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Chapter Nine

"Hi," I breathed, taking in his worn jeans, cheeky smirk, and unkempt hair that his fingers ran through.

My thoughts flashed back to his hand that rested on my hip as he slept peacefully in the tent.

I, on the other hand, wasn't able to sleep at all. Naturally.

Edward's smile was friendly, but his eyes were...distant. "Hi. Is...your mom here?"

Well, I couldn't exactly tell him she was still passed out, so I said she was busy. Because she was busy- sleeping.

"She's always busy whenever I come by. I'm starting to think Renee doesn't exist," Edward chuckled, shaking his head. "That was...ridiculous. Of course she exists; I've met her..."

"No, it wasn't ridiculous. It was...funny," I lied. "Good joke."

He brought his hand up, almost as if he wanted to reach out for me. Instead, he rubbed the back of his neck and...laughed.

The disappointment was clear on my face, I'm sure.

"So, I woke up this morning. Alone. In a tent, at my place of employment." Edward explained, looking deadly serious.

Crossing my arms and tilting my head, I feigned confusion. "Huh. That's pretty odd."

"Yeah. The janitor who found me this morning also thought it was odd."

Keeping a straight face, save for my voice that wavered, I said, "At least he didn't find you in a compromising position. Like...naked or anything."

Edward focused on me for a moment, until it was clear I was uncomfortable under his stare.

I squirmed under his scrutiny, but that more due to the fact that I was thinking about him being naked.

It was the natural progression of the conversation, okay? Even though...I was the one who brought it up.

"I'm assuming you didn't come by to speak to my mother." I called him out on whatever supposed business he came here for.

My call-out caused the corners of his eyes to crinkle. It was quickly becoming my favorite thing. Not that I'd tell him that.

Edward let out a fake sigh. "You caught me."

"I had a feeling."

"Well, you did a disappearing act on me this morning. I had to come by to make sure you hadn't been kidnapped."

"Because that's a probable conclusion to come to when one wakes up alone?" I questioned, shaking with laughter.

"Exactly." His grin was devilish. "People break-in at Newton's all the time. And steal Clif Bars- or so I've heard."

"Uh huh."

"So, it wasn't too far-fetched to think you had been taken away from me."

"Right. Well, aren't you just an every day Sherlock Holmes."

Edward laughed - no, practically giggled - and nodded in agreement. "What have I been doing wasting my time working at Newton's? I should try my hand at being a private investigator."

"Please, don't."

"Well. I'm glad you're safe and sound," he whispered softly. "I was thinking...you wanna go to the storage unit with me before I have to work?"

As if I'd say no to that.

A/N: Seriously, I don't think I'd be able to turn down an offer into a porta potty with that guy. Clearly I have no limits. Or self-respect. Thanks for reading.