I open the closet door, exposing the row of shirts and pants hanging on the right side of my closet. The dresses she’d put away yesterday are in the back.
She climbs off the bed to come inspect. “When did these come?”
“While we were at my father’s party. You need more than just dresses. There are jeans, some shorts, and t-shirts, too.” She’s more comfortable in her jeans, I think. And hell knows I fucking love the way she fills them out.
“Nikolai. This is too much.” She drags her gaze up to mine. “I don’t need these. I have clothes. I mean they aren’t fancy like your friend wears, and I do appreciate the dresses, especially if we’re going to be at more dinners and parties this month, but this stuff… I don’t need them.”
I walk into the closet and pick out a pair of black capri pants and a light blue sleeveless blouse. I have no eye for women’s fashion, other than I know quality. I hand the two hangers to her.
“There’s also a couple pairs of sandals you can choose from.”
“You’re not listening to me.” She turns on me as I walk past her, frustrated no doubt that I’m not giving her words the weight she wants me to.
“I hear you, Charlotte. Those clothes are yours. When you leave here, they are still yours.”
“Why?” she questions. “Are my clothes so low brow for you?”
My jaw clenches. “No. I wanted you to have them. That’s all.”
Her cell phone rings from the nightstand.
She sighs. “It’s Joey.” She gestures to the phone.
I pick it up since I’m closer and bring it to her.
“Go on.” I hand it to her. I may not want her working herself to the bone, but I don’t want her business to go under either.
She shifts the hangers to her left hand then uses her right to answer.
“Hey, Joey.” She pushes a sunny tone into her voice, though her eyes are still trying to shoot me down about the clothes. I’ll win. I always win. “Really? Shit… yeah, go ahead and call… thanks. I can stop by… it’s just… fine, Joey. Thanks. Let me know what he says.” She listens a bit more then ends the call.
“Something wrong?” It’s written all over her face, worry.
“The air conditioner isn’t working. It’s been on the fritz for a while. I’ll probably have to replace it.” She sighs. “Joey’s going to call the repair guy; hopefully he can get it going again.”
“Sounds like it’s handled then.” I take the phone from her hand and drop it on the bed.
“For now,” she says.
“Get dressed, Charlotte. I’m going to make a quick call, then we’re leaving.”
“Where are we going?”
“You’ll see,” I say, because I have no fucking clue yet. I haven’t done anything just for the fun of it in years. We have a whole city at our fingertips, and I haven’t the slightest idea where to begin.
As soon as I close the door behind me, I dig out my phone.
“Nikolai,” Yogi answers on the first ring.
“Yogi, I need you to do something for me.”
“What do you need?” he asks without hesitation.
“I need you to find someone for me. Oliver Harrison.”
“Isn’t that the guy we just went on a collection call for?” he asks, confused.
“Yeah, that’s him.”