Hailey stepped into her room, flashed Noah a smile then closed the door.

If she’d had any idea how her day would end when it began, well, she might not have done anything differently. This house was amazing. As appealing as it was, she shouldn’t get used to it. This was a stop. A means to an end.

She would be back in her apartment in a few months. Sooner if she could convince Noah it was a good idea. That way lay foolishness, she was sure, but she liked her independence. ...