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“If it helps, losing the people who matter most to you…it’s the kind of thing that changes a man.” After Booker’s accident, he hadn’t talked to his friends in ten years. It was their former coach’s funeral that forced them together again.
But from that moment on, he’d worked hard every day to be a better man. To make better—safer—choices.
“If you’re suggesting I’ll get back with him, you can forget it. I’ve not only lost respect, but I can’t trust him. It makes me sick to my stomach to think of him sneaking around, hacking into our accounts, and stealing our money. No, there’s no hope for our relationship.”
“I’d be the same way. I get it.”
“Now that I’m calming down a little, I can see how things escalated over time. He lost two thousand dollars on last year’s Super Bowl game. At the time, I remember thinking, God, I wouldn’t even put a quarter in a slot machine, you know? I’m just not cut out for it.” She turned thoughtful. “That was a sign, wasn’t it? Losing a hundred bucks in a poker game isn’t in the same ballpark as two grand.”
“No, it’s not.”
“How did I not notice? But I guess that’s the whole problem. We’re so used to living separate lives, we stopped paying attention to the details.”
It’d be so easy for him to fix the problem. “Listen, I’m going to loan Ian the money—”
“Absolutely not. No. If you fix the problem, he’s just going to keep on gambling. He has to do this on his own.”
“Where’s he going to come up with money like that?”
“He’ll get a bonus this year.”
Did she not know how much Ian made? His bonus wouldn’t cover even a quarter of it. “I’m not sure it’ll be enough.”
“But eventually, right? After he has enough experience, he’ll go work with his mom. He’s supposed to take over her portfolio one day. That’s the plan.”
“You really think she’s going to give him access to her clients after this?”
Fear widened her eyes, and her jaw went slack. “Oh, my God.” She clasped her hands together and squeezed. “I’ll never get my money back.” Popping out of her seat, she paced the length of the jet.
He wanted to help her. He wanted to reassure her, but she didn’t want his money—and what else could he offer?
Giving her time alone, he tried to get back to work, but he couldn’t concentrate.
Could he get her the money without her knowing? Give it to Ian and let him find a way to give it back? If she asked, Ian could say—
Perfect. Just what she needs. Another liar, deceiver, and manipulator.Yeah, no. He wouldn’t do that. He’d respect her wishes.
She worked for the family bakery on Duff Island, so he couldn’t imagine any scenario in which she could earn that money back. Could he offer her a job?
Fabric swished, as she made her way back, and she dropped down into her seat. “He’ll never be able to repay me, so he’ll just have to focus on what he owes my parents.”
“What about your savings?”
Her features collapsed into pure sorrow, and a single tear slid down her cheek. “It’s gone. There’s nothing I can do.”
Fuck. He crossed the aisle and sat beside her. “I’m sorry.”I can fix this. I can put it all back. But that wasn’t what she wanted to hear, so he kept his mouth shut.
She tipped her head onto his shoulder. He probably should keep his filthy hands off her, but she seemed to need the contact, so he slid an arm behind her, bringing her in closer. He was too aware of her silky hair on his hand, the feminine scent of her that woke him up in a startling way, and the warmth of her body. “I’d like to help. If there’s anything I can do…”
“No, no. I appreciate it, but really.” She exhaled in a huff and sat up. “I saved it once before. I can save it again.”
“At least let me pay your parents back.”
“No. Thank you. Honestly, he has to do that. And if it means he has to take on extra jobs, then so be it. Let him bartend at night or work at the yacht club on the weekends.”
He couldn’t imagine Ian ever working at the fancy club where his parents belonged. “How were you able to save that much?” As far as he knew, she’d only ever worked for Renzo’s.
“Oh, gosh, I did everything.” She swiped the tears away. “Let’s see. It started when I was ten and sold lemon squares in front of our house. I babysat, I walked dogs…you know, odd jobs like that.”
