“Did you think to ask why a guy with money enough to rival Bill Gates’s would want to eat meatloaf?”
“Chase might have money, but it wasn’t beneath him to mash the potatoes when Mom asked.”
Sean’s eyes rounded. “They were full of lumps.”
“I know,” she admitted, “but at least he tried.”
Sean scoffed. “It’s likely the first time in his life he’s used a mixer.”
“True,” Maisy agreed, smiling at the memory.
“I don’t get why he hung around for dinner. It doesn’t make sense,” Sean said, frowning.
She wasn’t completely sure she knew, either, but offered what sounded like a plausible explanation. “He was curious, I think. I suspect his family never gathered around the dinner table the way we do.”
“In other words, this was his idea of seeing how the other half lives.”
“I didn’t see it that way,” Maisy shot back.
“Then what was it?”
“I can’t answer that,” she argued. “All I know is that Chase liked being treated like a regular person. He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and has had money his entire life. He’s never had to do without. If he’s attracted to me, and I don’t know that he is…”
“The way he kept staring at you over dinner says otherwise.”
Maisy wanted to believe Chase’s interest in her was genuine, but she had her doubts. “I think Chase simply wanted to see what it was like to be part of a real family.”
“Were we supposed to be grateful?”
“Sean! That was unkind.”
“Maybe, but I’m not wrong. Seeing he’s likely worth millions, no wonder he wanted to step in and help Patrick. I found his offer to send a driver to bus Patrick to and from practice insulting. A man like that thinks everything can be solved with money.”
Maisy hadn’t been happy with Chase’s suggestion, either, and understood her brother’s irritation. “He meant well.”
Sean shook his head. “Be careful, Maisy. First off, I don’t trust this guy. Mark my words, if you have anything more to do with him, you’re risking a broken heart.”
Her brother made a good point.
“I don’t think there’s much chance of that happening,” Maisy said. “Not after tonight.”
“Personally, I’d prefer you had nothing more to do with him and his big bucks, because I’m afraid you’re only going to end up getting hurt. If I sound harsh, then forgive me. You’re my little sister, and I feel it’s my duty to protect you. But as you said earlier, the choice is yours. All I ask, Maisy, and I’m saying this with all sincerity, tread carefully.”
Maisy couldn’t hide her smile. “That sounds exactly like something Dad would say.”
“I’d like to think so.”
Sean left Maisy alone with her thoughts. As uncomfortable as it was to hear, her brother had a point. She and her family were little more than a novelty to Chase. With time he was sure to grow bored with her and move on. She had nothing to offer him, nothing more than her heart. The risk was too great, and yet…and yet she wanted more. Craved more, even knowing in the end she would likely get hurt.
Sean knew it, too. He’d seen it in her eyes.
She’d revealed more to her brother than was prudent when she mentioned googling Chase’s name. Hopefully he wouldn’t find the article where Chase was listed as one of Chicago’s most eligible bachelors. The site had shown several photos of Chase, each with a different woman on his arm. They were all exquisitely dressed and beautiful.
No way could Maisy compete with the stunning women Chase normally dated. That raised the question of why he would possibly be interested in her.
Hard as it was to hear, Sean was right. It made no sense.
—
