own. He didn’t want her to work, insisting that it was his place to take care of her. But he also didn’t give her money to spend. She had to tell him exactly what she was getting at the grocery store, how much gas she was putting in the car, when she needed new clothes. And then he got to decide what she bought.”
Grant’s voice had gone cold, and he was staring at the tablecloth instead of looking at Josie. “He didn’t ‘let’ her have things like makeup or perfume. He said that it would just lead to other men finding her attractive. He didn’t let her buy ice cream or cookies because he didn’t want her to get fat.”
Grant’s hand was fisted on top of the table now, and Josie could feel the waves of rage coming off him.
“And he didn’t ‘let’ her buy birth control. He said she should want to get pregnant with his babies and that birth control was too expensive anyway.” Grant’s jaw tightened. “When she did end up pregnant was when she finally realized she had to leave him. She needed prenatal vitamins and he said no. Said they were too expensive, and she just needed to take better care of herself and the baby. She realized that he would deny their child all kinds of things—toys and treats—but she was also scared he’d skimp on things like car seats and other safety items. So she showed up at my house one night and told me everything and asked if she could stay with me.”
“And, of course, you let her,” Josie said. This man was the most protective she’d ever met. Now she had a very clear window into why.
His eyes met hers. “I did. And I’ll admit, I was really fucking happy when her piece-of-shit husband came over to demand she come home with him. I’m not a violent guy but breaking his nose felt really damned good.”
Josie nodded. “I’m glad you did that. I want to break his nose, even now.”
Grant took a deep breath.
“Please tell me she’s fine. Totally independent and in charge of her life. And that she and their child don’t have to see him?” Josie said.
Grant blew out his breath. “She miscarried at four months,” he said. “So the child isn’t an issue.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry.”
He shrugged. “It’s for the best, really. But yes, she’s totally independent now. Fully in charge of her own life. And no, she doesn’t ever see him. I’m very fortunate to know one of the best, take-no-shit lawyers Chicago has to offer.”
She smiled. “Cam?”
“Cam,” Grant said with a nod.
“Awesome.”
Grant still looked incredibly tense. She hated that she’d brought this all up. But she really liked knowing these intimate details about his background.
She reached out and covered his hand with hers on the tabletop. She didn’t know if he wanted comforting, or if he’d find her comforting, but she couldn’t not touch him.
To her relief, and pleasure, he turned his hand over and linked his fingers with hers.
“Thanks for telling me.”
He gave her a single nod.
“So you do all of this in their honor,” she said, resting her chin on her other hand. “That’s pretty great. Do they know?”
“They do. My grandmother has come to a couple of my seminars.”
“That’s so great. She must be really proud of you.”
“I think so. I’m proud of her. She changed her whole life. Her whole outlook on life.”
“And now you’re helping other women do that.” She really liked him. She loved being naked with him. She loved his romantic, surprisingly sweet moments, she liked the idea that she was a bit of a surprise to him as well. She loved his protective side. But she also just liked him. He was a good guy.
“I’m trying to teach other women a few things so they can do that,” he said. “They still have to do the work.”
“I bet you get emails and letters all the time,” she said. “I bet you have a huge fan club.”
He gave her a grin that made her lower stomach clench. “I do, actually. It’s why bringing a wife along as an assistant is a good idea.”
She felt her stomach swoop as it always did when he used the W-word. “Seriously,” she said, smiling. “I completely understand why they want to be all over you.”
He gave her a slow, wicked grin. “Oh yeah?”
“Even if I didn’t know how good you are with your tongue and fingers,” she said. “You’re a unicorn.”
He chuckled. “A