“What’s the difference?” I demanded in a huff.
“Mia, grab a beer. Then I’ll give you my phone to use, but only so you can call your bank. Deal?”
“Deal.”
Colt jotted down the clubhouse address and said, “Have your shit sent there.”
He left me alone while I sat at the kitchen table to take care of business. A beer later, I had cancelled all my credit cards and requested new ones. Until then, I was at Colt’s mercy. If I wanted anything, I’d have to ask him.
My pride prickled at the idea. But I was shit out of luck. I’d keep a running tally in my head of everything I owed and when I had access to my bank account again, I’d pay him back.
I didn’t know Colt. And here I was, sitting in his kitchen, my bare feet resting on his wooden floor. It was unsettling, but only because itwasn’t. I felt comfortable in his home, despite his growly nature.
Colt walked into the kitchen and opened the fridge, pulling out another beer. “How’s it going?”
“It’s done.”
“Great. I’ve got some good news.”
I perked up. “Zip was able to get my truck?”
“No. Joni is coming over with clothes for you.”
“Ah, just call me Charity Case Barbie.”
Colt’s laughter boomed through the kitchen and I found myself laughing along with him. I was so deep into our moment that I didn’t hear the front door open and I jumped when Joni appeared in the doorway of the kitchen looking shell-shocked.
“What the hell is going on here?” she demanded. “Are you laughing? Did you actually get my brother to laugh?”
“It’s not the first time,” I said.
Her gaze went to Colt. “Interesting.”
“It’s not that interesting,” Colt drawled.
Joni rolled her eyes. “I thought you’d forgotten how to smile. I’m immensely glad to find it was just in hiding for the past few years.”
“Great. Now I’m saddled with two broads who like to give me shit,” Colt muttered.
“Saddled?” I asked. “You’ve been saddled with me?”
He shrugged, but didn’t reply.
“I could stay with Zip. I’m sure his offer is still good,” I taunted.
Colt’s face tightened and I looked away to speak to Joni. Her face had gone blank and the color in her cheeks had fled.
I frowned in confusion, wondering about her sudden change in mood. She’d obviously come directly from the hospital since she was still in her scrubs. “Do you live here, too?”
She smiled, but I could tell it was strained. “No. There’s no feminine touch here to speak of. It’s a dude paradise. Have you seen the giant flat screen in the living room?”
“You were the one who told me I had to have it,” Colt pointed out. “You’re also the one that has reality TV watch-parties at my place.”
“The screen is so high def you can see pores,” Joni explained.
I laughed, enjoying their banter. Colt was relaxed with her in a way he wasn’t with other people. Even with Zip, his vice president, Colt held himself apart.
“Where are the clothes you promised?” Colt asked.