Page 27 of Possessive Doctor

“It doesn’t really matter. You aren’t going to court or anything. This is just a meeting so you can settle your parent's estate. It’s the first step to moving on with your life. I guess you should dress more for that experience than to impress the lawyer.”

“Well, then, I’m picking something light, airy, and happy because that’s how I want my life to be.”

“Sounds perfect to me, baby girl.”

I put on a blue sundress and cover my shoulders with a light sweater before slipping into a pair of matching sandals.

“You look beautiful as always,” Andrew tells me as he collects the car keys and escorts me to the elevator.

He’s always saying it, but those aren’t empty words. I see the way he looks at me, and I always melt into a puddle on the floor. I’m still not sure what he sees in me, but I definitely feel like a princess with the way he treats me.

The drive to the lawyer's office is quick this time of the day when traffic is light, and we roll into the covered parking garage within minutes.

“Am I supposed to be this nervous about this?” I ask as Andrew helps me out of the car.

“There’s nothing to be nervous about,” he replies as he takes my hand and brushes his lips along my knuckles.

“I guess when this is over, I should consider going back to school and maybe finding a job.”

“You’ll have plenty of money to go back to school. You don’t need a job.”

“But you can’t keep taking care of me. If I’m going to sell my parent’s house and stay with you, then I should be contributing to the household.”

He scoffs at me and says, “Nonsense. Financing the household is my job. Taking care of you is also my job. If you have to work to help pay our bills, then I’m not doing it right. Keep your money and do whatever you want with it. Buy dresses or whatever.”

“But should it be? These are modern times, and I don’t want to be a burden.”

“Did you just call me old-fashioned?”

“You know what I mean. Men don’t take care of women like they used to. Most couples are two-income couples.”

“I don’t care about most couples. I care about us. You’re not a burden and you’re not going to put any of your money into our household expenses and necessities. I take care of you. End of story. Clear?”

The elevator stops on the third floor, and we walk to the Office of Thomas Spencer, Attorney at Law.

I take a deep breath and close my eyes. I know that this has to be done, but it feels like I’m bringing an end to a life I’ve only just now remembered. I’m happy with Andrew, but still, there’s a sense of nostalgic sadness in selling my parent’s house. I might not have even considered it if it weren’t for what happened with Michael.

The two times that I visited, all I could think about was his house across the street and what he tried to do to me there.

The woman in the lawyer's office lobby leads us straight to a conference room and closes the door behind us. Moments later, a tall, handsome man in a gray suit arrives to greet us. He’s about the same age as Andrew and equally as tall. He isn’t built like Andrew, though. He’s a bit on the slim side.

He shakes my hand and holds it in both of his as he offers his condolences on the loss of my parents. I glance over at Andrew and see that he isn’t pleased with this. I pry my hand free and push in my chair. Heat rises in my cheeks as I notice Andrew glaring at the other guy.

“I’ve taken the liberty of pulling your parent’s will from probate. That, in addition to their life insurance, should set you up very well while you wait for a buyer for the house.”

“Okay, that’s good,” I answer.

“Good? I’d say that’s great. A pretty, young girl like you with enough money that, if you invest it wisely, could put you through college and still pay you residuals for the rest of your life,” the attorney’s smile is short-lived as Andrew speaks up.

“What does the fact that she’s pretty have to do with this?” he asks.

“Oh. Nothing, I was just…”

“Just what? Would you be less excited to tell an ugly girl that she’s going to be set for life?”

“Sir, I’m afraid I’m missing your point.”

“Just get on with it. Aren’t there papers she needs to sign?”

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