Page 30

THIRTY

Kinsley

This is why you don’t sleep with your bosses. Okay, it’s not the only reason, but it’s certainly on the list.

I don’t need a man to walk me to my door or make sure I don’t have any hurt feelings from the night before. If they’re worried I’m going to make things awkward on Monday, it would be best for them to leave me alone and let me sort through the past twelve hours, try to forget the side of them I never should’ve seen.

“There’s not a lot of security here,” Maverick muses behind me, following me to my apartment despite my best efforts to get him to go home.

I don’t answer him. Instead, I choose to assume he’s talking to Wyatt. Although, he’s not wrong. Not all of us can afford a doorman or extra AF apartments with security cameras. I live with what I can afford, and if it’s not good enough for Mr. Fancy Pants, he can march his ass back to his brand new Mercedes and go the fuck home.

Where he has a doorman.

And I’m sure all the freaking cameras he could ever want.

“I’ve noticed,” Wyatt grunts, no doubt the two of them looking around like they’re in some alternate dimension. Like they’ve never been somewhere normal people live. Hell, maybe they haven’t. “I can’t say I’m a fan.”

“I’m not a fan of the way Miss Rhodes is ignoring us.”

“Yes, it’s quite rude.”

“And it would seem she’s trying to run away from us which makes no sense. We are delightful.”

“I am, that’s for sure. Jury is still out on you.”

I whirl around and snatch my purse and overnight bag from Wyatt. “Would you two stop? I actually have to live here. I’m sure my neighbors are already watching, judging me.”

Maverick laughs and runs a thumb along his jawline which shouldn’t be as attractive as it is. “Oh, I’m sure they’re appalled at the ruffians you’re hanging out with nowadays.”

“No one says ruffians.” I point at him, really trying to suppress my smile and failing with every twitch of my lips. “And if you are unhappy with where I live, you’re welcome to go home. Alone. Without me.”

“You wound me.” He holds a hand over his heart, doing his best impression of a sad puppy. “I’m just saying I’d love for you to have some sort of security system. Do you have an alarm?”

“Nope.”

“A doorbell camera?”

“Nope.”

“Jesus Christ,” Wyatt mutters and runs a hand down his face. “It’s like you’re asking us to move you out.”

I turn around with a scoff and pull the keys from my purse. “Believe it or not, I’ve survived twenty-three years on my own. The last three being in this apartment, and I’m still alive.”

“It’s a miracle.” Maverick deadpans, snatching the keys from my hand, and despite my protests, unlocks my door and swings it wide open.

He and Wyatt head in while I hang around the doorway, cursing to myself, muttering a lot of choice words—none of them pleasant. Lord, give me strength . For what exactly, I’m not sure, but I need it.

By the time I get in and close the door behind me, Wyatt is looking through my kitchen, and Maverick is wandering around the living room. Yeah, I’m going to need that strength to keep me from blowing a gasket. What do they think they’re doing? Seeing if they can move in?

“Make yourselves at home. Don’t worry about invading my privacy or anything.” I toss my bags by the front door and let out an exasperated sigh as Wyatt continues opening cabinets. “Can I help you find something? A glass of water? A snack? Perhaps a sense of respect for someone’s personal space?”

“I’m good,” Wyatt answers, this time turning his attention to my drawers.

Maverick sits on my couch with a grunt, jumping around, groping the cushions. “This couch is lumpy.”

I pinch the bridge of my nose. “It’s a good thing you don’t have to sleep there.” I clap my hands together a few times, getting their attention and gesture toward the door. “Alright, this has been a great time and all, but I’m afraid I need to shower and…decompress.”

I’m hoping they get the hint. It’s not like I’m being subtle. They wanted to make sure I got home, and here I am. There’s no reason for them to stay here any longer.

But no, they don’t get the hint. Wyatt turns away from me and opens the cabinet under my sink—who the hell knows what he’s looking for—and Maverick lays out on the couch, wriggling around like a damn worm. What is wrong with them?

A few orgasms and these guys have lost their minds. I didn’t think male brain cells were directly correlated to the amount of semen in their balls, but here we are.

