Page 135 of Dream Girl
“I want to work with you. Honestly, I’d be honored to work for a company doing so much good. But I’m a little unsure what someone like me could contribute. I feel like my PhD doesn’t mean the same thing here.” I took a sip of my chocolate whirl.
“Grace, if you don’t want to work for me because you're not interested, that’s fine. But don’t do it because you don’t think you’re good enough. It’s an insult to us both.” His voice was low and a little growly. “What information do you need to make an informed choice? I’ll shareeverythingwith you.”
“What other details could you share about the simulator? I actually find that the most fascinating.” The way he said it made my stomach flutter a little–or it could be the deep-fried carbs I’d just ingested.
He gave me a look. “I told you, I’ll share everything.”
That was almost a purr, and I melted into my seat.
“But you had fun, made connections?” he added. “Everyone seemed delighted with you.”
“There would be no harm in joining that omega science organization, right?” It seemed like a good place to make friends and learn more about the science in this world.
“The Daedalus Society? Not at all. Go and make friends, explore, learn. There’s a big world out there for you to discover, and I can’t wait to see what you think of it. Did you and Evan have a nice time today?”
“The best, thank you for that. I think Evan needed it after everything that’s been happening with one of his clients.” I felt so bad for Rose. Maybe I should bake her something.
But the spa… it was some sort of omega-only posh paradise. Probably exclusive and stupidly expensive. I’d never experienced anything like it, and would go again in a second.
“The dress; where do I have it cleaned and who do I give it back to? Thank you again, it’s beautiful.” I readjusted the wrap.
“It’s for you to keep. The shoes and jewelry as well. But you kept your wrap on all night, do you not like backless dresses? I should have gotten your preferences.”
“I… I have scars on my back, they make people uncomfortable.” I let the wrap down.
He gasped. “I see. Car accident?”
His knuckles tightened on the steering wheel. Spencer’s scent was thick and suffocating, and the windows had been closed since the drive-through. But I didn’t want to open them.
I wanted to drown in it.
“No.” I shook my head. “Keep the dress? Spencer, it’s too much, I…” My chest shook a little. He was always so kind to me. Why was he doing this, other than that Evan cared for me and he cared for Evan?
“Breathe, my good doctor.” His voice went rumbly, setting me at ease. “In this family, nice clothes to attend functions aren’t gifts, they’re necessities. As for the jewelry, I admit, I went overboard, and didn’t truly take your tastes into account. I just saw it and knew it would look amazing on you.”
The necklace was dainty compared to what Brennan’s mom was wearing. It was diamonds and rubies, and the largest part rested right across my cleavage. The dangly earrings were long and big. But then none of these were daily wear.
“I love the jewelry. I’ve never had anything this nice.” My voice went small. It had been a long time since I’d had nice things. I’d just been trying to get by.
Even when I had, it wasn’t like this. My family had been fine, but not rich by any means–especially with four kids.
“You deserve nice things, my good doctor. In the future, I’ll try to tailor them more to your liking. I do hope that you’ll allow for the occasional item that’s flashy. Some of the events that weattend aren’t understated.” He smiled as we turned into their neighborhood.
I put my hand on the necklace. He wanted to get me more?
“Too much, too soon?” His voice went rumbly again. “Wes calls me a show-off. But please, let me do this. Wes, Evan, and I all have different ideas of how to spoil you–and you need and deserve all of them.”
I kind of enjoyed being spoiled. It wasn’t even about the material things. It was the attention. The care. Like Wes getting Mr. Hippo for me. Or taking me to the paddle boats. Evan making sure my favorite ice cream was always in the freezer.
Maybe Spencer didn’t ask about my dress preferences, but it was perfect. The only issue was that the shoes were a little uncomfortable, but theywerestilettos and probably chosen so the dress didn’t need to be hemmed. He’d also thought of everything today, even the hair, nails, and makeup.
There were also the little courtesies I got from all of them. Praise, kind words, tasty food. Granted, lap sitting and being fed could get annoying, but it was also nice because that meant I had someone to be annoyed with. That I wasn’t lonely and eating ramen out of a mug at ten o’clock at night with only a plant for company.
“Okay.” My voice went quiet. “I don’t mind bling; I’m just not used to it. But why?” I wasn’t even part of their pack.
“Oh, my good doctor, the fact you ask breaks my heart,” he said as we pulled into the garage.
My shoulders rounded. “Sorry.”
