Page 14 of Miss Understanding

“Yes, and a scarf and some ear thingies. All are basic black, thank God.”

We got on the freeway in silence until I asked the question: “You really brought all of the case files?”

“Yep. All fifty pounds of them.”

The suitcase had seemed rather heavy when I’d lifted it up into the truck. Once again I kicked myself for not communicating better about which folders I’d needed. “What about a scanner and printer? The hotel has one?”

“It says it does. Also wireless internet.”

“Good. I realize it’s been a long day, but I have a document I need some edits done on once we arrive.”

“Tonight?”

“You’ll get the overtime.” I fought the guilt about making her work as soon as we arrived. But in my defense, it was in fact a workday, and we’d spent most of it traveling. I had at least a dozen more documents to go through. Every minute counted. That was one of the reasons I’d brought her with me.

If I wasn’t mistaken, she was rolling her eyes in the darkened cab of the truck. “I figured you’d want to go over to your mother’s house once we arrived.”

“You figured wrong. Tomorrow is soon enough.”

She gave me a side-eye full of judgment. Again, I could’ve explained how I wasn’t affected by my father’s death the way most sons would be, but I chose to stay quiet. It wasn’t her business.

“Are there any restaurants in your town?”

She’d barely touched her lunch on the plane. Now I wondered if it was because she’d been anxious about flying. “Why? Are you hungry?”

“I’m okay for now, but I will be.”

I would be, too. “I think there’s a McDonald’s and Hardees if you want fast food. But I’m not sure. It’s been awhile since I’ve been home.” Like over a decade.

“When was the last time?”

“Why does it matter?” I regretted my harsh tone as soon as the words left my mouth.

She simply sighed and gazed out the window, deciding to ignore me.

I didn’t like speaking about my past. And I sure as hell didn’t want to do so with my assistant, a girl I had already vowed not to get involved with. The fact I’d already touched her panties, was taking her to my hometown, and was therefore involving her in my personal business wasn’t sitting well. Perhaps it had been a mistake to bring her after all.

Two hours later as she guided me to our lodging, I absolutely knew it had been a mistake.

Chapter Nine

Kendall

My temper was simmering. I’d asked an innocent question about the last time he’d been home and he’d reminded me there was no off duty for his asshole-ness. And to think we’d established some sort of human interaction when he’d helped me with my bags and laughed out loud at my ridiculous coat. Foolishly, I’d thought I was witnessing a glimmer of a different side to him. Let it be a lesson. Once a dick, always a dick. No matter how cute of a package it was part of.

I’d be lucky if I didn’t murder my boss by the end of the week. Then again, I looked terrible in orange and was certain I wouldn’t like prison. Such a shame.

The navigation on my phone took us into town, four blocks off of Main Street to the two-story house I’d rented through Airbnb. I’d texted the owner we were on our way, so she was there on the front porch to greet us.

“What is this?” Liam asked, once we pulled into the narrow driveway in front of the house.

“Where we’ll be staying. Let me jump out and get the keys from Shirley.” Easier said than done because my coat restricted my movement, even when unsnapped. But I managed to somewhat roll out. The moment I was outside of the warm truck, the cold took my breath away. Jesus. How did people live in this type of weather?

“Hey there. I’m Shirley. You must be Kendall,” the older woman greeted. She was about my mom’s age, completely bundled up in a cute black coat with a matching hat and boots. Evidently cold weather could produce fashion. Just not for me.

“I am. Thanks for meeting us. We ran a bit later than we thought we would.”

“It’s no problem. I hope you and your boyfriend will be comfortable here for the week.”