Page 13 of Let Me Love You

All of my plans crash back into me. Summer is who I thought about the most when devising a plan. “We can keep Summer out of the spotlight. I already have the security to keep away any unwanted attention. And I’ll hire the best nanny that money can buy.”

What she doesn’t know is I already have a list of recommended nannies. All I need is for Serenity to pick one.

But she’s shaking her head. “I’m sorry, but this just isn’t what’s best for my family. Summer needs to be with me, not with some hired help. She’s already lost her father and grandmother. There are plenty of women who would kill to marry you, just not me.”

I’m losing the only chance I have, so I blurt out, “What if I’m offering half a million dollars?”

My heart sinks when she pauses. So, money is her language after all. Just like everyone else. I should’ve known considering that’s why I came up with this offer.

Serenity’s bright green eyes stay on mine as she takes another long sip. “My answer is still no.”

I shouldn’t have given my father a specific name. Now, I can’t show up with a Gabby or a Julie. No, it has to be Serenity. I take another sip of my beer and another, and before I know it, the glass bottle is empty. Maybe it will help lessen the sting of rejection.

“Are you getting drunk?” Serenity asks. “I mean, I won’t judge you. I know you have a lot on your mind.”

I shrug. “Maybe. I could use some time to unwind.”

She pushes to her feet. “I’ll go get more beer.”

“Bring a few extras,” I joke, but she nods once seriously.

Shit. She sees right through me.

Within a couple of minutes, she’s coming back outside with a cooler. I jump to my feet to help her, but she says, “I can do it. I’m not some damsel in distress.”

Backing away, I respect her wishes and sit back down. She places the cooler beside the swing before sitting and grabbing two beers. She opens my bottle and hands it to me.

“If there’s one thing I think you aren’t, it’s a damsel in distress.”

She leans forward after studying me for a second. “Why did you have to give my name?”

Sighing, I shake my head. “I’m not sure.” The lie slithers through my teeth like a snake, threatening to sink its venomous fangs into my skin if I continue to deceive her. “I suppose it’s because you’re real. You don’t say things to flatter me. Instead, you hold me accountable for anything you think I’ve done wrong.”

She quirks an eyebrow. “Anything I think you’ve done wrong?”

I flash her a small smile. “I think you misjudge me based on the fact that I have money.”

“Your strategy is to tell me I’m wrong so I’ll magically change my mind?”

I shake my head. My phone vibrates, and I take it out of my pocket so quickly I almost strain a muscle. Every muscle locks up. There’s only one way for me to find out if this is good or bad news. But what if it’s bad? I swallow, my tongue suddenly heavy.

Before I can chicken out, I click Isabella’s name.

Isabella

I think there’s really something wrong with Dad’s mind. He’s saying you’re getting married this weekend, and he’s demanding the doctors release him.

My heart sinks to the porch. Another message comes through immediately.

Isabella

The doctors aren’t telling me anything. I’m really worried.

“Is everything okay?” Serenity asks, but I don’t look up at her. “Do you have an update on your dad?”

As if she really cares. I sigh. No, I can’t let my thoughts turn her into the bad guy. Coming here, demanding she marry me, was all a selfish mistake.

I relay what Isabella said, and when I finally glance up at Serenity, her wide eyes meet mine. She takes a large gulp of beer before tipping it back and finishing the rest of the contents.