Page 69 of Kissing Her Rescuer

But the fear never left. No matter how many times she told herself it would be alright, the same desire to make sure she could take care of Carrie and herself, without being indebted to anyone, took precedence over any of the things shewantedin life. It took precedence over wanting Dewey.

“I need to fess up to something. I don't think it's fair to keep it from you any longer.”

“Okay.” She sat up, a little worried judging by Dewey's serious expression. Even in the face of getting a stomach bug, Dewey could make jokes. But he wasn't joking about this.

He kissed the top of Carrie's head, resting his cheek against her hair. “You know I plan to take care of you both, right?”

“I don't need—”

“Anything. I know. But I think it's because you think I'll just leave like Zach. Cameron told me that you seemed worried about my commitment.”

That wasn't the exact reason, more like she worried he wouldover-commit to them, but the reason didn't matter now. Whatever he needed to tell her was big.

“I bought the house from your dad.”

She slid off the bed and onto her feet, surprised her legs didn't give out. “Youwhat!”

Carrie moaned and rolled away at the outburst.

Eliza contained her next shout. It wouldn’t have been appropriate for Carrie’s seven-year-old ears anyway.

She was going to save her money. She was going to provide for her daughter and herself. Buy a house. Make sure they never worried or relied on someone again.

And he took it away from her.

She ran a hand over her hair. And judging by the shock on his face, he had no clue what he’d done.

But she'd told him. Why didn't he listen? No one listened to her.

He slipped out from underneath Carrie's arm and sat on the side of the bed. He watched her with a neutral expression now. “Your dad was going to sell the house, Eliza. I bought it so the two of you wouldn't have to move.”

“He could have waited.”

“No. He can't afford to keep this house and move in with Ms. Iris. She doesn't have the diner anymore for income. Your dad stopped taking a paycheck from the paper when you started there. It just isn't feasible.”

“But...” She started to pace. He owned her house. Her house. “I... I can't live here knowing you own it.”

Anger sharpened his gaze. He didn't get mad often, hardly ever, but that seemed to piss him off. He watched her, probably bringing it under control, waiting a full minute before speaking.

“Eliza, I love you. I'd marry you right this second if you'd say, 'yes,' and be my wife.” He sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “I don't know why you won't. I don't know what else I need to tell you to make you believe that I'm not Zach.”

He loved her, and she loved him, but she couldn't say it. She fanned herself, the room hot.

“I want to be independent.”

“Being married doesn't mean you lose your independence,” he said, louder than she’d expected.

She rolled her eyes, knowing it was childish. “You don't have to rely on anyone for anything. You have no idea what it's like. To have no money of your own.” She bit back her next comment. If he calmed down enough to think of it from her perspective, he’d see how scary it all was for her.

He rose, slowly uncurling himself from the bed. He towered over her, and his lips pressed together. His glare drew his eyebrows down tight. Carrie had that same look the first time she tried to ride a bike. Frustration and determination.

She reached out, hoping to soothe it over the way she had with Carrie, but he jerked away and stalked to the door. Grown men weren't as easily placated.

“Eliza, you know I'd never hurt you.”

“It's not that.”

“Yes,” he said, his voice near a shout. He turned around, rolled his shoulders, and stuffed his hands in his pockets. “You want to be independent so that no one can control you again.”

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