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Leilani wondered if it might do them both good to have some time apart. For her mom to think about her life choices and how sick she really was. How she was going to die and leave daughter alone in this world.
Perhaps she’d decide to stop drinking and give her body a chance to heal.
“Let me uncomplicate them for you,” Jacob said. “Tell me what you need.”
She drew in a deep breath, and an idea began formulating in her mind. It was completely unthinkable to ask this of anyone normally, but Jacob Dufort wasn’t just anyone. He was a billionaire, a Dufort, and he’d asked her for a favor.
He was a man who tossed eight hundred dollars at a man to let them into a museum on a Sunday night.
“If I come with you, I will need a live-in nurse.” Leilani said. “If you can arrange that, then I’ll come to the Hamptons with you.”
Silence.
“For?” Jacob asked.
“My mom. She is sick. Someone qualified will need to stay with her if I’m not here. Those are my terms,” she said boldly.
What was the worst thing that would happen?
He’d say no and ring the next girl.
“Jesus, Lani. I’m sorry.” Jacob’s voice enveloped her in an emotion she wanted to believe was real. Almost like a loving hug. “This is why you were sad.”
“Yes,” she said softly.
“Shit. I know I should just hang up, but I’m a selfish bastard and I want you with me, princess. I’ll get you the nurse and pick you up Friday afternoon.”
––––––––
JACOB HUNG UP and let a smile spread across his face.
He felt terrible learning her mom was sick but selfishly happy, as he’d admitted, that Leilani had been bold enough to ask for the help so she would come to the Hamptons.
It had taken him days to decide to ask her.
In the end he’d known he didn’t want anyone else there, and if he had to spend a weekend with his family and the Montgomery brothers, then he needed a buffer.
So he would happily hire the fucking live-in nurse.
Jesus next minute he’d be proposing.
That was a joke.
He stood and walked to the windows of his office, staring down at downtown Philadelphia. Rubbing his jaw, he recalled their conversation and the sadness in her voice as she told him her mom was dying.
God, he was an asshole.
Taking her away from her mom was the last thing he should be doing.
Yet she had agreed.
Why?
Either way, he was thankful. He knew Leilani would be paramount in diverting any serious family questions from his cousins and the likes of Knox, Levi, or Atlas.
That aside, he was looking forward to visiting the infamous Dufort beach house in the Hamptons and spending time with his family.
And honestly, the more he thought about having three days with Leilani, the happier he felt.
