Page 87 of Burning Love
“What?!” Not that he thought he had anything to hide, but it was more than a bit intrusive.
“They didn’t find anything that concerned them other than this.”
She put her phone on the counter after opening it and turned it toward him.
He saw his calendar picture and the heat filled his face.
“I had no control over that. It was part of the job.”
“Which I said. I told them it was five years ago too. I didn’t see the big deal, but it had more to do with the comments. They think you’re a player.”
His shoulders dropped. “I’m not sure I’d call myself a player, but I’ve never lied about things either.”
“Nope. I told them that too. I even pointed out that we had an understanding. This was no different than giving any guy I date months to get to know each other and then moving on if it wasn’t working out.”
He wasn’t sure why the thought of her moving on made his gut want to lurch his dinner up.
“What did they say?”
“There wasn’t much for them to say. Braylon loosened up some and West finally relaxed and we got to work. I know I’m the baby in their eyes. I’ll admit that for a few years I gave them a reason that they had to look out for me. They had a much harder life than I did.”
“Thanks to them.”
“That’s right. West felt that he spoiled me and I don’t know what hard work is. Maybe he’s right. Or he was. But I’ve worked hard in the past year and a half trying to find what I wanted to do. He’s proud of me even though he doesn’t say it.”
“You’re doing a good thing for people.”
“I am. I think it shocked him I chose this. In his mind, Nelson and I feel entitled and yet Nelson is busting his ass and proving he’s got what it takes. Though I took a different route and am not making money for West, I’m still working.”
“You’re giving him good public opinion and presence,” he said. “That’s just as important.”
“It is. But that isn’t why West donates as much as he does. We got help growing up. He’s trying to give back because he knows it’s the right thing to do. Kind of like you and your career.”
“Yeah. Not that I’ve got much in common with a billionaire.”
“Don’t look at the zeroes after his name. That’s meaningless. I don’t look at those things when I meet someone.”
“But you would if someone was trying to get to know you for your family. You admitted that.”
“That’s right. I’m guarded that way and have had to be because I’ve gotten burned. All of my siblings have. There isn’t much we can do about that other than be on the lookout. I’d like to think I know you well enough that you don’t care about that.”
“I don’t. I know you’re better than me.”
“Stop right there,” she said, putting her hand up, her body rigid. “Don’t. Many would say I had my job handed to me. I kind of did even though I have to work for it. But that doesn’t mean I think I’m better than you.”
“It has nothing to do with your job, your family, or your worth. It has to do with your heart. You’re just a better person than me, Talia. I’m damaged and you’re not. It boils down to that.”
“I hate that you think so little of yourself,” she growled.
“You’re mad at me?”
“Do you think?” she asked, getting up. She grabbed her purse. “You sabotage yourself to think you’re damaged rather than seeing all the good you’ve made of yourself and your life. You need to get out of your head more than anything else.”
“Where are you going?”
“Home. You can use the alone time to think. It seems you like it enough.”
She slammed out his door and he wondered what the fuck just happened when he thought things were going so well.
