“I don’t mind. I hated them as a kid.”
“Why?”
“I got picked on a lot.”
It was extremely difficult to imagine anyone being dumb enough to pick on someone as hot and dangerous as Calvin Winter.
“Before I figured out I was into guys, I couldn’t get a girlfriend because none of them wanted to date a ginger.” He turned while pulling a shirt over his shoulders. “It’s easier for girls with red hair—everyone thinks they’re cute. Not so easy for guys.”
“I’ll keep you,” I offered.
He smiled slightly. “Yeah, I know you will.”
“What do you want in your coffee?” I asked, walking back the whole two feet to the kitchen.
“Cream,” he said, pulling on trousers and tucking his shirt in.
Good grief, the way Calvin’s muscles rippled and pulled the fabric….Look away, look away.
I offered him a fresh cup once he came over to the counter. “Hold on,” I said, reaching for his tie. “It’s crooked.”
He held still as I adjusted the knot before taking a sip. “Thanks.”
“Do you have time to eat?”
“I’ll grab a bagel before I get to work,” he answered.
“When are you sending forensics to my apartment?”
Calvin sat on a stool. “First thing.”
I nodded. “All right.” I reached into my pocket and pulled a key off a ring. “In case you need it.”
Calvin accepted the key without question. He took another sip of coffee before standing and reaching around me to pick up his keys from the counter. I thought he was going to put mine on the ring so he wouldn’t lose it, but instead he shifted one of his own off and passed it over.
“What’s this?”
“I don’t know how long it’s going to take,” Calvin answered. “So if you need to go somewhere, just come home.Here—I mean.”
“Oh… thank you.”
He nodded and finished his cup before going to put his shoes on. Well-worn Oxfords with the wide, flat toe. Classy and handsome on Calvin.
I followed after, and soon both of us were bundled up against the cold and ready to go.
“Call me after your visit to the library,” he said as he locked the door.
“Sure.”
“Or if… anything happens.”
“Should something happen?” I asked warily.
He turned and looked down. “Just be careful, okay?”
“Will do, Officer.”
“And don’t go digging around where you shouldn’t.”
