Page 52 of Family Bonds- Garrett & Justine

“My father paid for all the living expenses. When my mother worked, she kept her money for herself. My father gave my mother a lot, but it wasn’t enough. That’s on them, not me or my sister.”

“No,” he said. “My parents are the same. My father takes care of it all. It’s just the way I was raised.”

And all the women he’d been with in his life expected him to do the same.

He didn’t have a problem with it as long as it didn’t feel as if he was being taken advantage of.

“My father raised us to be independent but open-minded. My mother is aware of what happened with his second wife. She said my father was probably controlling the funds with Elise. I know he was. She was a drunk. There was a reason he did what he had. When she was drunk she’d go on spending sprees and just buy whatever she wanted.”

“And it was between them,” he said.

“It was,” she said. “Garrett, I don’t know what we’ve got. Where we are going or anything. I don’t want you to think there are secrets or I’m withholding things. I’m going to have bad days.”

“I know how it is,” he said. “We all do. I don’t think it’s a secret if you do have bad days.”

“Thank you. I’m not going to get into specifics because it’s not who I am or what you need to know. But I don’t need you to take care of me. I don’t have your family’s wealth, but my father had a lot. He had two massive life insurance policies that he left for Jordan and me. They weren’t contested. He set them up when we were kids. The bulk of his money was in investments, and again, Jordan and I were the sole beneficiaries and set up prior to his marriage to Elise. Nothing contested there.”

He wasn’t shocked to find this out and she didn’t need to tell him either.

“That’s your business,” he said.

“I know. I’m just saying, I don’t need to work, but I am because I love what I do. Jordan the same. But I don’t need a man to take care of everything for me. I like a guy with manners, but if I want to pay for something, I don’t want to fight about it either.”

He laughed. “Understood.”

“I know you come from a long line of doctors and wealth and most likely trust funds. You probably didn’t even have to pay for your education and I didn’t have to pay for mine. But mine didn’t cost as much as yours.”

He didn’t deny anything but just smirked at her. She laughed. “I think we understand each other.”

“Good,” she said. “I’m sorry I was emotional. My mother rarely calls me. She normally just sends me a text or an email.”

“And when she called you felt obligated to answer?”

Justine’s shoulders dropped. “Yes. Jordan and my mother, even my father, always said I ran or avoided everything. I do. Most times. But I can’t be mean. I can’t live with guilt well either.”

“Instead you took that call and let it upset you?” he asked.

“I know my mother never tries to do it, but it just happens. Jordan doesn’t answer calls or texts and everyone expects that of her.”

“But they all expect you to be the nice one?” he asked.

“I’m not sure nice is the right word. As Jordan says, everyone looks at me and thinks they can intimidate me.”

“Oh, not me,” he said, laughing. “You scare me.”

Because she all but held his heart in his hands if he opened up his chest anymore.

“I doubt that,” she said, laughing.

“You’d be surprised,” he said.

“Anyway. That is what happened today. And you kissed me and I think that you’re right, I just needed a hug.”

“Maybe I need one now and again too,” he said.

“Then I’ll give you one,” she said, putting her arms around his neck.

Her lips went to his again and this time their kiss was anything but gentle and sweet.

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