The hours Iamat the studio sometimes mean I’m cooped up in the same space with Killian for more than sleep.
We usually eat in silence. We watch TV in silence.
…honestly, we do most things in silence.
He sticks to one side of the studio and I stay on the other, both too stubborn and guarded to make even polite conversation like most people would.
When Saturday evening rolls around, we’re once again trapped in the studio together early into the evening.
I use the bathroom first, quickly changing into one of the two T-shirts and jeans I have and emerging with my curls in my usual halfhearted attempt at a bun.
It’s easy to get ready in under ten minutes when the closest thing to makeup that I wear are the glasses on my face.
Killian’s rummaging in the closet when I step out, his broad back bared to me so that every muscled bulge and defined divot is on display.
“Finally figured out something I like about you,” he grunts. “You don’t take a fuckton of time in the bathroom. Some women treat getting ready like a full-time job.”
“Hard to do that when I’m living out of a backpack.”
I pass him up, noting the shirt he’s selected for the evening. It’s dressier than his usual plain T-shirts, more of a V-neck cut that looks like it might actually be expensive.
He first examines it for wrinkles and then tugs it on over his head.
The fabric stretches across his broad chest and shoulders in a way that’s...distracting.
I blink and look away, confused by my own reaction.
“You coming to the pub tonight?” I ask, my tone decidedly casual.
He doesn’t answer straight away. He actually takes so long answering that I glance over at him again out of curiosity and notice a faint flush creeping up the back of his neck.
“Got plans,” he mutters gruffly. “Taking Bridget out to dinner.”
Oh.
My stomach twists into an uncomfortable knot, which makes no sense. Why should I care if Killian’s going on a date with Bridget?
It’s none of my business.He’snone of my business.
I did overhear the two of them flirting the other night, but I didn’t really know what they were talking about. Just that Bridget giggled and touched his arm as if she’s never seen nice biceps before.
Kind of awkward considering the night before she was lying to get out of work so she could go on a date with that guy Tyler she bragged about.
Does Killian know about that?
None of your business, Jhene. It doesn’t matter either way.
“Sounds like you two have a very fun evening planned,” I say more sarcastically than I mean to. “Enjoy yourselves.”
His dark blue eyes flit over to me, obviously noticing the change in my tone. The way he stares makes me wonder if he’s confused by it.
“I will…” he trails off slowly. “So long as I’ve got your word you’ll behave yourself tonight.”
I barely resist rolling my eyes. “I’m not a child. I don’t need constant reminders to stay out of trouble.”
“Could’ve fooled me.”
“Um, what?” I say incredulously. “I’ve done nothing but listen to what you’ve said. Despite the fact that I never asked you to make me your pet project. Remember that?”
