“She said she would be fine in the back. Why do you think she can’t sit in a back seat?” Hutch asked, his eyes narrowed.
Kyle’s gaze went right for her cane. “I’m trying to help her out, man.”
Hutch walked to the car and opened the door, reaching in to drop the seat forward. “She knows what she can and can’t do. You seem to be the one who doesn’t because there’s zero shot at you fitting back here. Noelle, do you mind sitting in the back so the big guy’s spine doesn’t crack?”
God, that was refreshing. “No problem.”
It was totally awkward getting into that car, but she managed it and then scooted over when Hutch got in after her. His knees were practically up to his chin, but he settled in.
She heard the trunk open and then close as Kyle put Hutch’s duffel in, and then he climbed into the front. “Sorry. I was trying to help.”
She knew he was, but she preferred Hutch’s method. He hadn’t told her what her limitations were, hadn’t expected that because she used a cane she couldn’t see someone else had a greater need. “It’s okay, but I’m actually pretty flexible. I know the cane throws some people off, but you should see me do yoga.”
“I’ve been meaning to give that a try,” Hutch said. “Maybe you can teach me some moves.”
“I’m the one who’s going to need it,” Kyle complained.
“Don’t be a baby. This car is excellent. It meets all the new standards.” MaeBe started out of the parking garage, turning onto Pearl Street. They moved from the gloom of the garage and into the brilliant light of day. “And I told you it was small. I named her Tiny.”
“Well, I thought that was one of those names that was the opposite. I was expecting an SUV or something.” Kyle seemed to be fiddling with the seat.
Hutch’s hand came up. “No. You are far enough back. And seriously, you thought the chick with the nose ring and purple hair drove a massive SUV?”
“I thought we weren’t stereotyping today.” Kyle’s head brushed the top of the car.
“MaeBe could drive an SUV if she wanted to.” Noelle had put her cane on her left side, but now she wondered if she shouldn’t have put it between her and Hutch because there was pretty much nothing to stop their hips from brushing together.
“I like Tiny. She’s got character,” MaeBe said.
Their hands brushed, and when MaeBe turned again, she was knocked into Hutch. “Sorry.”
His arm had gone behind her, steadying himself. “It’s okay. It’s close quarters. And it’s not a bad idea for us to get more comfortable with each other. You know, for our cover.”
Their cover. “I don’t think we’ll need it all that much. I thought it was just to explain why I suddenly have two men living with me.”
“Oh, no. I’m going to need to get into that building at some point. You’re allowed visitors, I would assume.” His arm was still around her seat. Of course if it wasn’t, it would be cradled to his chest. He might not be as massive as Kyle, but he was still a big guy.
“Sure. I have to log you in and out. There are cameras everywhere. I’m not sure what you can do.”
“Take over the CC cams, hop into the system, and take a look around. Trust me. I’ll handle the security stuff. You save the helium,” Hutch replied. “But I can’t do what I need to do unless your coworkers buy that I’m your boyfriend. And someone you’ve known for a while. I would bet you’re careful about the people you date.”
She kind of liked that he used the word people. Again, not putting her in a box, but she was in this particular box due to her biology. “Oh, it’s men.”
“Do the people at work know that?” Kyle asked. “Because you and MaeBe would be pretty cute together. Hey.”
His seat had jerked, probably because Hutch had punched it.
“I don’t date much, but I did go out a few times with a guy from another lab.” It had been weird and awkward, and she kind of thought he’d been looking for information about her research. “I think Madison set him up because she did that a lot. She had this group of guys who did a bunch of her dirty work.”
“Dirty work?” MaeBe asked.
“Oh, yeah. She was one of those people who felt like she wasn’t getting ahead unless she was stepping on someone. Literally, at times. She used to step on my feet and then call me clumsy. I’m not all that sad she’s dead, but I have an intellectual curiosity about her death, if you know what I mean.”
“You think she sent someone to ask you out so he could watch you?” Hutch’s question was quiet but there was an edge to it.