Page 27 of Close to My Heart

“You need the right last name for this problem of yours, and my family will secure your inheritance for you.”

“I don’t need your help, but I appreciate the offer,” Sutton said politely. She was raised to handle people in a certain way, but I had a different approach.

When Harold took a step toward her, I moved between them. “She’s asked you nicely, and now I’m telling you that we’re leaving. You’re not to call or contact her again. Got it?”

Harold looked like he wanted to say something but thought better of it. It was a smart decision, because I’d do anything to protect Sutton.

When he finally nodded, I reached for Sutton’s hand and pulled her in front of me. “Let’s go.”

I wasn’t going to let this guy anywhere near her again.

Sutton was quiet as we walked swiftly to my truck. I opened the door for her and helped her inside. Then I closed the door behind her.

I could finally breathe. My chest was so tight. Inside the cab, I turned on the heat because Sutton was shivering. Whether it was from nerves or something else, I didn’t know.

I drove her to her house, walking with her inside. “Are you going to be okay?”

Sutton turned to face me, her eyes shining. “Will you stay with me tonight?”

I hadn’t slept with her since the night she was hurt in the car accident. “Just let me ask the neighbor to take out Otto one more time.”

We got ready for bed. Then we lay down on either side of the bed, not touching each other.

“Come here,” I finally said, needing to touch her and comfort her.

She moved quickly to rest her head on my shoulder, her hand on my chest. “I could have handled it.”

“I’m glad you called me.” I’d always be there for her, no matter what. I just wished she’d consider me as her potential husband.

“You’re the first one I call.” Sutton fell silent for so long; I wondered if she’d fallen asleep. Finally, she said, “I don’t want to go on anymore dates. I just want to forget about my grandmother’s edict.”

“I know how much the house means to you.”

“I’m not sure it’s worth this.”

I didn’t like that Sutton felt unsafe tonight. She might have been able to handle it on her own, but these dates could be dangerous. She could attract the sort of guy who just wanted her money, and who knows what they’d do to get it? “It isn’t safe.”

“The whole thing is crazy.”

“What if there was another solution?”

“I have to get married in order to inherit the house. The only other option is to walk away from everything.” Her tone was filled with defeat.

“We’ll figure something out.” I was considering offering myself up as the husband in this scenario, but I wasn’t sure she’d go for it. I needed to think it through some more, come up with the best course of action. One where she wouldn’t turn me down flat.

“I don’t want to think about it anymore tonight.”

I held her more tightly, enjoying the feel of her in my arms. Would this be the last time we were together like this? Would she choose one of the guys she’d already gone out with? How desperate was she to inherit the estate?

I wanted to give her everything she’d ever wanted. The marriage, the house, and her future. The more I thought about stepping in as her fiancé, then husband, the better the idea felt. I wouldn’t have to watch her marry someone else. She’d be in my bed.

It wouldn’t be real, but what if it gave me the time necessary to show her that we could be more than friends? We’d be married for a few months, living together, sharing meals, a bed. It had to appear real for Mrs. Rosesmith to believe it. How far could I take it? What would be necessary to show Sutton how I felt?

What if I fell even deeper for her, but she didn’t feel the same way? At least I’d know. It was the best plan I could think of. It gave me more time and solved her problem of marrying a stranger. She trusted me, and I didn’t want her family’s money.

I just had to figure out the best approach. I didn’t want Sutton to dismiss me.

7

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