He faces me and grins. “I have collected a lot of useless facts that are stored in my brain. Sometimes I even surprise myself.”
Now is a good time to let him know what I discovered while he was gone. “Surprises can be a good thing. Now, I have one for you. You’re going to want to sit down for this one.”
His smile fades. “Okay.”
“No, I don’t mean sit down in the bad news kind of way. You need to sit next to me so I can show you on the laptop.”
After angling the bench, he sits and lifts my foot back to the pillow cushion. “You need to keep this elevated. I should probably get you an ice bag. Hold on.”
I want to argue that my ankle is fine and I don’t need ice, but I also really enjoy having someone take care of me. Especially someone oh so easy on the eyes. I’ve never put another person or a relationship on my manifestation list until today. Makes me feel a bit silly and a lot guilty to ask for such a personal thing.
Dane. I want him in my life. I’m not going to examine my feelings toward him any deeper right now. I glance at where my obsidian sphere sits on the mantle. The protection offered by the stone probably can’t protect my heart if my feelings are exposed too soon.
The chill of the ice startles me and Dane chuckles. The deep, rich sound washes over me, seeping into my soul. There’s life and love in the sound. I wish those were for me.
He gives the bag a light pat. “There. That should be good for a while. Looks like the swelling is down some so we’re heading in the right direction. Now, you have something to tell me?”
“Yes, and a couple questions. I glanced over the files and did some online research. Look here.” Drawing his attention to the printed ledger sheets, I point to an entry. “Even though the document isn’t labeled, I’m assuming this has to do with the White Fir Lodge. Do you work there?”
“Worse than that. I’m the owner.”
I bite back my surprise. I never would have guessed he owned such a fabulous property. That means… oh my god, he’s undoubtedly well off. Did I just make a rich man go out and find a bag of stones? What… how do I act now?
He rests his palm over my shaking hand. “December, yes, I’ve got money. No, don’t argue with me. I see the realization in your eyes. But I’m no different than I was ten seconds ago. Please don’t let my net worth come between us. Too many people have sought me out, planning to benefit from my wealth. You’re not like them. I know you’re not. Can’t we just be Dane and Deca?
“Were you ever going to tell me?”That’sthe question I ask? What am I, an idiot?
“I… umm… yes. At first I didn’t think about it because you needed help and I assumed as soon as you were able, you’d be gone. There would be no need to expose myself. Then I wanted to get to know you. And let you know me. However, this isn’t a great way for you to find out.”
“I promise you, I’m not ever going to use your financial status against you. But, it does explain some of the entries in the ledger.”
“We’re okay then?”
He looks so hopeful I can’t help myself. I lean forward to kiss him. “We’re just fine. Now, take a look at these two highlighted entries.”
“I’ve practically memorized these documents. Nothing stands out to me.”
Guess it’s time to tell him my hidden super power. “Working with numbers has always been difficult for me. Adding, subtracting, algebra, all that is hard to nearly incomprehensible to me. However, I see patterns in numbers and identifying codes. Not sure how or why, it’s just always been part of me. So, the first entry is payment to a construction company.”
“Yes, a local developer who’s worked on a majority of our construction projects. He’s legit.”
“I know. Looked the company up online. Now see this second entry?”
He leans closer then eases back with a shrug. “Same company. So?”
“Is it though? Check the spelling.”
“Hmm. There’s an e instead of an a.”
“I searched for that spelling. There’s a website. For a construction company. In Belize. But no contact information.”
“You’re saying money’s been paid to a fake business? An offshore account?”
“Good chance. What you need is a forensic accountant to take a look at all this.”
“How did you get to be so smart?”
What’s he really asking? Or is he making fun of me like my siblings do? “Just because I’m interested in crystals and esoteric, mystical topics doesn’t mean I don’t have a grasp of what others consider the real world.”
