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His question caught me off guard, and I frowned. “I didn’t say that I did.”
“You didn’t have to. Dan was an addict and alcoholic, which meant his money went to his addiction.”
I sunk my teeth into my lower lip, unhappy that I was so transparent. “I started working under the table when I was ten.”
Anger flashed across Holden’s expression, and he ran his fingers along his stubbled chin. “Sounds like you’re way overdue for a sabbatical.”
“What?”
“Take the time to heal, River. I have more than enough money to feed, clothe, and entertain you.”
“Nope. That won’t work. You’ll grow to resent me if I’m a bump on your furniture. Besides, I need a project to focus on or something to study. I’ll go nuts staring at the walls all day.”
A mischievous spark flickered to life in his eyes. “Are you in college? I remember you mentioning you were accepted to one in Oregon, but were you at a community college in Montana? Do you even like school?”
“I was accepted to PSU in Oregon on a full scholarship. I was working and trying to lay low until I left in the fall. We both know how that turned out.”
“What do you think about taking a few online classes while you heal?” He arched his eyebrow at me.
“I would love to, but I can’t pay for them. I’ll wait until the fall.” Holden had no idea how much I wanted to attend, but it wasn’t in the cards at the moment.
“What if I pay for it?” Holden’s eyes flared with sincerity.
I pressed my lips into a thin line, wondering why Holden was so insistent on spending money on me. Did he think he could buy me, then I would be his slave? No thanks.
“River, I have a black American Express card. I could pay for the next four years of your college, and still have plenty of funds available.”
My mouth dropped open. Becky wasn’t kidding about Holden being rich. More than rich. Finally, I managed to form a question. “Won’t your parents be pissed if you charge that much on your card?”
Holden gave a half shrug. “They don’t pay the bill. I do.”
I massaged my forehead and made the sound of my head exploding. “You? You’re rich, not just your parents? I mean, because there’s a difference.”
“There is. And yes, I am independently wealthy, as well as my mom and dad.”
“What do they do? What do you do?” I asked, suddenly wanting every detail about this guy sitting in front of me who was willing to take me in and help me heal not only my leg, but my mind and heart.
Holden took my hand in his, sadness and unease flashing in his chocolate brown eyes. “I’ll tell you another time. I don’t want you to think that you’re a burden in any way. It would make me very happy if you stayed. We’ll come up with some things to keep you occupied while I’m in classes.”
“Do you know what they say about the nice ones?” I raised my eyebrow at him.
Holden shook his head.
“That they will win you over with their kindness, then they’ll break your spirit.”
Holden stared at me, disbelief clouding his expression. “I can’t speak for anyone else, but I would never do that to you. Never.”
“Maybe, but sometimes it happens unintentionally.”
It was clear that I wouldn’t receive any more answers from him at the moment, but I would eventually find out why he had taken such an interest the first time he laid eyes on me. Little did I know that when I learned his secrets, I would have regrets for the rest of my life.
Chapter Thirteen
Holden had continued to randomly ask my thoughts about college. He had a subtle way of convincing someone he was right. After a week of negotiations, I agreed to take a few online classes, but only under the condition that it was a loan, and as soon as I found a job, I would pay him back in monthly installments. I even insisted on a contract. Once we both signed it, Holden handed me a brand-new laptop and iPhone for school and to be able to reach him if I needed anything. He hadn’t voiced his concerns, but we were both worried that Logan’s men would show up again. At least I could call or text Holden if I had to.
I glared at him. “This will be added to what I owe you. I don’t do charity.”
“Charity is for people who don’t have much. You have a lot.” He waved his hand, indicating his house was also mine.
