Page 54

“You had me worried, baby girl,” he says, grabbing my chin and inspecting my face. I’m not sure what he expects to see. “I’m sorry about Daniel. That man can be such a dick.”

Ah, so he knows. I know my friend, and that will tear him in two.

“I’m fine,” I say, pulling my face away, not wanting the scrutiny.

I look over his shoulder to find Cal standing behind him, his eyebrows drawn together. His eyes lock on me, and I squirm under his gaze. He opens his mouth as if to say something but closes it again.

When a couple of the other doors on the floor open and close, Dawn appears as if by magic.

“Gentleman, you’re not supposed to be up here. This is the ladies’ floor,” she says sternly behind me.

I turn towards her. “Sorry, Dawn,” I say. “We’ll move downstairs.”

“Lock up your things before you go,” Abigail reminds me, patting my arm.

“Don’t bother,” Caleb interjects. “Grab your stuff. You’re coming with us.”

I freeze, not knowing what to do. If I leave now, I could lose my bed, and I don’t want to risk that. After Daniel’s reaction this morning, I don’t want to cause issues for Samuel. Their apartment is one bedroom, and I’m not sure I could cope with the snide comments. I can’t face being where I’m not wanted right now.

“I’m fine here,” I say. “Just let me put my bag away, and maybe we can grab something to eat.”

As if on demand, my stomach growls, echoing around the enclosed hallway.

To hide my embarrassment, I turn and re-enter my room, grabbing my bag off the bed, before moving towards the lockers in the corner.

“Come on.” Caleb’s hand lands on the handle, his skin touching mine. “You’re coming home with me,” he adds, his tone soft, as if trying not to spook me.

My head snaps up, and my eyes lock with his. He takes in my face, and I feel heat flood my cheeks. Heaven only knows what I must look like. While he’s here, not a hair out of place, looking perfect as always.

“Why would I do that?” I ask.

“Because your home and business has just burned down, and you’re homeless. I have an apartment with multiple spare rooms. I’m offering you one.” He shrugs as if what he’s telling me is no big deal. Why on earth would he offer me access to his space? It’s not like he owes me anything, we had sex… Since meeting me again I’ve been nothing but a thorn in his side.

I shake my head, but I’m aware of movement in my peripheral.

“Please, April, don’t be stubborn. Stay with Caleb. I’ll feel much better knowing you’re safe,” Samuel pleads.

Cal tugs on the bag in my hand, and I let it go. I’m not standing and fighting with him. I’m too tired.

“I have a bed here,” I say, looking between the two men.

“You can free it up for someone who doesn’t have the option of their own room,” Cal says.

He looks completely out of place here in his designer clothes and expensive shoes. Not that the hostel is shabby. It’s relatively put together. A few scuff marks on the walls, but the bathrooms were clean and tidy. No mould or black sealant. No peeling paint. It’s well-maintained. “This is a Frazer subsidised hostel. Think of my apartment as an… extension of this place.”I want to laugh out loud. I can’t even imagine the luxury a man like Caleb Frazer is used to. I’m surprised he’s not squirming at being here. But then again, he’s surprised me with the snippet of information he’s just let slip.

I turn to Abigail and Dawn, who are standing by the door. Dawn nods. “The Frazer Foundation keeps us running.It’s why we always have a waiting list for beds come evening.”

I squirm at her words. She’s telling me outright that I shouldn’t be selfish and should free up my bed.

“If I go, will my bed be taken?”

She looks embarrassed as if she realises what she’s just said. “That’s not what I meant,” she adds.

“But it would?”

She nods, the colour in her cheeks highlighting her awkwardness.

“Fine,” I say, turning to Cal, who is trying to keep his smug expression at bay. If I’m honest, I’m too tired to argue.