With a growl, yes, and honest to God growl, I whip open the front door. I’m not sure I’m going to try to physically remove them from my apartment or throw myself out. Both options are tempting. I wave toward the door, nearly slashing June and Colin.

I jump.

They jump.

We’re all staring at each other, eyes wide, that is until June sees Wyatt and Maverick who have now abandoned their inspection of my apartment to stand behind me. Her entire demeanor shifts, the surprise on her face turning into an evil smirk.

As soon as she leaves, I have zero doubt the entire book club chat will know what she’s seen here today.

“Hello, boys . I’m June Morgan, the best friend.” She extends a hand they both shake.

No surprise Maverick is the first to open his big mouth. “Maverick Wallace, the boss.”

“Wyatt Ellis, the other boss.” He extends his hand to Colin. “And you are the brother?”

Colin nods, giving them both a small wave, eyeing Wyatt with suspicion. I’m sure he’s a little confused since he and Brantley have the same face.

Twins , I quickly sign as June stares me down, that evil smirk of hers deepening, and I could have sworn I saw her mouth “bossholes.”

Fuck me.

Actually, no. That’s what got me into this mess in the first place, and judging by the look on her face, I’d say she knows.

“So,” she hedges, batting her eyes, doing her best to look innocent. “Kinsley’s bosses. What are you guys doing in her apartment?”

Valid question. One I don’t have the answer to.

“We just wanted to make sure she got home okay.” Wyatt flashes her a smile.

June just laughs and laughs some more. “Oh, this is too good.”

I’m not amused.

My arms are crossed and I’m staring at her, waiting for her to collect herself. “What are you guys doing here?”

She swipes a few tears from her eyes, steadying herself on my brother’s shoulder. “Colin said he had an essay due next week and wanted to hang out here and work on it. I had nothing else to do and thought, what the hell; best decision I ever made.”

“Essay, huh?” I sign as I talk. “You didn’t tell me about any essay.”

Colin averts his eyes, looking everywhere but at me. Yeah, essay. Code for video game.

I wave my hand to get his attention. You’re not supposed to lie to June.

It was so boring over there. Colin sends a sideways look to June who’s staring at the guys and not paying us a lick of attention. Why are your bosses here? Are you in trouble?

I’m not, but they’re going to be. But I don’t tell him that. I just shake my head and gesture to his room. Go play PS5. We’ll talk about this later.

Can’t wait. He gives me one of those exasperated looks that every teenager has perfected, but luckily for me, complies.

At least there’s one person with a Y chromosome that can listen.

Now to get June out of here before she opens her mouth and asks Wyatt and Maverick more questions.

“Have you guys been taking care of Kinsley? Hopefully you’re not working her too hard. Poor thing doesn’t know how to relax.”

Too late.

Maverick slings his arm around my shoulders and grins down at me while I grit my teeth. “Kinsley is an excellent employee. I really enjoy having her underneath me.”

I’m going to kill him.

My face heats, and it takes everything I have not to push all three of them out of my apartment. Or threaten him with bodily harm.

“I bet you do.” June smirks, her eyes dancing my way.

Maverick huffs a laugh and glances over my head at Wyatt who looks equally amused. “Professionally speaking, of course.”

“Of course.”

“Well, thanks for bringing Colin home.” I slip out from under Mav’s arm and usher June out the door. “It was super nice of you, but I’m sure you have your really nice football playing boyfriend at home waiting for you.”

“It was my pleasure.” She leans in close, pulls me in for a hug, and whispers, “Don’t think you won’t be calling me the second they leave.” She gives me a squeeze and pulls back, glancing between my bosses. “It was lovely to meet the two of you. Oh, and speaking of football players, Theo wanted to make sure you were coming out with us next weekend for drinks. I think he misses you.”

“I’ll be there. Bye now.” I wave her off, practically shutting the door in her face. When I turn around, both my bosses have their arms crossed, staring at me.

Wyatt’s jaw works back and forth, his eyes hardening as he takes me in. “Who’s Theo?”

Damn June and her big mouth. But wait. Is he…is he jealous? Over me?

No, that can’t be right.

