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He paused and said slowly, “There is.”
“Fine. I’ll leave it on at night when I go to bed, just in case. But I don’t want it on during the day. You’ve just given me a list of rules as long as Santa’s naughty list, and that’s fine. But I have some rules too, and that has to be one of them.”
He hesitated, then gave a quick nod. “Fine. I’ll get your bags.”
I watched him walk away, his ass looking so incredibly squeezable in his slacks. Then I glanced around the huge kitchen. At least he was fully stocked with pots, pans, and everything I needed to cook. If I couldn’t be dancing, cooking would help calm my nerves.
I wondered if he’d let me install a barre in a spare room somewhere so I could at least rehearse every day.
I was already most likely going to lose my place in the dance company I’d worked so hard to get into.
I’d be starting over, having to go through grueling rounds of auditions again, and hoping to get accepted somewhere with at least a small amount of prestige. I had little hope of that if I didn’t keep up my rehearsal routine while hiding out.
I’d fought against going into hiding at all because of the damage it could do to my career. Dad wanted me to stay with him. I’d have to wake up and see Beth across the breakfast table every morning.
Weeks of cold shoulder served with eggs and coffee for breakfast was a big fat no.
When he’d suggested I stay with a former employee of his for my protection, it had been a reluctant compromise on my part until I found out that former employee was Blake.
Blake carried my bags up to my bedroom, then we stood awkwardly next to the bed I’d be sleeping in for who knew how long. Finally, we put our numbers into each other’s cell phones, and he said, “I’ll let you get settled, Miss Ellis.”
I sighed and put a hand on my hip. “Look, unless you intend for me to call you Mr. Donovan the whole time I’m here, you’re going to have to call me Callie.”
Blake eyed me warily and sighed. “Alright. Callie.”
I touched his arm before he could leave the room. “Is there any way I can get a mirror and a barre set up somewhere? I’m sure my father would pay—”
“I’ve had all that installed for you in the basement. I think you’ll find the room suitable.”
“Thank you. Seems you thought of everything.” I glanced around and let my hand drop as he stepped away.
“Make yourself at home, Callie. I’ll be in my office downstairs if you need anything.”
He gave me a quick look up and down before he turned away.
5
BLAKE
After leavingCallie in her bedroom, I went to the office to presumably get some work done.
I didn’t work. I sat at my desk, taking deep, slow breaths.
How the hell was I going to be able to handle having Callie Ellis under my roof? I could barely stand next to her without having to fight the urge to lean closer, to touch her in some way.
And every time she tried to make a joke or smiled at me, I wanted to give in to that urge.
Eventually, I realized I’d forgotten about what we’d do for dinner. I tapped on her door.
“Come in,” she said.
Callie lay on the bed, facing the ceiling. She didn’t move when I opened the door and took one step in to lean against the door frame.
“Hungry?” I asked her.
She rolled onto her side, dug her elbow into her pillow, and propped her head on her hand. “I could eat. What’s cookin’?” She grinned.
“I wasn’t sure what you’d like. If you make a list, I’ll grocery shop tomorrow. Most of what I have is convenience food. I’m not sure someone like you eats it.”
