I probably cost Prince one of his nine lives, but he deserved it for scaring the shit out of me.
Ashley laughed as I cursed the cat. I wasn’t amused. That stupid demon cat had ruined the best night’s sleep I’d had in a long time.
Chapter 34
Ashley
During the short ride to the doctor’s office, Nathan asked me more about my job before bringing up my writing again.
“What would you do if money wasn’t an issue?”
“It’s a big issue, since I don’t have a job.”
“Humor me.”
“I’d probably volunteer to do the social media marketing for the Wyatt Foundation and write my novel.”
“How would you feel about having a man support you?”
“Why?” I asked wearily. I’d worked my whole life, so while the idea of having a man support me seemed appealing, the realitywasn’t so simple. Having a man support me meant giving up control over my choices, and I didn’t want to do that.
I turned the question back on him instead of answering. “What would you do?”
“Nice deflection, Slick.” He smirked. “I’m doing it.”
“Really?”
“Really. I’ve always wanted to help people. And protecting them is the best use of my skills.”
I considered teasing him about being an accountant, then changed my mind. And then changed it back again. “So, not working in an office crunching numbers.”
“Ashley.” The way he said my name was a warning.
“Nathan?”
He sighed and relaxed his white-knuckled grip on the steering wheel.
“I’m sorry.” I’d meant to tease him, not upset him.
“Forgiven, now answer the question you tried avoiding.”
“I’m not sure I could give up my freedom.”
“Why would you need to do that?” He sounded genuinely confused.
“It’d be expected, wouldn’t it?”
“No. At least not from me.”
“Are you offering to support me?”
“I’m saying I could, if you wanted me to.”
“Well, it’s not just about me. I have to support Gran, too.” I argued. Gran only needed help financially while she recovered, and she’d kill me if she heard me using her as an excuse, but I wasn’t ready to have this conversation yet.
“I can afford it.” It didn’t sound like he was bragging, just stating a fact.
“Just how much is SSI paying you?” I joked.
