Foster wiped a shaky hand down his face. “No, I’m having a bad morning and am grumpy.”
“Oh, what’s the problem?”
“My computer is acting up again.”
I just bet it is, you perverted fuck. “Does this happen often?”
“Yes, all the time.”
“Tell you what. I’ll put in for a new one for you.”
The guys started stuttering. “No, that’s okay. I’m used to this one.”
“But if it doesn’t work…”
“No, really. I’ve got Kinley here to help me.”
“I met her yesterday.” He took a few steps into the office. “Good morning, Kinley.”
Her head jerked around, and a look of relief and a smile brightened her face.
“Good morning, Eli.”
“Are you about done?”
She nodded and stood. “There you go, Foster.”
“Thank you so much, Kinley. You’re a lifesaver.”
Kinley came and stood close to Eli, which pleased him.
“You’re welcome.”
Eli tipped his head toward Foster as a farewell and then turned his attention to Kinley. “Are you able to come and set up my computer? I can wait if you’ve got something else to do.”
“No, I can come now.”
Without another word to Foster, Eli led Kinley out of the office and down the hallway to the elevator. He waited until they were on and the door closed before he asked her questions.
“Honey, does anything Foster does make you uncomfortable?”
He could tell right away the answer was yes, but she tried to hide her reaction.
She shook her head. “No, he’s always been nice to me.”
She was a horrible liar.
“Would you tell me if he does something that upsets you?”
She hesitated. “I guess. But I just started here, and I’ve been sheltered for many years, so things that might make me feel bad are the norm in today’s society.”
“Let me put it this way, honey. Anything a man or woman does that makes you feel creepy is wrong. I don’t care what society says. I’ll listen to you.”
“Oh…”
They stepped off the elevator, and he saw the instant relief in Mrs. Bennet’s face. “Oh, you found her.”
“Yes. She’s going to be in with me unless you need her.”
“That’s fine,” the older woman said with a smile. “I know she’s in good hands.”
“That I can promise you.”
Eli directed Kinley down the hallway with a hand on her lower back. He closed the door and watched her walk around.
“As you can see, I didn’t get anything done after you left.”
“I’m sorry. I could have stayed.”
“Absolutely not. I don’t have to start this job today. A few of the other new guys went back to where they came from to sell their houses and pack their stuff. I have decided to stay in one of the condos for now. I’ll look into a house later.”
“I’ve only been in one, but it was really nice.”
“I’ll get the key today. Do you want to walk through it with me and help me make a list of the things I’ll need?”
“I would be happy to help.”
He smiled at her enthusiasm. “Good. Let’s get more done on the office first.”
His phone rang an hour after they started. He saw the number and canceled the call coming in from Kendra. She had already called twice that morning and several times the day before.
After not answering her call, he thought she’d get the hint and not call again. Kendra was a first-class parasite, and it seemed she’d hold on for as long as possible.