Page 64 of The Playboy Billionaire

My head pops up, and I look around. Is he watching us? Does he have a nanny cam?

CALEB:

No cameras. I checked with concierge I know she’s arrived.

I can almost hear the smirk in his voice. He thinks he knows mesowell.

ME:

I don’t need your charity. I can buy my own clothes.

Three dots appear and disappear, reappearing and disappearing as if he’s trying to decide what to say.

The phone in my hand rings, and Samuel’s name appears.

I answer and wait.

“Morning, baby girl,” Samuel says.

I walk into the kitchen, wanting some privacy.

“Hey,” I reply.

“What’s happening?” he asks although I have a feeling he already knows.

“Has Caleb just called you?” I ask, suspicious of the timing and Caleb’s lack of reply.

“Er…”

“Samuel, since when did the two of you become best buddies?”

“It’s not like that,” he says. “I’m… he’s just trying to help you.”

“I’m notthatwoman,” I say, grimacing at the words as they come out of my mouth. “I’ve been taking care of myself since I turned eighteen.”

“You have, and everyone else around you,” Samuel says.

After a pause, he sighs. “Is it really so bad to let someone else take care of you for a change?”

I sit on one of the island stools, my elbows resting on the granite surface, phone against my ear.

“It’s too much. I don’t want him to think I’m taking advantage or worse. That he can buy me.”

Does he think buying me some clothes will pave the way to his bed?

My stomach flutters at the thought.

“Ask yourself this. Why do you care?” Samuel asks quietly.

I drop my forehead into my hand and exhale into the phone.

“I’m not a charity case,” I say eventually, not wanting to unpack Samuel’s statement or examine it too closely.

“No, you’re not. Caleb doesn’t see you that way. He’s simply trying to help. The same way you help all those who come to your dance studio. How many times have you sent one of the kids off with money to buy something at Betty’s?”

“That’s different,” I say. I think back to Cal’s declaration. He promised I was in control. I need to believe he means it. There’s no way I’m going to end up back in his bed, however sexy he is.

“Why is it different? If you give all you can afford to help someone else, whether it’s a pound, or two thousand pounds. Helping someone when it’s within your means is an act of kindness. Are you saying because Caleb’s wealthy, he’s not allowed to help?”

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