Chapter Twelve

Kit pulled Hop’s uniform’s double-breasted jacket from the back seat of her car. He had an important meeting coming up, and the brass buttons had needed securing, especially the ones that fastened over his belly. She’d keep that to herself.

She went in through the side door and took the steps to the second floor. Passing the kitchen, she paused in the doorway. Hop and Shane sat on tall wooden stools at the large worktable, and two other guys were with them. Each man chomped on a sandwich the size of a football.

“There she is.” Hop wiped his hands on a napkin. “You hungry?”

She went into the room. A short guy with black hair gelled up in points picked up a brown paper bag. “We’ve got more rolls if you’re interested in a sandwich. I make my own dressing.”

“Thank you, but I’m good.”

“I’m Larry. This is Dennis, and you know Hop, and this is—”

Shane stopped him. “Kit and I already know each other.”

Larry’s brows rose. “You do?”

“She’s my landlord. Temporary landlord until my apartment’s ready. Remember I was telling you about that?”

“Ah,” Larry said. “Good to meet you. It’s Kit?”

“Yes,” she said. “Nice to see you guys. Hop, I’ve got your jacket ready.” She lifted the garment covered in a plastic bag by the hook of the hanger. “Good as new.”

“You’re too good to me, kid.”

“Don’t I know it.” She reached over and plucked a potato chip from his paper plate.

He playfully swatted at her hand. “Come on.” He scrambled off the stool. “Go with me to my office. I want to talk with you about something.”

She caught Shane’s eye, and a rush of heat climbed her face. He had such expressive eyes, and it amazed her that after only knowing him for a short while, she was starting to read him. Right now he looked about as awkward as she felt.

“Bye, guys.” Painting on a smile, she avoided looking at Shane.

****

Up in Hop’s office, she sat in the guest chair. She snickered when he went around the side of his desk and gave his laptop a disgruntled shove.

“Hate that thing.” He wrestled the suit jacket from the bag and slipped it off the hanger. He shrugged into it and buttoned the buttons.

“How do I look?”

“Like a movie star.”

“I do, don’t I?” He touched a finger to each button. “You did good, kid.”

“I aim to please.”

He took off the coat and put it back on its hanger, then hooked it over the top of his door. “Seriously, thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

“So how’s it going with your new tenant?” He plopped down into his chair. “I can’t tell you what a lifesaver you are for him. I know you did this for me, though, so I appreciate it.”

She didn’t like deceiving this man who tended to slay her dragons on a regular basis. She caught herself grimacing. “Hop, there’s something I should tell you about that.”

“Oh jeez. Already?”

“Hear me out, please, and don’t lecture me either.”

“This ought to be good.” He clasped his hands behind his head. “Okay, lay it on me.”

“First off, my mother’s coming home from her cruise.”

“Whoop-dee-do.”

He liked her mother about as much as she liked him. Now was not the time to debate their mutual disdain.

“And as you know, my cousin is getting married soon.”

“Yes, to the putz that used to be your boyfriend.”

“And she’s asked me to do the alterations of my grandmother’s wedding gown for her.”

“How nice of her. How about a pint of blood to go with it?”

She couldn’t help it. Despite her nerves, she laughed, then quickly cleared her throat. “So here’s what happened. Shane came to my job to talk with me about the possibility of moving in. My cousin was there with my aunt and the dress and overheard the conversation between Shane and me. They came to the wrong conclusion that he and I were moving in together because we are a couple.” She used air quotes for that last word.

“Oh brother. This can’t be good.”

“Well, I made a split-second decision to let the two of them and eventually everyone else in my family think it’s the truth. And, um, he agreed to go along with the phony story, and that’s why I rented him the loft.”

Hop scratched at his bald head. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“I’m telling you this for two reasons. I’m not fond of fibbing to you, and in case you come in contact with my mom or anyone else in my family, I’m going to need you to play along.”

He studied her face. “This could blow up in your face, kid. Are you aware of that?”

“It’s only for a little while.”

He shook his head. “A lot can happen in a little while. But I’ll play your silly game.” A smirk claimed his mouth. “Anything to show up that rotten cousin of yours.”

She bit the inside of her mouth to banish the emotion that swelled in her. “Thanks, Hop.”

“Hey, what’s that old saying? ‘All the world’s a stage.’ Right?” He scratched at his head again. “Let’s hope it goes like you want it to.”

Yes. Let’s hope.