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I hate it when Samuel talks sense.

“It’s different. I know those kids,” I say, eventually.

Samuel laughs. “Baby girl, you exchanged bodily fluids with the man. Please don’t tell me you don’t know him or he you. He knowsyouin the biblical sense.”

It’s true, but it still weighs heavily in my stomach.

“If it was me offering to buy you things. What would you do?” Samuel asks suddenly.

“That’s different.”

“Why?” he says as my heckles rise.

“Because… because you and I have been friends for years, and when you needed it, I helped you out.”

“Fine then, I’ll give you the money,” Samuel surprises me by saying.

What the hell is going on?

“You don’t have that kind of money…” I say.

“I do. Caleb offered it to me last night after you’d gone to bed. He wanted me to buy you everything you need.”

I pull the phone away from my ear and stare at it before putting it back. “Say that again.”

“You heard me. I told him no. I told him that if he wanted to help you out, he should do it openly and honestly. It’s funny how he knew you’d reject his offer. The man seems to know you better than you realise.”

I’m not sure what to say. Caleb Frazer confuses me. My response to him confuses me. He ties me up in knots. But the more I learn about the man as an individual, the more I’m spiralling.

As if sensing my turmoil, Samuel speaks again. “You’ve always been the first to help others. Let someone who can afford to help you. Maybe you can repay him in other ways.”

“I’m not prostituting myself out to him,” I say sharply, as thoughts of having Caleb Frazer between my thighs sends an unexpected flood of moisture south.

“That’s not what I meant. Why would you think that?” he says, sounding flummoxed.

Why indeed!

“Cook the man something nice to eat, get him athank yougift. Hell, I don’t know, buy him flowers or chocolates. I’m sure some form of acknowledgement would be welcome. Show him you’re not taking him for granted. Agree to work for the man, help him, help the community—stop being stubborn.”

I freeze. Samuel has never been short with me before, but I’ve pushed a button.

“Hey,” I say

“Sorry,” he lets out a huff down the phone. “Stop giving him a hard time.”

“Since when did you become a Caleb Frazer fan?” I ask.

This entire conversation has surprised me.

“Since I watched the man tie himself in knots, turning a city upside down trying to find you.”

My breath catches as my brain tries to absorb all Samuel has said. My head wants to rebel, but my heart tells me he’s telling the truth.

“Okay, I’ll accept his help. But I’ll find a way to repay him.”

Samuel chuckles. “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

“Look, I need to go. Chloe is waiting patiently for me in the other room,” I say, before adding, “And Samuel, thank you for always being there for me.”