Changing the password was basic stuff.

“Do you only do this with me, or with everyone?” Zach asked.

“Of course, not everyone. Like my mom or Mimi, I text them the new password whenever I change it. And when they come over, I won’t change it afterward. Why do you ask?”

“Then why did you change it after I knew the password?”

Winter gave him a puzzled look and shot back, “Who are you to me? Why wouldn’t I change the password? Are we that close?”

“What about other guys? If they knew the password to your house…”

“Of course I’d change it immediately.” Wasn’t that obvious?

Zach didn’t know whether to feel pleased or frustrated. On the one hand, he was glad that this woman wasn’t entirely foolish. Sure, she played around with men, but she had a sense of caution around them. Winter knew she had to be on guard.

On the other hand, Zach was frustrated that he wasn’t any different from the other guys in her eyes. He was also on the list of people she had to be on guard around.

Winter asked, “So, why are you looking for me?”

Zach glanced inside. “It’s really hot outside.”

“And?”

“Can I tell you after we go in?”

Winter lowered her hand and stepped aside to let him in.

Smiling, Zach entered and casually changed into indoor slippers. Then, he headed straight to the living room and plopped down on the couch. Anyone who didn’t know better might have thought it was his own home.

Winter rolled her eyes. “Get to the point. I’m busy.”

Zach snorted, “Busy with what? Are you busy inviting people over to pass the boring summer days or to enjoy lazy afternoons together?”

“What the hell!” Winter’s eyes widened. “Can’t you just talk normally? Why bring up my posts on social media? He even read them out loud. How awkward!”

Zach continued, “You were pretty smug when you posted it. So what if I read it out? You’re allowed to post on social media, but I’m not allowed to mention it?”

“Wait, are you telling me you came all the way to my place in the middle of the afternoon just to read my social media posts back to me? If you’re that bored, why don’t you go and watch paint dry?”

“Yeah, I’m super bored. That’s why I’m here to answer your call. Where’s that wine glass? Let’s clink one, shall we?”

Winter’s gaze flickered. “What call do you mean? You’ve gone crazy…”

“Tsk, it’s that post of yours. Aren’t you asking for company? So, here I am.”

Winter was at a loss for words. Fine, she forgot that this idiot was also an adept player. No wonder he picked up on it so quickly.

Zach smirked and said, “Come on, what’s the plan? Shall we stay in the living room, or head to the bedroom?”

Winter heard his sarcastic tone and frowned. “I do want to have fun, but not with you.”

Zach casually asked, “Why not?”

“Personal relationships can affect our partnership. I never get involved with men I have work ties with.”

“But we don’t have any ties at work.”

Winter insisted, “But we’re in a partnership right now.”

Zach snapped his fingers. “Great! A partnership means we should work together, right?”

“Exactly.”

“Yesterday, my mom asked me if we had a fight because she saw you having lunch with another guy.”

Winter frowned. “Yesterday… I was at the office all day. I just had lunch with a colleague at noon…”

“Was it a guy?”

Winter nodded.

“Perfect! My mom might have misunderstood the situation. So, we need to set some new ground rules to protect our partnership.” Zach looked completely serious.

Winter shrugged and replied without even asking what the new rules were, “Fine, I decline. Our partnership ends right here.”

Zach was taken aback. Wait a minute… Why was her reaction so unpredictable?