Page 43 of Nothing to Deny
“You think he might be playing you? It’s possible.” Sitting straight, Roxie grinned. “Bring him here, I’ll figure him out.”
And scare him away for good.
She smiled. “I don’t think he’s ready for that.”
“How long have you been seeing him? If you’ve paid—”
“I’ve never paid to be with him. We met because… Holly took me to the agency because she needs a guy to back up her fake boyfriend story.”
“Always a bold start to any relationship. I love a good caper. Tell me more.”
Recounting the whole fable, it felt good to get it off her chest. Perspective was still hazy in the relief of the burden. Roxie was exactly the right person to absorb some of it for her. It felt good to vent to someone sympathetic who may end up alibiing her if the whole thing fell apart.
“So we were there in the car… then something happened with his brother, his younger brother, his twelve-year-old brother… he ended up in hospital.”
Roxie’s concern interrupted her flow. “Is he okay?”
“Yeah, he’s fine but… Roxie, I can’t fall for this guy. I can’t. Truman would disown me.”
“Who says Truman ever has to know about the escort thing? Your guy would give it up if you got together. He wouldn’t need the money anymore. If you don’t want Truman to know, don’t tell him.”
“You know what my grandfather is like when it comes to the men in my life. He’s relentless.”
“If this is your meant to be guy, it doesn’t matter what Truman thinks, it doesn’t matter if he disowns you either.” Her friend leaned closer to side-whisper, “Though, personally I don’t see that happening in a million years. Truman adores you. Even if he stamps his feet and causes drama, he’ll come around in the end.”
“My grandfather doesn’t cause drama, not public drama. He works in the background, meddling, without me ever knowing. Until someone like Chapman comes along and reams me for his demotion.”
“Don’t even deny Chapman deserved it. Truman did the right thing. That guy needed to be brought down a peg or two. Is he still with his wife?”
“I didn’t ask. I don’t care.”
“It’s not like we could believe him no matter what he said.” Roxie came over more discerning. “Chapman’s a detective.” Yes,hadn’t she made that connection already? “You’re worried he’ll come after your forbidden man. If your ex learns what your new man does…”
“He’s not in vice, I don’t even know if…” The slight tilt of her friend’s head killed her knee-jerk objection. She exhaled. “I don’t know how he would ever find out. Seeing him at the hospital, it’s clear he hasn’t let us go yet.”
“Because you’re fabulous.” With the tips of her fingers under Freya’s chin, Roxie elevated it. “If you love this guy, you can’t give up for maybes. Maybe Truman will cause trouble. Maybe Chapman will. Trust me when I say it’s all worth it. Waking up with your guy, your true love guy, there’s nothing like it, no substitute. You have to fight for it, there’s no obstacle you can’t overcome.”
“And the paying for sex thing?”
“You never have,” Roxie said. “That’s what you said. So make a rule; not paying him for sex is now a rule. If you’re with him on a night he could be earning, pay for his time, and think of it more like helping a friend out with his bills. It’s just the same as you paying for dinner.” Not like she’d never done that, and so much more. “Besides, if I came to you for money, if anyone you cared about did, you wouldn’t hesitate to help. Think of it like that. And on the nights you’re paying him: no sex. Use the time to get to know him better. To know each other better. Please promise me you’ll try. No guilt. No second-guessing.”
“And what about this family vacation?”
Roxie shrugged, arms loose. “Take him with you. Why not? If it wasn’t for the fake boyfriend thing, I would go with you.”
“That may not be a bad idea.”
“The press believing I left Zairn for a tempestuous affair with you would be entertaining… think of the antics.”
This woman and her antics were all wrapped up in such a good heart. “Isn’t the point not to give my grandfather a coronary?”
“He’d love it! Two granddaughters for the price of one.” Her friend hummed. “Hmm, no, I’m probably very expensive. Zairn would know. And we do have that pesky wedding this year.”
Another wedding. Would she take Baer to—stop. No.
“Let me get over one family event before dealing with another one. Is taking him on vacation a good idea?”
“An excellent idea. Think of it the same as if I was coming,” Roxie said. “You’re taking a friend, one you don’t pay for sex. You’re hanging out. Having fun. If it happens, it’ll happen naturally, off the clock. What would be so wrong about that?”
