Page 56

Silence hits the room.

“The hundred thousand was the agreement,” I say. “That was it.”

“I know.”

“You don’t get to buy the right to take over my life.”

His expression turns hard. “Think that’s what I’m doing?”

“I think you see a problem and write a check until it disappears.”

“Because I can.”

“That doesn’t mean you should.”

“Why?”

“Because I need to know I can save this place myself.”

His eyes flash. “You have been saving it yourself.”

“Then let me.”

“For how fucking long, Lila?”

I recoil.

Dane rarely raises his voice. “How long do you have to carry every goddamn thing alone before you’re satisfied?”

“That isn’t your decision.”

“You think I don’t know that?”

“Then stop solving my problems.”

“I can’t.”

“Why?” He turns away. I follow him. “Why, Dane?” Nothing. “Why do you care this much about a lodge that isn’t yours?”

He spins around. “It’s not about the fucking lodge.”

“Then what is it about?”

“You.” The word slams into me. Dane stares at me like he wishes he could take it back.

“Me?”

“Yeah.” His voice is quieter now. “You.”

I swallow. “What does that mean?”

“It means I don’t give a shit about the money.”

“I know you don’t.”

“No, you don’t.” He steps closer. “I have money. More than I need. More than I’ll ever spend. And I’m supposed to stand here watching you panic over eight thousand dollars because your pride won’t let me fix it?”

“It’s not pride.”