AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"Why did you put money in my account? I didn't marry you for your money."
"I know. From what everyone tells me, you almost didn't marry me because of my money. You realize that's strange don't you?"
"Strange?" I cross my arms over my chest. "I don't like taking advantage of you, that's all. There's a name for women that do that. And it really bothers me."
"What name?"
I groan and stare at my toes, still shiny with oil. Jonas's hand is making distracting sweeps up and down my shins. I don't think he even realizes it. "Gold digger. I don't even know how many rap songs refer to women that way."
"I don't listen to rap. And you are not digging for gold." He squeezes my leg, bringing my eyes to his. "I've heard that term Janey, and I've met those women. You are not the same. Those women look at me and are mentally calculating how much money I'm worth. I watch them approach my brothers, and they're easy to read. You are not. I had to convince you to marry me, Janey. Those women? They would give me a piggyback to the courthouse if they had to."
"I still don't want your money," I say, both amused at the image of any woman piggybacking Jonas, and disturbed at the idea of him marrying anyone else.
"Too bad. You have it. I married you to protect you Janey, and money is incredible protection. It will make people treat you differently, and it will change you."
"Change me? Money changing me is a good thing?" Does he want me to change? So much for loving me the way I am. Him wanting me to change actually makes more sense.
"Yes. I have heard people refer to money as evil, or corrupting, and I suppose it can be for certain people. But in my experience, money will just bring out who a person naturally is. You are a kind, empathetic woman. But you carry many burdens. The money will lessen them, and allow you to be more you. The world getting more Janey is a very good thing."
I mentally slap the cynical me and blink back tears. How can he see so much good in me. And why can’t I see it in myself? "The world?" I croak. I clear my throat. "Sorry, frog in my throat." Jonas's eyes widen and fix on my neck. He scowls, and shakes his head, then meets my eyes. "What's the matter?"
"That is a horrible expression."
"Frog in my throat?"
He scowls and shakes himself like a wet dog. "I don't like it."
I have to laugh. "What exactly is the problem?"
"The problem is I'm picturing a large green frog wedged in your trachea, croaking, and it's distracting." He scowls down at my legs, looking like he can't escape the image.
"Can I sleep with you tonight?"
That does it.
His mouth drops open and he stares at me, hands gripping my legs again. My mind flashes to images of him gripping my legs another way...forcing them open. It’s getting way too warm in here.
"Just sleep, I mean. Not...not the other stuff. But I really liked napping with you yesterday. You're warm, and it was so nice to not feel alone. But I'm not --"
Jonas moves to his knees, pushing his hips between my legs. His thumb brushes over my lips, stopping my words. The smell of eucalyptus swirls under my nose "Yes." The word is so simple, but the way Jonas says it, like a prayer and a promise all at once, starts my heart racing. "Come to bed with me."
Sliding from between my legs, he stands and extends his hand to me, smiling when I take it. I glance briefly at the disaster on the kitchen counters as we pass. The guys attempted to make more dough while we were out, and though they sort of cleaned, there are still very clear streaks of flour on the counters and floor. So far, Jonas seems to be a tidy person, so I'm sure he's noticed too, but he doesn't stop. He doesn't let go of my hand.
"Do you need the washroom?" he asks, pulling me to a stop next to the bed. I shake my head, then my mouth dries up when he grabs the back of his shirt with one hand, and yanks it off, throwing it toward a half-full laundry basket in the corner of the room. He leans over, muscles flexing, as he pulls back the covers, and gently urges me in.
He doesn't have to ask me twice. I slide into the cool sheets, stopping somewhere around the middle of the huge bed. Jonas's hand tightens on the covers and he takes a deep breath. "I'll be back in a minute."
I call myself every stupid name I can think of as I lay there. This is such a bad idea. He wants me here, he's made that clear, but this is also awkward as hell. And oh my god, I didn't think about him sleeping without a shirt. Should I ask him to put it back on? It would be easier, that's for sure. The man is beautiful, and way too sexy. His skin is so warm and smooth. How am I supposed to relax enough to sleep?
He's back in a few minutes, and I stare at the ceiling as he climbs into bed. Get yourself together Janey. You're a grown woman, and your hormones don't have to rule you.
"Janey," he says, voice a low growl. "Come sleep." He pats his bare chest, and raises the arm closest to me in the air, inviting me in.
"Oh...um do you need the pressure?"
"No. I am quite relaxed. But I like the feel of you."
I should stay where I am. I shouldn't set expectations or put myself in a situation that —.
