Page 46 of When You Give a Lawyer a Kiss

“Since when?”

She averts her gaze, as if wishing I would disappear.

“A while,” she answers vaguely.

Goddammit. Guilt washes over me as I think about how she’s been coming here every night while I’ve been enjoying the comfort of my brownstone in Brooklyn Heights, with heated floors and a fireplace for particularly cold nights.

She hugs herself tightly. “This is my childhood home.” It makes me want to hold her in my arms, but I wait for her to finish her story. “My grandpa kept it in good shape, but after he passed away and Grams moved to an assisted living facility, I couldn’t keep up with maintaining it. The furnace is just the latest repair, adding to the mounting list of issues I’ve been trying to manage.”

I rake my fingers through my hair, forcing myself to remain calm. “What other issues?”

She lets out a humorless laugh. “You might want to grab a pen and paper. A pipe recently burst in the bathroom and I had to pay a fortune for an emergency plumber to fix it. The windows are drafty, which makes the already chilly conditions worse; the floorboards in the corner of my grandparents’ old bedroom are rotting; and the spare room has a mold problem.” My stomach drops at the mention of mold while she ticks the problems off on her fingers. “Oh, and I’m pretty sure there’s a mouse living in the kitchen wall because there are small holes and signs of gnawing around the kitchen cabinets.” It makes sense now why she’s been working two jobs. We pay well at Thompson & Tate, but it sounds like it’s not enough to cover all her expenses, including unexpected costs like plumbing repairs.

It’s partly my fault for not pressing her harder for answers. I let my attraction to her take precedence, making me blind to her struggles. Now, I have to find a way to set things right while being careful not to scare her off in the process.

If I were in her position, Martha and Colby would be here, taking care of the repairs and restoring the place to livable conditions without even being asked.

Reese doesn’t have anyone other than her Grams.

At least not that she’s mentioned. I know her grandpa is gone, her mom passed when was little, and she never knew her dad.

“Does Noah know about your living conditions?” I ask.

She stiffens, her posture rigid. “No, I haven’t told him,” she admits. “We usually study at his house or meet up at the library. I’ve never invited him over.”

It feels like the wind has been knocked out of me when the realization that she really has been dealing with this all on her own sets in. She’s putting on a brave face, pretending it doesn’t bother her that the home she grew up in is in shambles, but I cansee the strain behind her forced smile and the pains she’s trying to conceal.

I can’t stand the distance any longer. I step forward with my arms open. I’m relieved when she doesn’t hesitate, stepping into my embrace like it’s where she belongs.

“I’ll pay to replace the furnace.” It’s a practical solution. I can afford it, and she shouldn’t have to worry about something so basic when she has so much else going on.

Reese lifts her head, narrowing her eyes. “I’m not letting you do that.” Determination hardens her expression. “I don’t want your charity. I’ve managed perfectly well on my own. Truly, I appreciate the offer, but I can’t accept it.”

I hold her tighter, afraid she’ll slip through my fingers if I let go. I’m used to steamrolling over obstacles in my way, but I’m learning with Reese that patience is key. That doesn’t mean I won’t take advantage of any loopholes if they present themselves.

“I’m willing to compromise,” I concede, but her sidelong glance tells me she’s not convinced. “You’ve got two choices: either come to my place, or I’ll get you a hotel room.” I shake my head when she tries to object. “Staying here tonight isn’t an option. This place is an icebox, and you don’t have any way to keep warm. And no, a jacket and some fuzzy socks don’t cut it.”

She grunts in irritation but doesn’t pull away. “I’ve managed without a furnace for almost two months,” she says, though her shivering makes her argument less believable.

I brush a loose lock of hair away from her face and lean in to press my forehead against hers. “Please do this for my peace of mind.” My tone is almost pleading as I gaze into her emerald eyes. “You’re not in this alone, Red. Not anymore.”

She releases a shuddered breath, her eyes softening as she leans into my touch. “I’ll stay at your place, but only for one night. Tomorrow I’ll figure something else out.”

I relax my shoulders and take a deep breath, grateful she chose the first option. I’m not ready to say goodbye to her tonight.

There’s no chance I’m letting her come back here in this condition, but that’s a discussion for another time. This place holds sentimental value for Reese, and she’d never forgive me if I tried to have it condemned or renovated without her consent. For now, I need to make sure she’s safe and comfortable, and that means getting her out of here.

I press a kiss to her forehead. “Do you have a backpack?”

She nods. “Yeah, why?”

“Go pack it, and we’ll head out.”

She gives me a wary glance as she steps away.

Ten minutes later, she comes out of her bedroom with a black backpack slung over her shoulder, her hair down, framing her face. She’s in jeans, a hoodie, and hot pink sneakers with hand-drawn orchids on the sides. with a black backpack slung over her shoulder.

“Ready to go?” I ask.

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