“Theo Bronson, maybe you’ve heard of him. He’s a football player for the Aces.” I shrug, keeping my tone casual. “I’m not sure what position he plays, but he looks great in those tight pants.”

There’s a deep rumble across Maverick’s chest, and Wyatt’s hands fist at his sides. All the playfulness is gone from their faces, and now they look positively murderous. Because another man wants me to hang out with a whole group of people. Not by ourselves. Not as a date.

“Are you jealous?” I cross my arms, my brows raising as I stare right back at them. “I thought we agreed this was a one-night thing.”

Wyatt’s jaw tics.

Maverick blows out a deep breath.

They are. Holy shit. They’re totally jealous.

“So…” Maverick clears his throat and shoves his hands in his pockets. “Your brother. He’s deaf?”

My eyes narrow, and I’m about to call them out on their bullshit, but decided maybe it’s best if I let them change the subject. It’s certainly safer. “Yep. Has been most his life.”

Wyatt nods, his shoulders deflating slightly, but his hands are still fisted at his sides. “Is that why he needs surgery?”

I blow out a breath and glance between them. “If I answer all your questions, will you leave?”

“Maybe.” This is from Maverick which doesn’t exactly make me hopeful.

“Then yes. He’s getting cochlear implants in a few weeks which is unfortunately not covered by our insurance. Thanks to your generous donations, I was able to get it scheduled, but don’t worry, I won’t be taking much time off. Just the day of surgery. I was going to clear it with you guys on Monday.”

“Nonsense.”

“Excuse me?”

Maverick takes a step toward me, his eyes blazing, and I’m not sure why. They can afford to miss me for one day. If I need to, I can always sort and reply to emails at the hospital. “You’re not taking the day off. You’ll be taking the time you need. The time he needs. If you feel like you need something to keep you occupied, you’re more than welcome to work from home, but it won’t be a requirement.”

Wyatt glances around my apartment, walking deeper into the living room, and just when I think he’s going to try out my couch, he turns back to us. “Where’s your room? There’s a bathroom and the room your brother went in.” His gaze sweeps into Colin’s room which has definitely been decorated by a teenage boy. “That’s obviously his. Where do you sleep? Where are your parents?”

I shift, suddenly wishing we were back to talking about their jealousy and the longevity of our relationship. This isn’t exactly a conversation I want to get in with them. Ever. But they’re both staring at me expectantly, and it’s crystal clear they’re not going to let this go. “Which question do you want an answer to?”

He crosses his arms, his frown deepening. “Cute, Kinsley.”

“I think I am.” I shift my gaze to Maverick, hoping he’ll change the subject, but he crosses his arms too, his entire demeanor mirroring Wyatt’s. “My parents died three years ago.”

“And your room.”

“You’re in it.” I do my best to make my voice upbeat even though I’m dying on the inside. I don’t need them feeling sorry for me or my brother, and I sure as hell don’t want the looks of pity they’re throwing my way.

Maverick shares a look with Wyatt I can’t quite decipher and says flatly, “That explains the lumpy couch.”

There’s a beat of silence, tension swirling around us, and it’s choking me. I can’t deal with it. Not right now. So I sweep my arms toward the door and plaster a sunny smile on my face. “Well, this has been great. I know where you live. You know where I live. If you don’t mind, I’d really love to get on with my day.”

They continue to stare at me, unmoving for several seconds, and then Wyatt clears his throat, a flash of hurt crossing his face, but it’s gone so quickly I’m not sure I saw it correctly. He was the one who very easily said we’ll forget last night ever happened.

Sure, afterward, they held me while I slept, brought me coffee, drove me home…but that doesn’t mean anything. It can’t.

“Of course.” Maverick’s tone is tight as he steps in front of me, his hands resting on my shoulders, and he presses a quick kiss to the top of my head.

He lingers for a second, his fingers hovering above my lips, his eyes searching mine. He leans closer, and for a second I think he’s going to kiss me. My heart races. My lips part. I shouldn’t want another kiss, but I do.

Except, he pulls back and heads out the door.

Wyatt gives me a curt nod as he passes. “See you Monday morning.”

They’re gone. No hard feelings. No strangled goodbyes.

It’s how it should be.

So why do I miss them already?