Page 19 of Innocent and Sweet

“Anissa.” Kameron sighed. “This was my grandmother’s house. When she died, she left me an inheritance and this house. My sister didn’t want this place, so I paid her to keep it. I live off the rest of that inheritance. I refused to take any of your father’s money once I realized he just wanted to get me off this land and away from you. I can’t respect him.”

“I understand.” She bowed her head. Her father could be ruthless, but to push him out of his home… She closed her eyes. “What about the fifteen-thousand-dollar wire transfers? I saw the transfers didn’t go through. What’s that all about?”

“Did you notice how empty the north end of the street is? He kept upping his offer to me. He offered fair market, then made the offers sweeter with each house demolished.” He left the sofa and cupped her chin. “He can build that damn strip mall without killing the neighborhood.”

She blinked back tears. He made sense, but she needed to know one more thing. “Why work for him, then? You hate my father…”

“Because I like you.” He brushed his thumb across her bottom lip. “You’re the shining spot in my life.”

She wanted to believe him. Wanted with every last breath in her body… but something didn’t make sense. “Please don’t tell me you got close to me to con him into leaving you alone.”

“Never.” He caressed her jaw. “Not for a second.”

“Were you considering it?”

“No.” He shook his head.

“Kameron.” She needed the truth.

“My interest in you has nothing to do with your father and everything to do with you being you. I love you,” Kameron said. “My heart’s belonged to you for a long time.”

She paused. “You love me?” She had to be hearing him wrong.

“Jesus, Anissa. Yes, I do. I never wanted money from your father or you. I started working for your family because I needed the job, but I stayed because of you. I hoped one day you’d care about me, too.”

“I do.” She inched into the vee of his legs and rested her palm on his chest over his heart. “I’ve loved you since you started as my guard. I’d fantasize that you’d tell me you’d fallen madly in love with me.” Her face burned. “Maybe it was silly to think you’d see me that way, but I did. I still do. You’ve been nice, sweet, honest and my friend when no one else has.”

“I can’t work for you.”

“I know.” She toyed with the wrinkles in his shirt. “You’ve always been cocky and blunt. You know all the answers. But this time, it’s my turn. I’m calling my father’s bluff and taking what I want.”

“You are?” His eyes widened. “Honey?”

“Yes.” She whipped her phone from her pocket. “I’m guessing Julian has already alerted my father, but it never hurts to bring it up, too.” She dialed Julian. Within seconds, he answered. “Hi.”

“Hi,” Julian said. “Are you okay? You’re ready to go? Come outside.”

“I’m ready,” she said. “But you’re the one who can go. My father’s on the way, isn’t he?”

“Ms. Dunn.” Julian groaned. “Why do you think so?”

“Because I’ve taken a long time and haven’t contacted you. That’s standard operating procedure.” She met Kameron’s gaze. “When my father arrives, you can leave with him.”

“What’s gotten into you?” Julian asked. “This isn’t you.”

“I’m marrying Kameron, and we’re going to live together here at his house. I’m staying here from now on.” She kissed Kameron but spoke to Julian. “I’m not planning on returning to the mansion, so good luck and goodbye.”

“He’s on his way, but he’s pissed,” Julian said.

“I know.” She shrugged. She’d planned on upsetting her father.

“He won’t agree to this.”

“Good. Let him argue with me.” She gripped the phone and leaned against Kameron. The scent of him calmed her and reassured her she’d done the right thing.

“Do you love Kam?” Julian asked.

“Yes.” Without a doubt.

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