Page 26 of Miss Trust

“Unfortunately, yes.” I might demand perfection, but I wasn’t above giving second chances. A third opportunity, however, didn’t happen.

The ring of my phone interrupted. “I have to take this.”

“No problem. See you later.”

At two o’clock in the morning, I made my way to the front office.

Tory was sitting at the desk, poring over two printed-out spreadsheets and ticking one off while comparing the other. She looked tired. As if cued to do so, she stifled a yawn in her hand. I could probably do another couple hours of work, but she should get some sleep. “You ready to go?”

She glanced up and shook her head. “I’m almost finished. Wait. I assumed I was driving back to Malibu alone. Aren’t you staying at your condo tonight?”

Annoyance flared at the thought she might prefer I not accompany her home. But even if I wanted to accommodate her preferences, I didn’t feel comfortable having her drive to Malibu on unfamiliar roads at this hour. Especially when she was tired. “I’ll drive you back to the house.”

“You don’t have to.”

“I didn’t say I had to, but I’m going to. If you have a problem with me staying in the main house, then I’ll sleep in the pool house.”

Her eyes went wide. “I don’t have a problem with you staying there. It’s your house.”

“Then why are we arguing?” Everything seemed to be a fight with her.

She smirked. “I don’t know. You started it.”

My mouth tipped up. “Did not.”

Now we were both grinning. Just in time for Carmen to walk in and stare at both of us as though we’d sprouted wings.

I schooled my features. “Meet me at the elevator in ten minutes.”