Page 114 of From the Start

“Hideaway Haven Resort.”

She gasps. “We can’t go there.”

Hideaway Havenis an exclusive resort built by Hudson Clark, a former NFL player who grew up on the island. It has a restaurant, various pools, a private beach, as well as a hotel and secluded cabins.

“Why not? Is there a disturbance in the universe preventing us from driving there?”

She slaps my shoulder. “No. It’s too expensive.”

“It’s my treat.”

“Your paying doesn’t make it cost any less.”

“I want to celebrate.”

“Celebrate what?”

I place my hand on her thigh and squeeze. “How much you love me. How much I love you.”

“I think we celebrated when you ripped my panties off me.”

My cock twitches at the reminder of the other day. When Henry was away at physical therapy, we got some time to play.

No panties to rip off of her today. How I’d love to pull over to the side of the road and explore. But Harper deserves a special night out. She works incredibly hard and doesn’t get a chance to do fun things often enough.

Good thing I’m here to ensure fun things are on the agenda more often.

“I’ll replace your panties,” I growl.

“You don’t need to replace my panties. You don’t need to spend money on expensive dinners for me.”

I guess I’ll be pulling over after all.

Once I’m parked at the side of the road, I pinch her chin and force her to meet my gaze. “I don’t need to do jack shit. I want to spend money on you. I want to spoil you.”

“Spending large amounts of money makes me uncomfortable.”

This is a big admission for Harper. It warms me how much she’s coming to trust me.

“I understand. And I promise not to burn money unnecessarily. We won’t go out for fancy dinners every week. But when we have a reason to celebrate, you can bet your ass I’ll be treating you to a fancy dinner at a fancy restaurant.”

“I’m not with you for your money.”

My head rears back. “I never said you were. Did someone say you are? Who are they? I need their contact details.”

“No one said anything…” She trails off with a sigh. “I want you to know I’m with you because of you.”

“I know you are.” I waggle my eyebrows. “You couldn’t resist my charm.”

She groans. “Drive to the restaurant before I change my mind and insist we get burgers atSalty Siren.”

“Your dad would kill us for getting burgers without him.” I put the car in gear.

“Stop!” She flings her door open and jumps out. I chase after her.

I slow down when I realize the reason for her fear. Sammy.

The seal barks at me and I wave in return. “Hey, Sammy. You scared my woman.”