Trusting Danger (Danger, #2)(23)
Claire opened her mouth to explain further, but then shut it. Maybe it was better to just go with the flow.
After all, it was what she did best.
Claire stared out the window on the drive to Springfield, not sure what to expect. When Jeremy pulled the SUV into a large suburban housing development just outside DC, she perked up with interest. There were hundreds of houses here, and although the homes didn’t have large yards, the development itself had plenty of green space.
As he turned into a driveway in the back of the development, Claire studied the two-story red-brick house. Given the structure’s faded roof and worn appearance, it had to be at least thirty years old and hadn’t been well maintained. But it fit in with its neighbors, which Claire guessed was the whole idea of a safe house.
Jeremy shut off the engine and went inside to make sure the house was secure. Claire’s muscles tensed as she waited with Grayson in the car, silence hanging between them like a thick curtain. Avoiding eye contact, she stared out her window at the neighbors’ homes, cast with a golden glow by the late-afternoon light.
A moment later, Jeremy stepped into the doorway and gave them an all-clear sign.
“Let’s go.” Grayson’s tone was abrupt as he shoved open his door.
On the drive here, Jeremy had asked Claire questions about her law school program and life in DC, giving her the impression he’d moved here recently. Other than a slight grunt or two at some of Claire’s answers, Grayson hadn’t contributed a word to the conversation.
She got out of the SUV and followed him to the trunk, averting her eyes when she realized she’d been staring at Grayson’s backside as he retrieved her bag.
“You don’t travel light, do you?” he said as he set her oversized suitcase onto the driveway.
Claire stiffened at his remark. There was no way her wardrobe for the weekend could have fit in an overnight bag—after all, she had to be prepared for anything when entertaining with Gabe—but she wasn’t going to bother explaining that to Grayson. If the safe house wasn’t big enough for Claire to keep her distance from this overbearing man, she was going to be miserable.
When Grayson made a move to pick up her bag from the driveway, she quickly stepped forward. “I’ve got it.” There was no way she was going to invite another comment about how heavy it was.
“Suit yourself.” He took a small duffel bag out of the trunk and stalked toward the door, muttering something to Jeremy, who’d stepped outside.
“Will you let me take it in?” Jeremy gestured toward Claire’s suitcase as he came forward.
She gave him a quick smile and picked up her purse and tote. At least she’d be sharing the house with someone who was friendly. She followed him inside and up a flight of stairs.
“You’ll be here in the master suite.”
Jeremy led her into the large room and set her suitcase onto the king-sized bed. “I’ll be downstairs. Come get me if you need anything.”
Claire thanked him and looked around the room after he left, clutching her purse to her chest. With its stark furnishings and white walls, the bedroom looked almost institutional. The carpet was bland and gray. Even the bedspread was neutral, and there was nothing on the walls to liven up the room, no knickknacks on the dresser or bedside tables. It had a private bath, though, and sliding-glass doors that led to a tiny balcony that overlooked the front yard.
The gravity of her situation had been pushed to the back of her mind. Now it hit her hard as she sank onto the bed and twisted the diamond bracelet on her wrist. She’d been so focused on contacting her parents to let them know where she was, she hadn’t even thought to call Gabe. Her last message for him was right after she landed, saying she’d arrived in DC and would call him later. If he wasn’t worried yet, he would be soon.
A knock on the door startled her. She looked up to find Grayson standing in the doorway.
“The kitchen is stocked,” he said gruffly. “Get yourself something to eat.”
“I’m not hungry.”
“When was the last time you ate?”
Claire froze. Did Grayson Matthews always order people around, or was it just her? He seemed completely unable to carry on a pleasant conversation. Normally she’d placate a difficult person like him, do her best to get along, but something about this annoying man stirred up a stubborn resistance within her she didn’t realize she even had.
“Is that in your job description too?” she said, her voice sharper than she’d intended. “First you tell me I have to stay here with you, then you don’t want me to call anyone or get my dog, and now you’re telling me when I need to eat?”
Grayson’s green eyes narrowed, and he stood a little taller as he folded his arms across his chest. “Why is everything an argument with you?”
Determined not to give in, she dug deep for courage. “I could say the same to you.”
He shook his head and turned to head for the stairs. Claire let out a relieved breath as she watched him leave, shocked at herself for being so bold for once in her life, and her gaze dropped to the dirt stains on her slacks.
Guess I’d better settle in. I’m here for a few days, whether I like it or not.
After she’d unpacked her things and changed into a tunic top and leggings, one of the few ultra-casual outfits she’d brought with her, her stomach growled. The last time she’d eaten was breakfast several hours ago, and that meal had been only tea and toast. Her flight back from Florida was short, so lunch hadn’t been served on the plane, and now it was nearly dinnertime. As much as she hated to admit it, Grayson was right. She should eat something.