Page 112 of Ice Princess

“That’s enough.” Mr. Rodney nods at Henry Griffith. “This is why you’re on your third marriage.”

Henry Griffith throws his hands up.

Mr. Rodney gestures for me to follow him outside.

My chest swells and contracts as the truth sets in.

No one wants to hear what I have to say.All the nights I stayed up working on my speech, interviewing the community, perfecting my presentation—it was all for nothing.

I stop in the middle of the hallway.

Mr. Rodney notices and turns to face me.

I inhale shakily, feeling my throat tighten with unshed tears. “Mr. Rodney, I think there’s been a misunderstanding.”

“Rebel, please don’t let what my friends said rattle you. I admit, I went ahead of myself and shared my wishful thinking about you and Benji, but it was nothing more than the musings of an old man. We are one hundred percent making that donation to the town. It has nothing to do with… other things.”

“What other things?” I demand.

“Can we talk in my office?”

“No.” I stand firm. “We’ll talk right here.”

He sighs and gives in. “I wasn’t there for my son for years. The day I repaired things with Benji, I made a vow that I would give my son whatever he desired. That’s the only way I can repay him.”

“And what exactly does Benji want?” I ask, my heart in my throat.

Mr. Rodney slips a hand into his pocket and looks down at his shoes.

My heart stammers in my chest because I already know the answer. Today’s meeting was never about helping Lucky Falls. All that matters to Mr. Rodney is that his son thinks I’m pretty.

Once again, that’s all I amount to. It’s all I’m good for.

“So you thought,” my voice turns scratchy, “that you couldbuya relationship for your son?”

“I admit, that does sound rather vulgar, but I truly don’t mean any offense. I admire you greatly, Rebel. You’re smart, ambitious and gifted at repairing cars. The fact that Benji cares for you is no surprise to me. I simply wanted to help you twoalong by showing you how… advantageous our family could be to you.”

I back away from him, sick to my stomach. “I apologize for wasting your time, Mr. Rodney, but I don’t date people for their money and I certainly can’t be bought.”

“Rebel, Rebel, please. I truly didn’t mean it in that way.” Mr. Rodney scrambles to keep up with me, his eyes panicked. And I know, even in this moment, he’s not worried about hurting my feelings, but about how my negative reaction to this will affect Benji. “I apologize. I won’t bring this up ever again.”

I keep going.

He jumps in front of me, pleading. “Can you please not tell Benji about this? He would be very upset if he knew.”

I fight back tears of hurt.

“Please, Rebel,” Rodney Howard says.

I swallow past the lump in my throat. “I won’t tell him.”

“Thank you.” Mr. Rodney sags with relief. “I hope you won’t hold today against me or Benji. Perhaps, as you two get to know each other naturally, you can draw closer and?—”

“That isn’t going to happen,” I say firmly.

Rodney Howard’s eyebrows shoot up. “Why not? Is there something about Benji you don’t like? You can tell him and?—”

“I have a boyfriend,” I snap. “Let me know if that affects your donation. I’ll inform the Ladies when I get back to town.”

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