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My heart contracted. How did he know? Nothing seemed to get past him. Biting my lip, “I’m alright. I might be getting a cold.”
He exhaled into the phone. “Hmm. When David picks you up tonight, I’ll have him pick up some soup and some of Dani’s special cold remedy tea.”
I closed my eyes against the concern I heard in his voice. My mother was right, one lie always leads to another. “I’m really okay. Please don’t do that,” I said quietly. My eyes dilated. “Wait. Why is David picking me up and why is Fiona from Barneys calling me?”
“David escorts my son Paul and he will take you wherever you need to go too, and before you protest, you’re alone in New York. It’ll keep you safe. So that’s non-negotiable,” he said with authority. “As for shopping, I have a few events coming up and as my companion, you will need clothing to wear to attend them.”
I pressed my lips together. He had thought of everything without even talking to me. This type of heavy handiness was starting to bother me. “I can get things on my own. Just tell me what’s coming up.”
“I’ve been invited to a state dinner, charity auction, and a conference. I won’t attend all,” Jonas said. “But I’d need you to be ready. These are public events, press events.”
Gregor was right. I was over my head and out of my league. I didn’t have anything that would fit the events listed, or the fashion knowledge to dress for them, but I still didn’t want to accept his gifts.
“Oh, perhaps, I could attend one of those,” I stuttered.
“No,” Jonas said. “If I’m attending them then I expect you to attend as well.”
Was it all or nothing? Would he get someone else? I couldn’t refrain from asking. “Wouldn’t it be easier to just go out with someone that has all of this already?” I said barely above a whisper.
“Is that what you want?” Jonas asked, his voice just as soft.
I tucked my hair back. “No. I don’t. I want to go with you. But I don’t want you buying me….”
“I’m not buying you,” Jonas said, his tone sharp. He exhaled into the phone. “It’s for my own selfish reasons I’m getting them for you. There’s no need to protest.”
I looked out the window and stared at the people along the sidewalks as he stopped and started through the streets back uptown. We were a few blocks from the office. “A dress. Nothing more. I’ll take it as a loan until I get my raise or promotion,” I said sucking in air.
“Did Gregor promise a raise and a promotion?” Jonas asked, his tone sardonic.
I chewed my lip. “No. He didn’t. I’m just hoping.” I sighed in exasperation. “Leave him alone, Jonas, please. Let it go,” I said in a rush.
“I could get you a new job anywhere you want paying three times what you make for less hours,” he offered.
I pressed my lips together. “Is it that easy for you? No. Thank you.”
“Why won’t you let me help you?” Jonas asked, his voice raised in frustration.
I groaned. “Why are you trying to change me? I wish you wouldn’t treat me this way. My situation is different, but I didn’t set out to take advantage or….”
“I’m not trying to change you,” Jonas said in an exasperated tone. “I don’t feel taken advantage of and I want to help you. I understand that this is overwhelming, but I knew that you’d need things for some of the events when I asked you to spend time with me. But I won’t waiver on my expectations though. That extends to your clothing.”
“Well, if you put it that way,” my voice was thick.
“Don’t get upset. It really is nothing,” he said. “I don’t usually have to fight to help, or even over little gifts and a ride home. This is new to me.”
How many times had he done this before? I wanted to ask, but I didn’t. I didn’t want to imagine Jonas doing anything he did with me with someone else.
I sighed. “This is new to me too.”
“I haven’t received the information on the Legacy. Send it when you get to the office,” he ordered.
“I don’t want you to….” I sighed. Could I put my pride before the children? I wouldn’t. It was all too much. Jonas was too much. “You’re so bossy. I feel like I’m at work instead of….”
“Instead of what?” His voice softening.
“Instead of chatting. I don’t know. Lightly conversing with….” I let the words go unsaid.With the man I like a lot.
“I would have been open to light if you weren’t fighting with me,” Jonas said.
