Even bigger bitch.
The words took him back to that long ago meeting with the social services when he’d almost begged them to let Evie stay with him. They’d been kind, sort of, as much as they could be in those circumstances. They’d pointed out that he had absolutely nothing to offer Evie. That there were complete strangers out there who could give her far more than a penniless seventeen year old, with no education and no job, ever could.
“Of course, there’s also the possibility that she married you to gain access to her trust fund.”
He was no longer seventeen, and he was far from penniless, and he wouldn’t be pushed around by someone who thought they were superior just because they’d been born with money. “Sounds like something out of a novel.” He gave her a smile back that didn’t reach his eyes. “And why should she have felt the need to do that, Granny.”
She pursed her lips. “Who knows? Young people today never have enough money.”
“Or perhaps she didn’t trust the people who were meant to be looking out for her.”
This time the smile was patronizing. “We’re her family, Joshua. I’m aware someone like you wouldn’t understand that.”
“Actually, I understand it all too well.” Yeah, he knew all about how well family could look out for each other.
She considered him, head cocked, like some sort of bird of prey about to peck his eyes out. “You know, I could make it worth your while if this marriage to Lexi could be made to…disappear.”
Jesus, she was trying to bribe him now. She really did have a low opinion of him.
He took a step closer, let his eyes go cold and saw her swallow. “You say you’ve looked into my background, so you know a little of what I’m capable of. You hurt Lexi, and I will come after you. And I’ll warn you—I don’t play by the same rules.”
“Are you threatening me?”
“Yeah. Now, I’ll go tell Lexi her sweet little grandma is here. I’m sure she’ll be thrilled.”
Without waiting for her to say another word, he turned and left the room, taking the stairs two at a time, wanting to be away from the woman. Lexi was sitting up in bed when he pushed open the door, her curls wild around her head, her eyes sleepy.
“No coffee?”
“You can get some when you go down.”
She pouted. “You’re not coming back to bed?”
I love you.
The memory of the words echoed in his head, and a cold hard lump formed in his belly, souring his mood even further. “Your grandmother is here.”
“Oh.” She sat up straighter. “Did she say anything to you?”
“What about?”
“About anything.”
“A few things.” He crossed the room to the dresser and grabbed his keys. “None worth repeating.”
Lexi studied him, lower lip caught between her teeth. “Grandmamma has an uncanny ability to hit where it hurts. I hope she didn’t say anything to upset you.”
He sat down and pulled on his boots, before glancing at her. “Why would you think anything she’d say could upset me?”
She gripped the edges of the sheet. “Because you look a little upset.”
“I’m fine. But I do need to go into the office.”
She pushed her hair back from her face and studied him some more, a frown between her eyes. “Are you okay, Josh?”
He shrugged then stood up and grabbed his bag. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
“I’ll see you later?”
“I don’t know what time. I’m seeing some friends tonight.”
“Can I come? I’ve never met your friends.”
“Not tonight. Guys only.”
“Oh.”
Shit, why did he have the urge to go hug her, kiss it better, say he’d rather be with her? “Another time. Logan has a night club—we’ll go dancing.”
“Really?” She smiled. “I love dancing, though I’m not very good.”
“Yeah, really.” He headed for the door, but at the last minute he turned back, crossed to where she stood, leaned down, and kissed her hard. “How about lunch?”
Shit, where did that come from? His mouth had a mind of its own around Lexi. What the hell had happened to keeping his distance? To taking a day to get his head together?
A smile blossomed on her face, and for a second the worry faded from her eyes, and it was worth it.
“I’ll meet you at your office?”
He gave a brief nod, and he was gone.
…
At one o’clock sharp, Sally led her into Josh’s big corner office.
All morning, Lexi hadn’t been able to quite banish a sense of unease. She’d gotten rid of her grandmother pretty quickly. She guessed she’d just been snooping around, or had wanted to talk to Josh as much as to Lexi herself. She’d also been way nicer than she usually was, and Lexi had no clue why. She hadn’t even asked for any money.