Page 28 of Miss Fortune

She huffed, which was adorable. “In other words, you won’t be sending anything.”

“In addition to banana bread, I’m a big fan of lemon poppyseed bread.”

“Fine, I’m too tired to battle you and too grateful to be annoyed.”

I didn’t like the way Daisy smiled at him nor the way he returned it. Shit. So much for demonstrating I wasn’t into her, judging by Lucas’s wink in my direction.

By the time I escorted him to the door and thanked him for coming, Daisy had taken a seat on the couch, her legs tucked up under her. “You okay?”

She heaved a sigh before smiling. “Yeah. Long day. Again, I appreciate everything you’ve done.”

“I thought I’d run and get your prescription, then pick you up some dinner.”

She opened her mouth to argue, but I beat her to what I imagined was going to be a protest. “You okay with Thai? There’s a place a mile away with great food.”

“You live in Studio City too?”

“Yes. I won’t be long.”

I’d always been a blunt guy, and once I had something in my mind, I couldn’t let it go. Sometimes my lack of finesse rubbed people the wrong way, but my intention was to get Daisy her antibiotic and something in her stomach. Then maybe I’d feel better about leaving her on her own.

Since the prescription would take a while, I took the time to go home, change, and shower before heading to the pharmacy and to pick up dinner. When I returned to Daisy’s apartment, I noticed she’d also changed into fresh clothes. A pair of soft-looking black sweats and a zip-up hoodie unfortunately hid her curves more than they accentuated them.

“How are you feeling?”

“Good, thank you. Any problem with the prescription?”

“None at all.” I put the small white bag on her countertop along with the larger take-out bag.

“What do I owe you?”

“Nothing.”

“It’s not nothing. You bought me dinner and paid for my prescription, all after getting your friend to make a house call. And wait—you couldn’t take payment for your car while in your office, but you definitely can here.”

“It’s nine hundred and eighty dollars after the hundred you already stuffed in my office. Not exactly the type of cash you have sitting around. Why don’t we come up with a payment schedule or something?” No matter what she claimed about her finances, I didn’t want her short on her rent or food for the month.

She shook her head and got up to cross over to her bookshelf. There she opened a small wooden box. My mouth hung open when she handed me nine one-hundred-dollar bills and four twenties.

“No need for payments, but thank you.”

“You keep cash like that on your shelf? That can’t be safe.”

“You going to tell anyone?”

“Of course not, but why would you have cash lying around?”

She shrugged. “It’s not like it’s a million dollars. Only a couple thousand.”

My gaze fell on her luxurious rugs and well-built furniture. She lived in a newer apartment in a good area. Considering I knew how much she made as a temp, things weren’t adding up.

It seemed rude to ask where she got her money, but it didn’t mean I wasn’t curious.

“If you’re sure this isn’t causing a burden, then I’ll accept it.” It would be good to get the matter settled and behind us.

“I’m positive. Do you want to stay for dinner?”

I’d certainly ordered enough for both of us, but eating with her seemed too intimate. “No, I can’t. If there are any problems—”