Earn My Trust

Part 3

MC was in the kitchen, humming a melody and preparing food for the big night.

Soon after she'd gotten the message from the man, she heard her front door close and get locked. Unable to go and receive him at the very moment as she was searching for something, she cleared her throat and called out:

"I'm in the kitchen!"

She was rummaging in one of the cupboards, looking for ginger they would need for dinner. At last, she found it and made a little squeak of joy.

Instantly, a low chuckle coming from somewhere behind her sent a shiver along her spine.

"Hello, MC."

She straightened and turned to the man with a soft smile, a little abashed. "Hi."

Oh, God.

She looked at him, really looked at him, and her ability to move seemed to evaporate... as well as her memory of how to breathe.

He was there, right in front of her, in her very kitchen. His hood was down and his face was on display for her. Now that her rage had calmed significantly, and he was more relaxed than panicked, Jake seemed even more attractive to her. He was her type, with slight deviations from the ideal man she had in mind, but it didn't matter.

Involuntarily, her hands twitched; she wanted to touch him that bad.

"Wow." She murmured eventually.

The man raised his brows. "What?"

Shit. She'd spoken out loud.

"Um, I'm just not used to seeing you. At all. And... just wow."

Jake stared at her as if she'd grown a second head.

However, before he could say anything to express his surprise, MC shook her head vigorously, her cheeks blushed crimson.

"Actually, never mind! I didn't mean for you to hear it and to create an awkward atmosphere. So, did you manage to finish all your tasks? Is that why you're early?"

"Of course, I did. You know I am effective."

"I know." MC smiled, although it was a little strained. "Okay. Would you like anything to drink?"

"I'll gladly ask for something, but not yet." Jake cleared his throat, instantly uneasy. "I mean, if you don't mind, I'd love to use your offer and go have a bath—"

"Sure. I already prepared everything." She admitted. "Follow me."

They went upstairs and she led him to her bedroom. She stopped and waved her hand at the bed.

"Those are spare clothes. If something fits, it's yours. There's a fresh towel and feel free to use anything you want for the bath. Bubbles, scents, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, you name it."

Jake huffed.

"Do I seem like a man who uses... scents or lotions?"

"Hm, not really." She smirked. "Bubbles, though..."

Jake shook his head, but with a small smile.

MC bit her lip, then asked slowly:

"Say... was there water in that house at all?"

His smile dropped. "There was. However, it was cold. They also finally cut the electricity. The company probably alerted the owners to sudden usage."

MC gasped. "Right, so the owners may actually come over and check on the property. Did you take your things with you?"