I know he’s just trying to save me from Willow’s wrath, but it feels like a slap in the face.
And Willow isn’t backing down either.
“He’s just trying to cover for her,” she fires back, jumping to her feet. “He’s protecting her because he wants her!”
“I don’t have time for this.” Connor’s stare is cold and commanding. “Vicky, you and Willow can agree on your own business relationship after this. If it’s business you want, it’s business you’ll get. But nobody’s getting fired over this nonsense. Are we clear?”
“Absolutely,” Vicky agrees, all smiles and nods.
“All right, that’s enough,” Connor says firmly, waving his hand to signal the end of the discussion. “Everyone out. Except for Lexi.”
Now I have déjà vu.
The others begin to leave, with Vicky attempting to soothe an enraged Willow. Brooke lasers me with a probing look before the door shuts.
Now that it’s just Connor and me, I brace myself.
Oh god, what now?
I clear my throat, trying to keep it light and breezy. “Thanks for not completely throwing me under the bus with Willow’s accusations about, you know, us.”
“It was my actions that put you in that situation.”
“Willow has every reason to be mad at me.”
“No, she doesn’t. Look, I’m not heartless, Lexi. I didn’t sleep with you and make promises to her. I was upfront that the campaign was all for show.”
“You don’t need to justify yourself. You were single. Youaresingle.”
He looks at me stone-faced. “Why did you refuse my help with the medical bills?” Straight to the point, no beating around the bush.
I cross my arms, defensive. “That’s my responsibility, not yours.” But then I relent a little, because I’m not a total ungrateful bitch. “Still, thanks for offering.”
His jaw sets in that all-too-familiar stubborn line. “I can easily cover it, Lexi. Stop being so damn headstrong.”
Talk about the pot calling the kettle black.
“I don’t need rescuing, Connor. I’m not sure if this is you trying to do the right thing or just feeling guilty about our situation, but I can’t take your money. It would cost me too much, in ways that aren’t financial. I’d end up bearing the cost with my own soul.”
But as I shut down his astronomical offer, there’s a flicker of doubt, a tiny voice whispering in the back of my mind.
What if I caved and let this powerful man work his magic money wand, making all my problems vanish into thin air? To him, it’s like picking up the tab for a round of drinks. Pocket change.
But to me? It’s everything.
I could finally breathe,reallybreathe. I could focus on Grace, on my career, on building a better life for us after years of treading water.
My mind betrays me, conjuring up hazy visions of carefree laughter, maybe going back to school, a better apartment, wild nights out with Kayla . . . and, of course, more time for . . . well, other enjoyable activities. Maybe even the Velvet Whip, minus the money woes breathing down our necks.
But I meant what I said. I’d pay the price for that with my soul.
Connor seems baffled by my refusal, his brow furrowing deeper, his voice rougher. “You could’ve at least accepted the apartment improvements,” he insists, his tone laced with frustration. “Beyond the toilet.”
Clearly his work crew ratted out every detail.
My lips quirk reluctantly. “Well, Gracie has IBS, so fixing that toilet was an absolute must.”
“You’re something else, Lexi Sullivan.” His tough exterior softens just faintly. “You’re a good girl, you know that?”
