“Bye.” I watch the door fall closed behind her, the lock clicking into place. I’m more thankful than ever that Daman installed it. I could care less if the landlord, the handyman or anyone else likes it. I know that it will keep me safe and that seems to be Daman’s number one concern. I walk into my bedroom to pack more clothes. Little by little more and more seem to be ending up over at Daman’s house.
I look around my room noticing that some of my stuff looks to have been moved. I shake my head at myself. I’m being silly and paranoid. I’m sure it was Trin looking for something. I’m sure it’s normal for the maintenance people to have keys to everyone’s apartments. I can’t let it bother me because the handyman creeped me out. I’m letting my mind run wild and I need to reel it in.
My phone dings in my hand. I look down and see a text from Daman.
Daman: Are you okay?
Me: Yes. Got out of class early so I came to get some clothes from my place. Shouldn’t you be in class?
It is the reason I didn’t text him when I got out early. I was going to pop into my place and meet him like planned at his car before we went and got dinner. Only a few weeks together and we already have a schedule. I kind of love it. I think I kind of love him, too.
Daman: I’ll pick you up.
His text is simple like always. Daman is always to the point when he talks. It’s taken me a minute to understand that sometimes he can be very literal. Some may not like it but I find it endearing. The man’s words often catch me off-guard and melt all my insides.
Me: I’m sure you will.
Me: Do not leave class early!
I text again, knowing how he can be. He worries over me. It’s nothing like how my dad is. I feel like Daman does it because he truly cares that I’m okay. That my well-being is his number one concern. He doesn’t check on me because he thinks he’s supposed to. He wants to. To me that makes all the difference in the world and it’s why it doesn’t bother me. I wish I could say the same when my father did it. Unlike my dad’s constant overbearing ways, with Daman I enjoy it. If he’s always checking in on me then he’s always close.
Daman: Too late.
I snort out a laugh. Of course I am. I grab a bag and start tossing things inside. Before I can even get it zipped up, I hear the front door opening. My heart drops for a second knowing Trin is in class. I turn to see Daman walking into my bedroom.
“What’s wrong?” His whole body goes rigid, the smile dropping from his face.
“You scared me. I forgot you have a key.”
He comes over to me. “There is something else.” Jeez. Am I that easy to read?
“I think I’m on edge. Trin told me the handyman was inside when she got home today. It’s weird to me that random people have keys to our home but I guess he’s not random. He works here.” Daman stares down at me. His face is unreadable. “What?” I ask when he says nothing. I can see the tight line of his jaw and the way his hand is balled into a fist. He hasn’t even kissed me, which is very un-Daman like. Causing me to think that he’s not very happy about my handyman’s unannounced visit either.
“You’re staying with me tonight,” he finally says, causing me to laugh. Everything’s better when he’s around.
“This is shocking news.” I grab his shirt, pulling him down to kiss me. He comes willingly. I might as well move in with him at this point. But like the I love you, I think it’s too soon to say or ask. This is turning out to be so much more than a crush.
Chapter Fifteen
Daman
I take Quinn home and run her a bath. She really loves the jets in that thing and after a few rounds of sex with her, I do, too. But right now I have a different sort of cleaning that needs to be done. I put a glass of wine and a plate of cheese and crackers next to the tub and give her a quick kiss on the forehead.
“Aren’t you going to climb in?” She raises a pink toe out of the bubbles and wiggles it at me.
I swallow hard and trudge to the door. “Nah, I have some homework to do. You relax and once you’re done, we can go to the Mexican place and get the tamales you like. Holler at me if you want anything.”
I hop out of the bathroom quickly so I’m not tempted to stay. Once I’m in my chair, I pull up the surveillance footage I’ve ignored for the last three weeks. Quinn has been with me almost every free minute of the day so there hasn’t been any need to look at the footage. If she’s not with me, then she’s at class. I don’t need the cameras. I have my own two eyes but I’m glad I didn’t remove them because I’ll be able to see exactly what’s been going on in her apartment.