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“That’s awful,” I whisper.
“My grandfather wanted nothing to do with me until he was dying and had no one else to ‘continue the Lockwood legacy.’ I told him to kick rocks.”
My snicker escapes. “In a much more colorful way, I imagine.”
“Of course. He was appalled by my filthy language.” Rowan’s smirk makes me giggle. “I had a few more interactions with the old man with him trying to convince me to take over for him. He apologized for ignoring my existence and offered to teach me how to operate in his shoes. I wanted nothing to do with him or his money. To my shock, he signed over everything to me, anyway. I didn’t want any of it, the responsibilities, the headaches that come with having that much money and assets.”
He glances at me. “But a friend mentioned the good I could do, the people I could help. So, I accepted it.”
“So that’s why you’ve helped me, no questions asked.”
The slightest hint of pink stains his cheeks. “Well... I typically give the money to charities, things like that.”
“So, I’m special,” I joke.
“You are,” he replies seriously, and my heart skips a beat. His eyes slide away from mine. “My presently troublesome lawyer came with the package, as I told you before. So, there you have it, Grace—the reason I have someone like Devlin in my life. The reason crazy things keep happening between us. Now, I have to give my lawyer the boot.”
Silence descends again. I gulp the too-strong drink and wince. “I guess this is where I apologize for blaming you for something you’re not guilty of.”
“I get why you’d think the worst.”
“Still, I’m sorry.” Averting my gaze, I fight my surfacing tears. “I keep embarrassing myself.”
“Grace—”
“No, maybe this is a sign that I really should leave you alone. You were right all along. We’re not... we won’t work. You're older, far more experienced. Now I find out you’re wealthy.” The chances of us working out get slimmer by the day. “You’re out of my league in every sense.”
“For the love of God.” He groans. “That’s ridiculous.”
I shrug. “It’s how I feel. Besides, I should be working on getting my life together, anyway.” I got wrapped up in Rowan for a while there and lost focus. “Maybe we shouldn’t see each other anymore. I’ll get it together and pay you back for everything when I can, I swear.”
He doesn’t speak or move, just watches me with a mystified look. Shifting from one foot to the other, I hike a thumb over my shoulder toward the foyer. “I should go.”
Still no response from him.
“I’ll see you around, Rowan. I’ll let you know when I’m vacating your apartment, I guess.” It won’t feel right relying on his generosity anymore.
Hurrying outside, I take my phone out to call Ashley for that ride I said I’d need.
She answers with, “Give me the address and I’m there.”
I smile. “Thanks.” Then I rattle off Rowan’s address.
“Wow, the jerk you confronted livesthere?” Ashley asks. I hear shuffling as if she’s already on the move.
“He’s not a jerk. He’s...” Sighing, I glance back at the house. “He’s an amazing guy.”
“But?”
“I guess this has turned into anit’s not him, it’s mesituation.”
“Ah. Well, hang tight. I’m leaving now.”
“Okay. Thanks again, Ash. I really—”
I gasp when my phone is plucked from my hand.
Rowan holds the phone to his ear. “No need to come, Ashley.”
