Page 61

“You need groceries.”

“I can buy my own groceries.” She motioned at the money. “I don’t need you to treat me like I’m your whore.”

“Hey!” I reached for her wrist and brought her to me. “That’s not what I was doing.”

When I saw her refrigerator was empty, I wanted to help. I did that the only way I knew how. I gave her money.

“How did you think I would react when you left money on my nightstand five minutes after we had sex? Do you know how that looks? How it makes me feel?”

“I didn’t think through the optics.” I didn’t do relationships. I had no idea they were this much work.

“I don’t want your money.” She tried to wiggle out of my hold. “You can’t buy me.”

“I’m not trying to buy you.” I released her and stepped back. “I wasn’t paying you for sex.”

“What were you doing?”

“Taking control of a senseless situation.” I ran my fingers along my beard, trying to figure out how I had gotten myself into this situation. “You have a problem and I can solve it.”

“I don’t want to be your problem.”

“Don’t put words in my mouth.” I pointed at her. “I didn’t say you were a problem.” Although, she was more than I bargained for. “I told you I wanted to take care of you.”

“And I told you I can take care of myself.”

“That’s not going to work for me.”

“I’m not a business deal you can throw money at and get what you want.” she said.

“Trust me, I already know that.”

“This is why we can’t work.” She gazed into my eyes, waiting for me to agree. “I don’t understand you.”

“Do you think I have any clue how you operate? I use money to solve my problems, but with you, I’m at a loss. You turned down two million dollars, but you can’t fill your refrigerator with food. I can’t understand that.”

“That’s not your problem. It’s mine!” She glanced at the money, and then to the doorway. “We’re a mistake. I’m sorry.”

When she hurried across the dining room to the foyer, I chased after her, catching her wrist in my grip. She looked over her shoulder as tears slipped from her eyes.

“I can’t let you walk away from me.” I drew her back into the room. “I don’t understand us either, but I want to.” I tugged her against my chest. “I’m sorry I offended you, but I won’t apologize for wanting to help you.”

“Huxley, my life is all over the place. There are so many things I can’t control, and I don’t know how to…” More tears streamed down her cheeks. “You weren’t supposed to happen to me.”

“I disagree.” I wiped her tears away. “The other day, you asked me what we were doing.”

I couldn’t answer her then because I wasn’t sure, but now I had clarity. A few days without her by my side made me realize that she was worth any sacrifice I had to make to keep her in my life.

“I’m taking control of things.” I lifted her onto the dining room table. “We’re doing it my way. That’s what we’re doing.”

“I don’t know if I can give you what you’re asking for.”

“You already have.” I took her face between my hands. “You need to surrender to me. Let me do what I do best. I’ll take care of you.” I gently kissed her. “I’ll make everything right for you.”

“Why?” she whispered against my lips. “Why do you want to do that?”

“Because it’s what we both need.”

She nodded as she brushed her fingers along my neck, giving into my next kiss and letting me take the reins.