Irresistible (Cloverleigh Farms #1)(48)

“I don’t want it on the premises.” I shook my head. “I want my own thing in my own place. And I don’t need anyone else’s money to do it.”

“Frannie, don’t be silly,” my mother admonished. “Where on earth would you get the money to open a business?”

“It’s called a bank, Mom. I’d get a small business loan.”

She waved a hand, dismissing me. “Enough. You’re not starting a business. You’ve got enough going on.”

“Stop it! I’m not a child anymore.” At my heated tone, the entire table went still and silent. I lowered my voice—I wanted to sound calm and self-assured, not petulant and angry. “I’m an adult, and it’s time I started acting like one.”

“What does that mean?” My mother looked a bit nervous now.

“It means that maybe I need to move out and start supporting myself.” I hadn’t planned on threatening to move out, but I wanted them to know I was serious. If that’s what it took, I’d do it.

“Move out!” she cried. “Why would you do that? You’d have to pay rent anywhere else.”

“That’s the point. What other twenty-seven-year-old woman still lives with her parents?” I gestured to April and Chloe. “My sisters all left home and chased their own dreams. And even if those dreams brought them right back here, it was their choice. I want a choice.”

“What if we charged you a fair rent?” suggested my dad.

“John, you can’t be serious!” My mother looked at him in shock. “We’re not charging her rent.”

“It’s better than seeing her move out,” he said reasonably.

“Frannie,” my mother appealed to me, “you know I only worry about you because I love you so much.”

“I know, Mom. But that love has become a little bit overbearing. I feel smothered and trapped by it. You’ve got to let go a little, okay? You’ve got to trust that I know how to take care of myself. I need some freedom to do my own thing, even if it’s a mistake. Even if I fail.”

Unable to eat anymore, I stood up, my half-full plate in my hands. “I’m not doing this to hurt you, and I’m grateful for everything you do for me. I love it here. But I need more, and I need it on my own terms.” I turned to my father. “Thanks for the offer about the rent, Dad. I’ll give it some thought.”

And with that, I walked into the kitchen on legs shaking with nerves and exhilaration, put my plate on the counter, and left through the back door.

I hadn’t planned on making a declaration of independence at Sunday dinner, but I couldn’t help feeling damn good about it.





*



Later that night, when I was dressed for bed and lying in the sheets I couldn’t bring myself to change because they still sort of smelled like him, I pulled out my phone so I could give him a hard time about those twenty-dollar bills he’d stuck in my pocket.

Jerk.





I have no idea what you’re talking about.

Of course not. Because you’re so innocent. With your filthy mouth.





Hey, that swear jar money goes to charity. I’m only doing my part.

I didn’t know that. What charity?





The girls take turns choosing each month. I think it’s Felicity’s month. She usually chooses the National Geographic Society.

Of course she does.





I saw the rock you gave her. That was very sweet of you. Thanks.

You’re welcome. What organizations do the other ones choose?





Millie usually goes for kids charities. Winnie goes for animals.

I love those girls. Such big hearts.





They love you. They refused to take out their braids in the shower. I think they want to be you.

Aww. Are they asleep?





Yes. Finally. It took Winnie some time. I’m still lying here next to her. She is convinced monsters are under her bed, so I had to promise to sleep here.

I pictured him lying next to little Winnie, and my heart throbbed hard.

Poor baby. What a good Daddy. I guess I won’t text you anything dirty then.





Hold on now, I can take a break. What kind of dirty are we talking about? Like mildly unclean? Or full on filthy?

I laughed silently as I texted back.

Full on filthy.





Oh fuck. Hold on. I’m going downstairs.

My pulse had started to race. It had not been my intention to sext him when I picked up my phone, and I’d never done it before. But I had plenty of fantasies to choose from where he was concerned, and tonight had me feeling audacious and free—like I could do anything. Biting my lip, I turned off my lamp and took off my T-shirt. Then I shimmied out of my panties and slid down deeper into the covers.

If I was going to do this, I was going to do it right.





Mack





I went down the stairs so fast I stumbled at the bottom and nearly fell on my face. After making sure both the front and back doors were locked, I hurried into my room, shut the door, and whipped off my shirt.