“I never said you are less.”
The pointed index finger dropped. “But you expect it. You thought I’d let you in last night.”
Busted. “Maybe…but I didn’t push my way in. And I took you on a date.”
She rolled her eyes and changed direction, heading back toward my house. I followed along, uncertain how this became an analysis of my actions.
“You know, what I choose to do doesn’t mean men can treat me differently. Even if I were a prostitute—and I’m not—it doesn’t mean men can treat me poorly. It’s a job. I deserve respect.”
She huffed as she walked, and I had to quicken my pace to keep up. “I agree.”
Her pace slowed. “And I guess I wasn’t prepared for Reed to know about it. It felt like you were pimping me out or something.”
“I would never.” Hell, the idea of anyone looking at her didn’t sit well with me. I’d wanted to buy exclusivity. When I offered to pay her for property management, that was so she could drop the account, not for her, but for me. Because I didn’t like her doing it. Reed jumped in on this all on his own. “But why do it? Why do something you’re not proud of?”
“Who says I’m not proud?” Her pace quickened, and the tide lapped her ankles. Water splashed with each step.
“Come on.” I reached for her shoulder, and she flinched, refusing my touch. “Poppy! Stop.”
On a huff, she spun around.
“Look at you. I’m proud of what I do, and I don’t cry when someone asks me to invest their portfolio.”
“Don’t be a fucking asshole!” She tore off down the beach.
“I’m trying not to be. I swear. But look at you. Why do you do it?” I chased after her. “You’re smart. You have options. You don’t have to do it. Why do it?”
She spun around once again to face me and pulled at her hair as if she was going to tear it out. I froze, waiting for yelling that never came. Her hands fell to her side and her shoulders caved in, reducing her height by an inch or more.
“It was never supposed to be…I originally did open my account out of, well, desperation. I had bills to pay. Everything was in lockdown. No restaurants were open. It was a crazy idea. And it did well. I think it was my humor. I can be a funny girl, you know?” She tilted her head up, bashful. Adorable. “And then it did really well. Good timing, I guess? Like winning the lottery. And I was making so much money, and I could afford to move out of the crap apartment onto the island like I’d always dreamed, and even if I went back to bartending I couldn’t make as much.”
“I get it.” I paused to let my words sink in. “But now you know me. And you don’t have to pay rent. You won’t have those bills.”
“So, what? I take your money in exchange for what? Huh?” She gave a sad smile then thrust that index finger out into the air. “I do that, and then I am a prostitute. Or I’m like my Mom, counting on a man.”
“No, not at all. It’s a friend helping a friend.”
“With no expectations for more?” She sniffed and tilted her head. She stood before me, broken down, yet an undercurrent of strength shone through her core.
“No expectations…only hope.” She stuck her hip out with that Poppy attitude and shot me a questioning look. I rushed to reassure her. “And if it doesn’t go anywhere, that’s fine. I’m just asking you to give me a chance. But it’s unrelated to my offer to help. I’ve done well. I can afford to help friends out.”
“Well, Mr. Moneybucks, you might be unemployed soon.” She meant it as a tease, but it hit with a slap.
“People will always want to hire me. I’m fucking good at what I do.” Hell, I didn’t even need clients. I could create my own fund. An action I’d definitely considered. Her implications were ridiculous anyway, because I’d never need to work again. I worked because I wanted to.
“I’m sure someone as well educated as you are can always find a job.” She proceeded down the beach, her fire from earlier stoked.
When we arrived at the steps that led back to my house, all the lights had been turned off, and only a few candles lighted the perimeter.
“Luna probably turned off your lights. She’s always worried about the turtles.”
“Huh.”
“I’m gonna head back. I’ll take the path around the house. Gabe, thanks for being a friend. For listening to me. I appreciate it.”
“Any time. But I don’t feel like I did anything.” We still had plenty to talk about. She might not see it, but Poppy needed to end her OnlyFans account, if only for her self-esteem. Maybe some girls could do it and remain assured, but not this sensitive girl.
She waved her fingers in the air as she set off to her cart, avoiding the others. I blew her a kiss, and she smiled. Objective, met.
I watched her hips sway until she rounded the corner of my house, then I climbed the stairs to my deck and my guests.
“Did you figure out what her deal is?” Reed asked as soon as I approached.
“Yeah.”
“So, is there a secret handshake?”
“What?” I asked, not sure I heard him correctly. Out of the corner of my eye, I watched as Luna let in the catering staff who came to clean up. Tate gathered plates to help them.
“I’m willing to pay. I
