Page 18 of Judge Me Not

I keep my eyes shut, leaning against him, smelling his sexy scent, and feeling the beat of his heart against my head. This isn't anything I thought I would ever be doing. But if he will give me the money I need to save my daughter, then there aren't any choices to make.

"I can't quit my main job. I need my insurance, and when this is over, I still have to have it. I'll quit my other two."

"I'll add you to my company payroll and benefits."

I open my eyes and tilt my head. "That's very generous, but I need insurance forever. I... I have reasons I need it."

"Would ten years of benefits give you enough security?"

Shocked, I try to find words.

He mistakes my silence. "Twenty years?"

I don't think my pulse has ever beaten so hard outside of the hospital.

"I'll put it in a contract. Benefits for twenty years. When this is over, I'll give you an ongoing stipend of five thousand dollars a month, along with your benefits package for the duration of whatever is left on the time."

I could stay home with Abby and spend time with her.

She has preexisting conditions. I can't just switch insurances without reviewing it.

"Ten thousand a month," he says.

Holy…

"I think it's a fair offer. Or is there something else you want in order to quit your job?"

"I need to review your coverage."

"One thing I do, Jasmine, is take care of my people. I have the best of everything, including my benefits."

I've dealt with enough insurance issues every time my employer changes companies to save a few bucks. "I'm sorry, but I won't agree to quitting until I review your policy."

"Is there something specific you're looking for? I highly doubt it isn't covered, but if it isn't, I will make sure it is."

I sternly reply, "I will let you know after I read through it." Something tells me not to tell him anything about my personal life or problems. And right now, I'm an emotional basket case. Every other minute, I seem to erupt in tears. The last thing I want is Mr. Lickable, who wants no drama and is offering to solve my money issues, to see me cry.

He lowers his voice. It softens a few levels. "You don't want to tell me what you're looking for?"

I shake my head.

"I will allow you to review it, but you must promise me if there is something not in it you need, then you tell me so I can add it."

I don't respond to his request for my word. Instead, I blurt out, "Are you an honest man?"

He doesn't hesitate. "Yes."

"So, you aren't lying right now?"

"About what?”

Am I in some sort of dream where my money issues go away and I can have hope for Abby again? Or a nightmare where I will wake up tomorrow and he'll have changed his mind?

"This is a crazy proposal. At least, for me it is. I don't live in your world."

"Maybe you should step into it."

I ignore his statement, which makes it sound like it's so easy to just go from my state of drowning poverty to his lavish lifestyle. "When you say you're going to do these things, do you ever go back on your negotiation?"

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