Even if I hadn’t, the way Brooke’s body stiffens next to mine is a dead giveaway.
“You’re joking, right?” I ask and grab her computer.
She doesn't even try to fight me. I open the message to ashirtless photo of the guy who just can’t seem to take a hint. Immediately, my eyes scan up to see all the times he’s messaged her.
One chance, please.
I’ll make it worth it.
You could regret this.
Oh, you're going to be that bitch are you?
I scroll through at least fifteen messages, all unanswered by Brooke.
Slowly, I turn to look at her and the expression on her face is completely blank, as if she’s checked out.
“Brooke,” I say softly as I move the computer and shift my body to face her completely. “Talk to me.”
“I …”
Her bottom lip starts to shake when she can’t form words.
“It’s fine,” I tell her. “I’m blocking him for you.”
I grab her computer and block him, then close the laptop and place it back on the table.
With a finger under her chin, I gently press until she lifts her head and her eyes latch onto mine.
“If he contacts you again, tell me. I can’t keep you safe if you don't tell me what's going on, Books.”
She nods slightly but still doesn't say anything.
I’ve said what I needed to say and I trust that she’ll come to me if it happens again. I don’t push her to say anything because I can’t even begin to understand what she’s feeling, but I can redirect the conversation back to before the message popped up.
“You’re not going to make me go broke when I have to give you all my money, are you?”
She lets out a choked laugh and then grabs her wineglass, quickly finishing her brand-new pour.
“I don’t think wine is for chugging.”
She pats her chest and nods.
“Definitely not, but the moment called for it.”
“Why? Because you want all my money?” I say, poking her side playfully.
“Because even as I said it that day in your office, the urge to tell you that I can’t take your money was there. I mean, we’re friends now. Real friends. Taking money from you feels so wrong.”
Her eyes glaze over as if on the verge of tears.
Whatever is going through her mind is taking a toll on her, and I hate the fact that I have anything to do with it and that I can’t control the rest of it.
I put my hand on hers. “We made that deal before we knew what was going to come of it, Books, and even if you tried to tell me that you wouldn't take my money, I’d still find a way. I made a deal, and I never break those.”
“But it’s a lot of money, Dutton.”
I rest my forehead against hers.
