Until her words registered.
It was true. She never said she was a guy. I assumed from her username that she was. Something she said last night ran through my mind, and I spoke without looking at her.
“Why did you think I was an old man?”
“What?” she asked, looking startled.
“Last night. You said you were going to look after an old man. A curmudgeon, I think were your exact words.”
“Oh. You sounded like it. Your ad. The way you responded. The duties you listed. Like you needed help but didn’t want to ask. My dad was that way.” Out of the corner of my eye, I saw her lift one shoulder. “I guess we both thought wrong.”
“No shit,” I snapped. “We’re both disappointed.”
“I never said I was disappointed,” was her reply. I risked a glance, but I saw she was staring out the window. I grunted and she spoke again.
“I’ll do a good job, Maxx.” She paused. “Or do you prefer Reynolds?” Sarcasm dripped from her voice.
I didn’t bother to explain. “Sir will do.”
“I am not calling you sir,” she sniped back at me, trying to sound tough. If I weren’t so angry, I would have chuckled at her. She kept going.
“In fact, let me tell you a thing or two.”
I didn’t say anything, figuring at least what she said would be interesting.
“You plan on treating me like the kid you think you hired? Fine. But I expect you to be polite, courteous, and fair. I don’t expect to be punished because I have breasts instead of a dick. I’ll do my work, and I will show you the respect you deserve as my boss as long as you show me the respect I deserve as an employee and a human being.” She drew in a much-needed breath. “You understand me, Maxx?”
I pulled into the driveway and brought us to a lurching stop. I climbed out of the truck and looked at her across the bench. Her cheeks were flushed, and her hair tousled from the open windows. She was as angry as I was right now, her little fists clenched, and her brows drawn down in a frown. She was fucking adorable, and it made me angrier than ever.
“I hear you, Charly. You sure about that dick? Your balls are certainly big enough. Now, get your suitcase and follow me.”
I slammed the door, ignoring the screech of rage I cut off. I was glad I was walking away, because this time, I couldn’t stop my amusement.
And that pissed me off even more.
Chapter 8
CHARLY
Holding my tongue, I followed Maxx as fast as I could. Entering the garage, I barely looked around as he headed swiftly toward the back. My suitcase bounced on the floor, one wheel spinning off and flying across the room.
“Shit,” I muttered, half carrying, half dragging it the rest of the way. I went through the office and down a short hall, trying not to shudder at the chaos the office contained. Papers were everywhere. Files piled up, boxes on every surface.
I knew where I was going to start.
I entered a room, trying not to look as horrified as I was feeling. This was where I would be staying. A room in the back of a garage.
I looked at Maxx, keeping my expression neutral, knowing he was waiting for a negative reaction and refusing to give it to him. I flung my knapsack on the bed. He glowered at me, indicating the room. His voice was laced with sarcasm as he gestured with his arm, pointing to the bed. “Your bedroom.” His finger moved to the single chair and the small TV on top of it. “Your entertainment area.” Another point to the corner, where an old but serviceable dresser stood. The wall had a few hooks drilled into it next to the wooden chest. “Your dressing area.” Then he opened the only other door in the room with a flourish. “Your spa.”
I didn’t even look, unsure if I could hide my reaction. I made a show of turning and inspecting the door. There was a lock on it, but not much better than I’d had at the apartment. The door felt solid, though, and I could shove the chair under the knob if I needed to. I crossed the small room and opened the curtain covering the window, and I couldn’t help my smile. Nothing but trees and grass as far as I could see. It was, at least, a pretty view—and private. And I was safe here. No matter how angry Maxx was, he wouldn’t hurt me—I knew this for sure. He had protected me before he even knew me, and I had discovered the gentler side of him last night.
Even if, as he insisted, it never happened.
I turned, crossing my arms. “Okay. I’ll unpack later. Next.”