Page 86 of Taming Grumpy Dr. Beast

What the hell was she talking about? “I’m not making the connection here.”

“You told me people used you for what they could get. I don’t want to be one of them.”

“Let me see if I’m getting this right. You don’t want me to bring your father here because you don’t want to take advantage of me.”

“Yeah,” she replied.

Fuck!She was too good for me. I didn’t deserve her. Shifting closer, I cupped her cheek in my hand. “I’m offering.”

“But what if you think I manipulated you?”

“Would you like me to sign something saying I’m of sound mind and body while offering this to you?”

“What?” she tilted her head and gave me an incredulous look. “That’s ridiculous.”

“You didn’t ask for me to help you.” I reminded her.

She bit her lip. “Can I think about it?”

“Of course.” I wanted her to accept my offer. There was a selfish part of me that knew if she accepted it, I’d be able to keep her in my life a little longer.

She smiled and leaned in to drop a kiss on my lips before rolling off the bed. “If I don’t get up now, you’ll likely distract me for a few more hours.”

I watched her go and reflected on the quiet she left in her wake. My room, usually the place I enjoyed being alone, felt far too lonely without her.

It was unsettling.

***

LILY’S BEDROOM DOORwas slightly ajar when I arrived to let her know we were ready to go. It felt a lot like déjà vu, and I was nervous about what I might hear.

“What do you think, Janice?” I froze at the sound of Lily’s voice. “Jaxon has offered to let Dad stay with us for the summer and while I miss Dad and would love to have him here, I’m afraid the change would be too much.”

Janice sighed. “That makes what I’m about to say a little easier.”

“Okay,” Lily responded softly.

“I’m so sorry, Lily, but my daughter had the baby earlier than expected. I promised to be there to help her.”

“When do you need to leave by?”

“The end of the week. I could give you names of people I trust to replace me, or you could reach out to the agency, but that would be more expensive. Not to mention the additional charges for us to travel. Could you afford the extra expenses?”

I hated that I was eavesdropping, but I wanted to hear what she thought. Find out if she’d been honest with me.

She sighed. “Jaxon said he’d help, but—”

“But what?” Janice’s tone gentled.

“It doesn’t feel right taking his money like that. He’s being extremely generous.” Lily let out a shaky breath.

“You know it’s okay to accept help from others. Right?”

“There’s help and then there’shelp,” she mumbled.

Janice’s voice grew serious. “Are you afraid he’ll demand something in return? Something you don’t feel comfortable giving?”

I stilled. Did Lily think my offer had strings attached?