Ben’s face flushed. “Nothing, I’m sorry, Emily. That was horribly inappropriate of me. I shouldn’t have—”
“You’re right.” A mischievous smile spread across her face as she looked at Jake.
He chuckled. “I’m not sure I like that look. What’s going on in that beautiful head of yours?”
“I’m thinking how much fun it will be to give Debbie a run for her money at this year’s bachelor auction.”
The mention of Debbie and bachelor auction in the same sentence made Jake’s skin crawl. “I don’t think I like the sound of this.”
She clasped his hand. “Don’t worry. I’ve got it all figured out. I’ll bid on Robert and drive the price way up before I let Debbie have him. You go last, and I’ll make sure I win you.”
He leaned toward her, and whispered, “You’ve already won me.” Their lips met in a lingering kiss.
Ben cleared his throat and chuckled. “Hey, you’ve still got an audience. Emily, give me one more minute of your time then I’ll be out of your hair and you two can...” He waved his hand in their direction, allowing the action to finish his sentence. “First, I need your signature on these documents.” He pushed several papers her way, explaining what each one was. When she’d finished signing all the papers and checks, Ben tucked everything back in his file folder. “I’m comfortable with the legal dealings for the Scholarship Foundation and the other charitable stuff, but I’m not an accountant. You should hire someone to help manage these funds. I recommend Henry Fenway. His office is two doors down from mine. He’s an excellent accountant.”
“He’s a good man,” Jake said. “He does my taxes and helps manage the ranch and my personal accounts.”
“That’s fine but try to keep my name out of it if possible. I don’t want everyone in town knowing I’m independently wealthy. It will affect my credibility as a therapist. If my clients think I’m only practicing because I have nothing better to do, they won’t be interested in my help. I want the people I counsel with to view me as an equal, as someone who understands them.”
Ben made a few more notes, then Jake and Emily walked him out.
As he climbed into his truck, Emily said, “Make sure you triple your hourly rate, Ben, and withhold your payment when you deposit the checks.”
“That’s not necessary.”
“Yes, it is. You don’t understand the peace of mind it has given me to not have to worry about any of this.”
“I’m happy to do it, but—”
“Please don’t make me look for another lawyer.” The tone in Emily’s voice held a warning.
Ben’s eyes widened in surprise, then his lips turned up. “Looks like you’ve got your hands full, Jake. Good luck.”
Jake and Emily both chuckled as Ben started his truck. Jake returned to the porch after Ben drove away. He let out a sigh as he sat once again on the swing.
“What’s wrong?” Emily sat beside him.
He was quiet for a long moment. He wasn’t sure how to voice the overwhelming feelings racing through him.
Realizing how much money Emily had made him feel insignificant. Ever since he met Emily, he’d wanted nothing more than to take care of her. There had been a time when he’d felt like she truly needed him. But today, he’d realized she didn’t need him at all.
There was nothing he could give her she couldn’t provide for herself. Except love. But Emily was a beautiful, amazing woman, she could easily find a dozen men who would easily fall in love with her.
“Jake, please talk to me.” She picked up his hand and laced her fingers with his.
“Why did you want me to be here while Ben went over all of that with you?”
“I thought we were planning a future together.” A spark glinted in her eyes. “Like it or not, this is me, Jake. It’s not who and what I want to be, but this is who I am.”
“I guess I’m overwhelmed by how wealthy you are.” Jake tightened his grip on her hand.
“You’re overwhelmed? I’m so glad I can let Ben worry about it all. I want nothing to do with all that money. I’m afraid I’ll always associate it with what it cost me.”
Jake pulled her close to his side. “I thought when I fell in love and got married my wife would be as eager for me to take care of her as I am to provide for her and a family. I’m not saying I expect her to stay at home and take care of the kids all day, although I do want kids...” Jake ran his hands through his hair in frustration. The words were coming out all wrong.
Emily leaned into him. “I’ve always planned to live within my husband’s means when I married. My income will simply be a bonus. What I really want is something money can’t buy.”
“I always thought I had a lot to offer a woman, but you...”
