Page 120 of Body Check

“Because of Bryce?”

“Yeah. He left me with a shitload of debt.” Dakota’s swallow was audible.

“I remember you saying that, but I didn’t realize it was so bad you needed a second job.”

Dakota sighed. “It’s pretty bad. I mean, I’mmanaging. Living with Violet and Jeff has helped a lot. And the Harriers pay me well. But if I ever want to get ahead of this debt and move out …”

He shrugged, as if to say this second job was the only shot he had.

“How long will that take?” Gavin asked.

“Paying off the debt?”

“Yeah.”

“Three more years. And that’s assuming everything goes the way I hope.”

Gavin whistled. “That’s rough.”

“Yeah.” Dakota looked tired. “Are you upset I didn’t tell you?”

“Disappointed, maybe? I thought we were on the same page about being honest with each other. I bared my fucking soul and …”

Dakota’s expression crumpled. “I’m sorry. You’re right, I should have told you.”

“Why didn’t you?”

“Honestly?” Dakota said. “I didn’t think about it. You already knew about my past and this was … simply me dealing with the consequences. But now I realize how hypocritical I must seem after going on and on about us not having secrets from each other.”

“Having a whole second job feels like something a partner should know,” Gavin pointed out. “Although I guess I can see where you’re coming from too.”

“I wasn’t trying to hide it,” Dakota said, then winced. “No, maybe … maybe I was. Maybe a part of me hoped you wouldn’t have to see how bad it was.”

“I don’t judge you for the position you’re in, Dakota,” Gavin said softly.

Dakota looked him in the eye for a long time, as if searching for the truth before he nodded. “You really don’t, do you?”

Gavin shook his head, then hesitated, unsure of how to broach what he knew would be a difficult decision. “I’d like to help you.”

“I’m not taking your money,” he protested.

Gavin laughed. “I knew you were going to say that. Which is why that’s not what I’m suggesting.”

Dakota blinked. “Oh, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have assumed that’s what you meant.”

“No, it’s a logical conclusion to leap to. I would offer that, if I thought that’s something you’d want. But I’m learning! I’m trying to understand how to be a supportive partner in the way you want.”

Dakota smiled, sliding closer. “I know. And I appreciate that. I’ll work on not leaping to conclusions before I let you finish.”

“Deal.” Gavin leaned in and pressed his lips to Dakota’s hair.

As he drew back, Dakota gave him a curious look. “Whatwereyou going to suggest?”

“How would you feel about me hiring a PI to track Bryce down? I worked with a guy when I was trying to find my parents’ address after they left Pennsylvania and I’d be happy to reach out to him about this.”

Dakota blinked. “How is that any different than paying off my debt?”

Gavin shrugged. “Because hiring a PI would cost a fraction of what paying off the debt does. And if he hunts down Bryce and convinces him to pay up, then you can always pay me back.”

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