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Once during our lesson, I saw Thomas watching from the doorway. The smile on his face told me he was happy to see me happy. We hadn’t known each other long, but when his face softened and he gave me that sweet smile, I just knew it was because I was enjoying myself. I hadn’t had this much fun or been able to hang out with friends in a long time.
After lunch, we all split up, needing to get our own work done. Since Spencer hadn’t called me with any emergencies, I took the time to look over projections for the new year.We were on an upward swing, but I still needed to reconcile the last few years.
My phone buzzed on the desk for the third time in a row, interrupting my work. I knew who it was, and I was avoiding the text. Randol’s messages had increased over the past few months.When my phone buzzed again to remind me I hadn’t looked at the texts, I sighed and flipped my phone over.
Randol: What happened to the last two checks?
Randol: My bank account is depleting. I need the money now.
Randol: Why are you not answering me? Don’t make me report you to the court.
I groaned. It had been two months since the alimony checks stopped. I wasn’t required to send him any more money.The judge had declared this during our divorce. It wasn’t my fault he didn’t get a job.
I shot off a quick reply, knowing all too well he would not let this rest.
Alex: The checks are over. You only got them for two years, the same amount of time you were unemployed at the end.
Immediately, my phone alerted me to an incoming message.
Randol: I need the money. It’s not like you’re hurting for it. Now that you’ve taken over your daddy’s practice, you should be able to give me more.
Alex: I’m not giving you a cent more. What I make now has nothing to do with what I had to pay you then.
Randol: Don’t be a bitch, Alex. Just give me the money.
Alex: No. Leave me alone.
Randol: This isn’t over, Alex. I’m calling my attorney.
Oh Lord. He threw that threat out too many times to count, but it still scared me. What if a different judge decided I should pay him more? I struggled to pay him these last two years, but right now, it would be even worse. The records for the clinic were still being looked through. I had no clue how Dad kept it afloat for so long, and if I couldn’t figure out where all his money had gone, it was possible I’d struggle to stay open long term. Finances weren’t my strength, and if I couldn’t figure out the discrepancies soon, I’d have to pay for someone to help me.
I let out a frustrated growl and laid my forehead on the back of my hands resting on the desktop. I really needed to get back home, but at the same time, I wanted to stay here longer. It was a nice getaway from reality and having the Kingstons pamper me was a serious bonus.
“What’s got you so frustrated?”
I lifted my head as Declan dropped onto one of the comfy reading chairs on the other side of the office.
“It’s nothing,” I lied. He didn’t need to hear about my problems. What we had was fun, and I didn’t want to ruin it.
“Didn’t sound like nothing. There was a lot of tension built into that growl.” He cocked his head to the side. His stare was so intense I was afraid he was seeing more than I wanted him to.
“How are you so observant? Isn’t it usually women who can sense emotional distress?” I let out a shaky laugh, trying to lighten the mood.
“Not when it’s my responsibility to take care of my woman.”
“Responsibility?” My eyebrow lifted.
“Pleasure. Desire. Need. Take your pick. If I want to take care of my woman properly, I have to learn all her ticks, what causes her distress, and know when I need to be there.”
My heart leapt. It was so sweet. The woman who finally landed him and Thomas long term was going to be so lucky.
“Come here.” He beckoned me with two fingers. “Talk to me. Tell me what troubles you.”
I couldn’t say no to that gorgeous face, and I could really use a hug.
When I reached him, Declan grabbed my hand and pulled me into his lap. I nestled in and tucked my head under his chin, not ready to meet his gaze. If I was going to dump my personal life on him like he asked, I didn’t want to see his reaction. I didn’t think I could handle it if he pitied me.
“Now, tell me what has you so worked up.” He stroked my hair.
