Page 21 of Power Play

“I have to work.” It was more than work. Fear of not being good enough invaded her mind.

“You have the weekend off. The party isn’t until Saturday night. Tell me the real reason.”

She shifted in his lap, her stomach tossing and turning. “Do you remember coming to my family home with my brother?”

“Yes.”

“Right. But do you remember my family?”

Dane tilted his head. “I only spent a little bit of time with your family when your brother and I worked on a project.” A grin slipped over his lips. “I do remember a cute sprite giving me a kiss and running away.”

Regina ducked her head. “That wasn’t exactly the memory I wanted, but yes, I did.”

“Why did you run after that kiss?”

“I had just turned eighteen, and I wanted to see what you tasted like. You were my brother’s friend, older and more sophisticated than his other friends.”

Dane laughed. “I got stuck with your brother on the project. But I don’t think it’s the fact that your brother and I went to college together that’s holding you back. Or the kiss.”

Regina shook her head. “What do you remember of my family?”

“That was a while ago. Elegant family home. Old money.” His eyes widened. “Dutton was their last name, but yours is Davis.”

“I took my grandmother’s maiden name so I wouldn’t be associated with my family.” She sighed. Regina sighed as she looked down at her hands.

“Is this because I have money?”

“Not really.” It wasn’t about his money; it was about expectations. “What would your family say if you brought a nurse to your brother’s engagement party?”

“Why would they care?” He cupped her cheek. “You’re helping people; that’s all that matters to me.”

“To you, yes, but what about others. Your family wouldn’t be happy. There are expectations when one has money.”

Dane shifted. “I think I get this now.”

“My family didn’t approve of my going into nursing. It was beneath the family name.” The fights she had with her family over it…

“Snobs.”

Her lips tilted up. “They are, but…” She swallowed. This was difficult for her, but he had a to know. “When I refused to give up my dream, they disowned me.” It still hurt she didn’t have a family to go to when she needed help.

Dane opened his mouth and shut it. His arm tightened around her waist. “My family won’t be like that.”

“You can’t promise that.”

“Oh, I can. They will toe the line or else.”

Regina laughed. “Do you use that Dom voice on your family?”

“If it gets results, I will. I mean it, Regina. My family is a little more down to earth. Yes, we have money, and I don’t always see eye to eye with my family around the family money.”

“My parents used it as a way to control their children. I rebelled.” Becoming a nurse had drawn the line in the sand for her.

“Good for you. I took a loan from a bank to open my first gallery and paid the loan back with interest. My father understands my need to stand on my own two feet. The money I have is mine. I’ve earned it.”

“That’s good. My brothers still take money from our parents.”

“How did you get through nursing school?”

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