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“You hungry?”
“I could eat.”
He chuckled and lifted a phone from the counter. While Carter ordered breakfast, McKenna sat on a stool flush to the counter that outlined the kitchen. When he was done and the phone was on the counter again, she arched a brow. “No home cooked meal?”
Carter smirked. “You cooking?”
“This is your place.”
“And I told you to make yourself at home.”
“I’m still a guest. You should be cooking for me.”
“I will, just not today. We need to discuss a few things.”
“Like what you were doing last night.”
Carter’s expression remained neutral as he stared at McKenna but she received a call that had her holding up a finger for pause before he could speak his mind. He listened, waiting patiently.
“Yes, hey Julie. Yes, I did. It’s personal so I’d rather not say. No, I can’t and I apologize for it being last minute…” When McKenna frowned and shifted in her seat, he angled his head to the side, prepared to end the call even if she refused. Whoever was on the other end was upsetting his Kenni, which wasn’t acceptable. “I understand but I also know that I have been the person you relied on when others have landed in the same position. I’ve taken extra shifts, filled in without days off, and not once complained. I did that because you asked, so I’m asking that you keep that in mind while reviewing my request. Regardless, it’s my time. I’ve earned it. You can approve the request or not at this point. I really don’t care. Perfect. Thank you. I’m glad you understand.”
When she exhaled a harsh breath and ended the call, Carter chuckled.
“What was that about?”
“I’m taking time off. My boss isn’t happy but I’ve earned the PTO. It’s not really up to her.”
“How much time?”
“How much do I need?” McKenna didn’t hesitate to throw at him and Carter remained stoic.
“I don’t have an answer because there are a lot of factors to be considered.”
“Ummm, well when you do all the factoring, you let me know.”
Carter chuckled. “And if she doesn’t approve the time?”
McKenna loved her job. He wouldn’t blink at providing anything she wanted. He was more than capable. He had the means and the desire.
“There are plenty of doctor’s offices and medical facilities that I can try.”
“Why would you need to do that?”
“Are you saying I can step back into my life like the past twenty-four hours hasn’t happened?”
“No.”
“Then what choice do I have? It’s either she approves my time or she fires me. If she fires me, I’ll need another job.”
“You have the money I gave you.”
And access to every penny I have now.
“That’s not my money?” she huffed in annoyance.
“You would prefer to insult me?” He angled his head to the side and McKenna rolled her eyes.
“You gave it to me. I have possession of it but it’s not mine, Carter. I didn’t earn it. You did and I also didn’t ask for it. This may not make sense to you but I like my job. I like knowing that I can take care of myself…”
