He looked up and his gaze lingered. “Good. Thanks for that. It wasn’t too messy, I hope?”
“It was easy. And look, um… about your T-shirt. I got it from the basket of washed clothes. I didn’t go through your drawers.”
“It’s all good. I’m not worried. It suited you.” His eyes held mine and my legs went to jelly.
“Um, I best be off then.” I went to get my backpack.
“How’s your course going?”
“Good, thanks. I’m managing to get things done.”
That wasn’t quite true. Due to my hours at the hall and now working for Declan, I’d fallen behind. The fact I’d become addled since catching him in the shower hadn’t helped.
And now, he’d caught me. He’d seen my big arse.
How fucking embarrassing.
“You’re finding the time, I hope?” His eyes drilled into mine as though he could read my thoughts.
“I just need to organise my time a little better, I guess.”
He reached into his leather satchel and handed me an envelope heavy with cash.
I stared down with disbelief at all the notes. “This seems too much.”
He waved it off. “Don’t worry. We’re helping each other.”
“But hey, look, I’m fully waged now. I’m not expecting charity.” My voice cracked.
“It’s not charity. I can afford it. Your help is of a real value to me. I’m a very private person. Trust is worth paying for.”
“That’s understandable. I don’t trust people easily either.” I shifted from one spot to another.
“Do you want a coffee?” he asked. “Or do you have to run off?”
I glanced down at my watch. “I’d love that, but I’m running late.”
“Let me drive you.” He put down the file and rose.
I shook my head. “No. It’s fine. It’s a quick bike ride.”
“It’s wet outside. Please, let me.” He tilted his head, and with that half-smile of his I would have agreed to anything.
I followed him outside, and he opened the SUV door for me.
“Thanks,” I said, climbing in. “This is so kind of you.”
“The pleasure’s all mine.” He smiled sweetly.
As we drove down that leafy laneway, which glowed an iridescent green, I asked, “Do you know the way?”
“Sure do.” He took the roundabout up the hill that I often struggled with when riding my bike.
“Are you just learning scales?” he asked.
“I’m meant to practice those on my own. I’m learning a Beethoven piece.”
“I spoke to my mother about your using the piano in the west wing sitting room.”