“Let me help you get started again. You’ll have the insurance money, and you’ll need a little help.”
“You are the kindest man, but I couldn’t possibly accept so much help. You work hard for your money, and you need it for yourself.”
Charles seethed, unused to not being able to use his money and status to get whatever he wanted. To help someone and to keep the first woman he’d ever had more than a passing interest in by his side. Sure, it was too soon to make it permanent, but if she went to Georgia, how could they ever get to know one another? He’d never met someone with a bigger heart, sweeter smile, or softer lips. How could he let her go?
But the only way to convince her he had the ability to help would be to tell her the truth. Something he’d have to do at some point and should have done sooner. “Noelle, I—”
She pressed two fingers to his lips. “Shhh. Let’s not ruin tonight. It’s magical enough just being here with you, spending the night in this nice warm house, the kittens are safe, and I don’t want to think about anything past that.”
“Fine.” He’d allowed the lie to go on, had kissed her when she didn’t know who he was. Let tomorrow take care of itself. If this single night had to be his only true happiness, so be it. “Do you want to go up to your room?”
“No,” she said, snuggling close to him. “Can we just stay down here and watch the fire for a while?”
“Yes,” he replied, kissing her shiny hair and wrapping both arms around her. “I’d like that.”