Page 109 of Fall I Want
He turns to me with his head tilted. “If you were mine, I’d do everything in my power to make you happy. And if I failed, you’d deserve to take half of it all. I wouldn’t care. I’d want the best for you with or without me.”
“You should do a better job of protecting your heart,” I state. “I could be a terrible person.”
He bursts into laughter. “You? Tell me the worst thing you ever did.”
I breathe in, trying to think of something terrible I’ve done. “I’ve said hateful things to people. And hurt them with my words,” I say.
“You’re bad,” he deadpans. “It’s a human response.”
“I had sex in the back of my parents’ car,” I say. “I ate edibles before my college graduation.”
“Did you?” He snickers. “Well, I also happen to know that you get with your mom’s book club and sew blankets to be handed out to the homeless in New York every year. That once a month, onthe first Saturday, you volunteer at the library and read to kids. And you created a fuck jar because Julie says it too much during your shifts and the pastor wasn’t happy about it. You run fifteen to twenty-five miles a week, a habit you only picked up because Sebastard broke up with you. And if you didn’t like to travel, you’d have five cats.”
I chuckle. “Have you been in my head again?”
“People in Cozy Hollow love to share facts about you.”
My head falls back on my shoulders as I laugh, not even embarrassed. “I can’t imagine what else you know about me.”
“A lot,” he admits. “You’re a good person. An American sweetheart. Everyone truly loves you and how kind you are, even if you pretend like you’re a hard-ass. You genuinely care about people and that means something. It can’t be replicated,” he tells me just as the elevator stops. “It’s what I appreciate most about you.”
“Thank you for saying that,” I say as I exit. He leads me down a wide private hallway toward the large oversize door. It reminds me of the one at Hollow Manor. Actually, the entire foyer does.
“This is familiar,” I say, placing my palm on the wood.
“It came from the same castle,” he says as he presses his thumb onto the pad. Seconds later, the doorknob clicks and he pushes it open, allowing me to enter.
“Okay, you never saidcastle! You mentioned it was French.”
“Must’ve forgotten.” He shrugs. “I’m not a bragger.”
“I’ve noticed.” As soon as I’m farther inside, I see the glass staircase and large window walls that surround the place. I move to the edge, amazed at the view that overlooks Central Park. Leaves on the trees have turned yellow and orange, the first indication that fall has arrived.
The door clicks closed and locks, then his footsteps stop behind me. I turn and glance at him over my shoulder as he rolls his shirtsleeves to his elbows.
“This is incredible,” I whisper.
“I have one of the best views in Manhattan,” he says, but he’s focused on me.
I want to kiss him again, especially when he looks at me like that, like he sees something I don’t. Maybe he does. Before I cross that line, I force my attention back to the park. Zane moves beside me, his fingers brushing against mine as the sun sets in the distance.
The surrounding buildings glow gold and I think I could stand here for hours, watching another day fade to night.
“I have something for you.” Zane pulls something from his pocket and hands it to me. It’s a black credit card with my name etched on the bottom.
I’m confused, and before I can ask questions, he speaks. “I had you added to my account.”
“I can’t accept this.” I try to return it to him, but he shakes his head.
“If I recall correctly, this was part of our negotiations. I always keep my end of the deal.”
I make a face, unsure what he’s referring to.
“You agreed to be mine through the holidays if you could haveallof me.” He glances down at it. “Now you do, Pumpkin. You have me physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially.”
“This is not what I meant.” I tap the metal card against my fingers, wishing he would take it back, but he’s stubborn.
“Time is one of your most valuable commodities. I don’t want you to worry about anything while we’re together. Focus on the good, and on the things that make you happy. Money won’t.”
