‘Noah!’ She rushed after him. If he’d just let her explain … ‘I ran some numbers last night,’ she said once they were inside, ‘and I really think—’
‘Damn it, Beth!’ He slammed his empty glass on the kitchen counter. ‘I saidno!’
She stood motionless as he glared at her, knuckles white as he gripped the bench, his body pulsing with negative energy.
‘Is this why you came here today?’ His gaze narrowed. ‘To offer me abusinessdeal?’
‘W-well … yes.’ She studied him, hoping for a sign that might explain her misstep. ‘Noah, I don’t understand—’
He let out a humourless laugh, which made her feel positively pint-sized. ‘Let me make it clear for you, then. Under no circumstances will I be taking money from you. Foranyreason.’
Hot tears pricked at her eyes, threatening to spill over at any moment, but she wasn’t ready to give up. ‘I wouldn’t just be giving it to you, Noah. I’d be investing it.’
‘Oh, you want toinvestit?’ He waved an arm in an over-the-top gesture, making his sarcasm abundantly clear.
She recoiled. Who even was this man?
He deflated instantly. ‘I’m sorry. I just …’
She waited. She’d made her offer. The ball was now in his court.
Sighing, he scrubbed a hand over his face, his eyes wet with unshed tears, and when he spoke, he sounded like a broken man.
‘I don’t want your money, Beth, and I don’t want you to be a silent partner in my business. I don’t even want totalkabout the business, because all I want isyou.’ He gave her a desperate, pleading look. ‘I just want you.’
Pressing her lips together, she turned away, unable to witness the pain and torment in his expression.
He didn’t know what he was saying. Because he didn’tknowher, didn’t knowallof her, at least. And he couldn’t want what he didn’t know. Besides,shecouldn’t even accept that she might have a neurological disability, so why on earth would he?
‘Beth…’
His warm breath on the back of her neck made her shiver. He gripped her arms and turned her around. Lifted a hand and cupped her cheek, ran a thumb over her lip.
‘Please. Please, don’t push me away.’
Her heart rate quickened and her breath came uneven. She glanced up at him, close, so close, to pressing her mouth to his. But that would be a mistake.
She put a hand to his chest, holding him back. ‘I’m leaving.’
‘What?’ He looked slightly dazed still. ‘What do you mean?’
‘I got my job back at DHB and I’ve put in an offer on a place in Townsville. When I sell the house here, I want to use the money to invest in your business.’
Her words extinguished the light in his eyes and he stepped away from her.
‘Please, Noah, just think about it. I believe in you and the work you do. I want to take this chance. I want to help you.’
He tore his gaze from hers, turned and made his way over to the couch. Fell onto it with an air of defeat.
An age passed before he spoke. ‘Why should I let you?’
Confused, she shook her head. ‘I’m sorry, I don’t—’
‘Why should I let you help me when you’re not willing to let me or anyone else help you?’
She had no response to that. Because he had a point.
‘I’m sorry, Beth.’ He glanced up at her, giving her one last tortured look. ‘If you’re not willing to take a chance on us, then I … I want you to leave.’
