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“You saved my son’s life, putting your own at risk. Where can I find someone willing to die for Reid?”
“So this is the value of my life then?”
She was being intentionally obstinate. “That’s not what I said. There are other qualifications. Like the fact that you’re a teacher,” I counted on my fingers, “which means you have experience with young, energetic children. Also… your father—”
She stiffened. “Do. Not. Bring my father into this.”
“I calculated the salary thinking of the cost of his treatment, transportation and medicine. I’m willing to offer more if the bill is higher than what I’ve presented. We can help each other.”
“Deacon, this is you reaching for an excuse to unload a lot of cash on me. Don’t pretend a few months of babysitting and some tutoring is worth this.”
“You’re worth it. And… if it can help your father, then that’s even better.”
“Why do you care?”
“I told you,” I insisted, “this is a mutually beneficial transaction. You get the money for your father’s chemotherapy and I get peace of mind that someone reliable is taking care of my son.”
“If babysitters made this much cash, we’d all do it.” She shook the contract, dark eyes flashing. Her pointed chin lifted in challenge. “If I told you that I don’t want to sleep with you and I have no intentions of repeating what happened last night, would you still want me to stay? Would I be so special?”
My gaze drifted to the lips that had visited me in my dreams when I’d nodded off in the early hours of the morning.
Not being able to taste them again…
“See?” She shook her head. “You can’t even answer me.”
“Believe what you wish. I didn’t force you to do anything last night and I won’t in the future. You have my word on that.”
“This is too crazy.”
“Angel,” I stepped closer, sensing she needed a push. “Don’t let your pride cloud your judgment. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Think of your father—”
“My father would rather die than let me sell my body to pay for his chemotherapy.”
Annoyance darkened my voice. “I already told you. I’m not doing this for sex.”
“You’ll get that for free anyway, right? Plenty of options available. I was just one in a long line.”
“Angel…”
She slapped the contract facedown on the desk and glared at me. “Please take me to the mainland. I need to go home.”
“I’ve already texted Miguel,” I said with a sigh. “He’s getting the boat ready.”
“Thank you.” She turned and rigidly walked down the stairs.
I watched until she was out of sight and then rubbed my forehead. My chest tightened from frustration.
Where did it all fall apart?
I was so certain that inviting Angel to live with us for the summer was the right choice.
She had bills to pay.
I had money and a son that needed care.
A noise brought my attention to the baby monitor resting on the edge of my desk. The feed revealed Reid. He was standing in his crib and calling for me.
I strode to the room and greeted him with a tired smile. “Good morning, Reid.”
