From Sanctum with Love (Masters and Mercenaries #10)(68)

Losing herself wouldn’t be so bad if he was with her. That was the key. She had to figure out if Kai felt for her what she felt for him.

And it wasn’t like she didn’t have time. She moved through the office, watering the numerous plants that Kai kept. He was right about all that green. It was soothing.

There was time. They were starting to explore, having fun but within boundaries.

He was very likely going to ask her to sign a contract with him.

The thought of that made her feel a little caged. She’d signed contracts with Morgan. She’d convinced herself she was safe and that it was all right to give up those pieces of herself to a man who took care of her. She’d given him far more than the contract ever required. Every day she would give more, sign away something else, let some piece go until she’d had nothing left.

Was she willing to let another man take from her?

What would Kai want?

She looked around his office. It was simple, lovely but in a very Spartan fashion. He had a desk, the computer tucked away inside the top drawer. There were no photos or keepsakes marking the top of the desk. The whole office was a shrine to peace and serenity, as though personal history or individual memories had no place here. Beyond the desk, there was a chair and large sofa patients could choose from. Some, Kai had explained, preferred to lie down when they talked, looking up at the ceiling instead of directly at him. It was a way to distance. He often knew he was making progress with those patients when they finally looked at him. There was a rolled up yoga mat tucked into a corner. Even that was a soothing green color.

This was the place where Kai worked, but he lived here, too, and his personal spaces looked an awful lot like this office.

As if Kai lived merely to serve those around him.

He rarely went out beyond his nights at Sanctum. She knew he went to parties the MT group threw, but the only people he regularly saw outside of work and the club were her group when they would have their late night meals. Even then he wouldn’t talk much. He sat back, watching the people around him. He always, always sat next to her. When someone took his place, he made up ridiculous reasons why he needed that particular seat.

Had Kai been trying to get close to her all this time?

She heard a bell chime, the one that indicated she was no longer alone. With a long sigh, she stepped out of Kai’s office and back into the lobby. Her desk looked nothing like Kai’s. There was a picture of her mom framed on her desk and a docking station for her laptop. She had a pile of bills and receipts left to log. And two coffee mugs because Kai hadn’t cleaned up yesterday. Which was a surprise since she could always count on Mr. Clean to ensure everything got scrubbed down.

She waited for the lobby door to open, wondering if it was Kai coming back. His meeting had obviously not taken too long.

He’d kissed her when he’d dropped her off. Apparently they weren’t doing the professional thing.

Would he kiss her again? Should she insist that they kept up some kind of distance at the office? Her heart sped up and she tried to smooth down her hair.

The door opened but it wasn’t Kai who came through. Lena strode through like a diva taking the stage. She had a massive handbag on her elbow that would likely cause nerve damage some day and a phone to her ear. “I need three in the V-neck. Not the crew neck. The crew neck makes him look like an old man. I want only dark colors and one hundred percent cotton. If you try to show me a blend I will have you fired on the spot. Do you understand me?”

Squirrel wandered in behind her. He was wearing skinny jeans and one of the V-neck T-shirts Lena seemed to be very specific about. He looked quiet, shy. His hair was a bit longer than Jared’s, but it was obvious he tried to emulate his friend. “Hi, Kori. Sorry about that. She’s been on the phone for twenty minutes with some store because she doesn’t like the colors Jared brought with him. The stylist called from LA and said the pictures from the club last night made Jared look old. Like he was thirty or something.” Squirrel smiled. “He is thirty something.”

Kori rolled her eyes. “I’m so glad to be out of that world. You know thirty isn’t old.”

“It is in our world.”

“Not for men.”

Squirrel shrugged. “Maybe not, but boy they make you feel it. They’re already trying to put Jared on something called a maintenance schedule with a plastic surgeon. Like he needs Botox or something.”

Yeah, she’d heard the phrase before. “He doesn’t need it. I think Jared is one of those men who’ll likely look amazing at seventy-five.”

Like Kai would.

Squirrel gave her a half smile. “We brought by the insurance paperwork for you to sign. Naturally it’s in her bag and I’m afraid to put my hand in it. I have no idea what she keeps in there. It’s probably only going to be another couple of minutes.”

Lena groaned into her phone. “Neutral colors. I said neutral. Purple is not neutral. Give me to your supervisor. Do you even know who you’re dealing with?”

“Or not.” Kori nodded toward the small kitchen. “I’m going to get some coffee. Can I get you anything?”

“I’d love a soda if you have one.”

“Of course.” Squirrel seemed quiet but sweet. She gestured for him to follow her. “So how do you like Dallas? You’re lucky you’re here at this time of year. Summer is a bitch. I, for one, kind of like having brief seasons.”