Page 50 of Holding You
“I don’t really know where to start on that. It’s only three months.”
I hate how unsure I sound, but I truly feel that something likethis should be discussed together. I never had that option before, and I’d hate to take it from anyone else.
“How about I pay you two thousand a month or six grand up front?” he suggests with a simple shrug.
I …
He…
What?
This is so typical for someone with money. To just act like it means nothing, like it’s not a big deal.
It is a big deal and completely insulting.
Does he think I can’t afford this place?
I’m half tempted to tell him to fuck off and I’ll just cover the bills to prove a point, but fuck … the whole point was to get extra money, and as much as I’d love an extra two grand a month, that number makes me feel like I’m a charity instead of someone helping out someone else.
I could start an argument, but this is the start of a long summer.
“How about one thousand a month?”
He jerks his head back, and this time, it’s as if he’s the one who is insulted.
“Two seems more fitting.”
“Why?”
“Because I’ve looked at the market in this area, and that’s the number that fits. Not to mention we’ll double the water bill, my daughter will leave every single light on, and I’ll want the AC on all night every night. Add in the extra feet running up and down the carpet stairs and you’ll need that cleaned when we leave, and more down downstairs. The dishwasher will run twice as much, and the?—”
“Fine.” I hold my hand up to stop him. He’s clearly thought about this. “Fifteen hundred and we leave it at that.”
“But …”
“Please, Declan, just agree with me.”
He pauses, gaze locked on mine for a beat before he nods.
“Alright. This is your house. What you say goes.”
I blow out a breath and look away. Only when I look back, his eyes are still focused on me.
It only increases my awareness of him. Of how it feels like he is trying to read my mind. As if he’s trying to understand me in a way no one ever has.
“What topic is next?”
His question eases the tension in my shoulders, and my breath returns to normal.
“Food. Kids are kids, and if I buy something that Susie wants to eat, let her. Even if she finishes it.”
“Same rules for me with Max.”
“Thank you.”
“Is there anything Max can’t eat? I would assume I’d know this by now, but he’s not with me full time.”
“He’s good. Susie?”
