Page 34 of Promise Me Never

“I’m giving you a beautiful office and the gift of time. And you want to go, what, do some mindless job around here? It’s absurd. A real writer would take the opportunity and get to work. It kind of feels like you don’t appreciate everything I’m doing for you.” His hands were balled into fists, and his face was red. Why was he getting so angry?

“Of course I do! I just feel bad not having my own money.”

He scoffed. “Use the credit card. Who needs cash these days? Unless you want me to give you an allowance, like a little girl?”

She felt tears prickling her eyes, humiliation and anger vying for dominance. “How can you talk to me like that?”

His expression softened. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that. I’m just trying to get you to take your writing seriously.”

She’d felt so confused then. But maybe he was right. She did need to stop screwing around and get this book finished.

“Savannah, did you hear me?”

“Sorry, my mind drifted. What?”

“We can always buy some temporary furniture so you can start using your office sooner,” he’d said.

Savannah had shaken her head. “No, that’s a waste. It’s okay. I can take my laptop to a coffee shop. It’ll be fine.” But she did want Poppy’s stuff out of there. “We can get started with the painting and shelving in the meantime.”

He’d nodded. “One step ahead of you, I’ve already arranged to have that done.”

This morning Bennett awakened her with a kiss.

Her eyes fluttered open. “Good morning.” She smiled at him.

“Good morning, beautiful. Come here.” He pulled her closer to him and kissed her again, deeply this time. She felt the stirrings of desire. They made love, and she held him tightly to her, marveling once again that he was hers.

“That was so nice,” she whispered. “I like when you wake me up before you go to your office.”

He smiled. “It’s the best part of my day.”

“Time for breakfast together?”

He shook his head. “No, love. Just coffee for me. Would you mind taking Finn to the park again? I’m hopelessly behind.”

“I was thinking of checking out the karate studio this morning.”

He frowned. “Is that really a good idea? You’re a bit old to be starting karate. Shouldn’t you be focusing on your writing?”

Why was he being so negative? Plenty of people took self-defense classes as adults. And she had already taken a few classes when she was in the city. She untangled herself from him and leaned up on one elbow, looking at him. “I’m younger than you are!”

He shook his head. “Yes, Savannah, but you’re not a kid. It’ll be embarrassing. But do what you want.”

“I’m not going to take a children’s class. I’ve already taken some self-defense classes, so I’m not a total beginner. And besides, it’s for research. And my protagonist—”

He sighed. “Yeah, yeah, I know. She’ s a martial arts expert. Does she also speak five languages? Honestly. It’s been done. A lot.”

“You’re saying it’s a cliché?”

He got up and stood by the bed, looking down at her, a derisive look on his face. “It’s certainly not original.”

“I just thought it would make her stronger.”

“Whatever. I’m running late now since you can’t take the dog. I’ve got to get a move on.”

“No, it’s okay. I’ll do it.”

“What about your class?”