’s messier in there than out here. Makeup. Hair products. More clothes… I’m a slob.

Haden makes no comment about my slovenliness. He simply moves a few things out of the way and turns on the faucet. He leans close to the vanity to watch the water running out. “How’s the hot water supply?”

“Uh, it’s fine. I assume there are several water heaters.”

He moves closer to the wall and rests his ear next to it as he closes his eyes.

It’s like I’m taking Sherlock Holmes on a tour of a crime scene. I’m surprised he doesn’t whip out a small notepad and an ink pen so he can take notes.

“Do these outlets work?” He points toward them when he finishes listening to the wall. I know he was trying to hear the pipes. They do make a lot of noise. I’m getting used to it.

“Yes.”