19

STRIKER

“I’ll ready the tub,” I said as I loaded the dishwasher.

“I don’t need it. I just said to excuse myself.”

My brows furrowed. “Why?”

“I don’t know.” She shrugged. “Maybe I didn’t like your tone or how you told me to talk to Reed when you could just tell me.”

“I’m sorry. I’m still adjusting to our situation and used to communicating with my fellow CPO in that tone.” I nodded in understanding.

“It’s okay.” She dropped her gaze.

I liked that she was honest. Maybe our unconventional arrangement would work out even though we seemed to have nothing in common.

“I felt ashamed of how I handled it. I should be grateful for saving my butt many times, and this arrangement, you literally saved my life, my entire future, and I should be begging for it, but here you are, trying to be kind, and you are the one who made all the adjustments to fit into my life.” She breathed deeply as she looked up. “I don’t know how I can repay you. I don’t know what I can offer you. I mean, look at me. I have