Page 61 of Unexpected Forever
“Believe it or not, that sounds like torture. And you’re not paying for my clothes.”
“I can call my assistant and have her send you some things. And I want to pay for your clothes.”
I stiffen my spine. “I can take care of myself, Nate. I don’t need your money.”
He sighs, leaning back in his chair, pinning me with a stare. “Charley, I’m well aware you can take care of yourself. I’m not trying to imply you can’t. I mean, you pay me rent when you don’t need to, for God’s sake. But I’d like to do this for you. Please?”
Well, hell.
“I’m sorry. I just…” I look out the picture window, the mountains in the distance. “I’m just trying to prove to my family I’m not a screwup. And prove to you I’m not here because I want your money.”
I want him. Just him. But I am not telling him that part.
He leans forward and holds out a hand, offering his palm. When I settle my hand in it, he clasps his fingers around mine.
“I have never once thought you trapped me into this if that’s what you’re thinking.”
His thumb runs over my knuckles with the lightest touch I feel all the way down to my toes and makes warmth pool between my legs.
“I take responsibility for my actions, okay?”
He raises a brow, waiting for me to answer. But I can’t form a word around the ball of emotion in my throat, so I nod.
“Good.” He releases my hand and sits back in his chair. “Your next appointment is in a month, right?”
My lips part in surprise. “Uh, yeah. July 25th. How do you know?”
“Well, it says here, you go about once a month. And you told me about the last one while I was out of town. I did some calendar adding.” He taps his temple with a grin.
“Ah yes, baby math.”
“Yep. I wanted to know so I could be there this time.”
“There’s not much to it, Nate. I know you’re a busy guy.”
He levels me with an exasperated stare. “I told you I’m in this thing. When are you going to stop fighting me every step of the way?”
I hold up both hands. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I’m used to being on my own and I—”
“Don’t want favors. I get it. So, the 25thyou said?”
“Yeah.” My body softens and it begins to sink in that maybe Nate is for real.
I know, the guy moved me into his house. But just because he’s a good man and doesn’t want to see me sleeping in my car, doesn’t mean he has to be into all the other things like doctor appointments and baby facts.
Yet he is. And I should stop fighting him. But I’m afraid if I do, I’ll end up letting my guard down more than I should.
It’s a slippery slope.
He clears his throat. “Before we get to the bar blueprints, I wanted to get your opinion on something.”
“Sure.”
“What do you think about me buying this house?”
I blink. “You want to buy this house?”
He looks out the window. “When I retired, I thought I would find some property up here near Megan. I’m always looking to grow my real estate portfolio.” He brings his gaze back to me. “I have even more reason to buy a house here now.”
