Free Taking the Plunge by E. L. Todd Page A

paintings look alike. They are all individuals.”
    “I can’t afford such luxuries,” she said with a laugh.
    “Aren’t you Bill Erikson’s daughter? The owner of the Ohana Resort?”
    “How did you know that?”
    “It was just a guess. Your last name isn’t very common.”
    “Well, yes I am,” she said with a sigh, wishing he hadn’t figured it out.
    “You seem embarrassed.”
    “No, I’m ashamed.”
    “Why?”
    “It’s—nothing.”
    He stared at her, waiting for her to speak. For some reason, his look could pull anything out of her.
    “My dad is a billionaire. He has everything he’ll ever need. But he treats his workers like slaves, pays them minimum wage, and does everything he can to cut expenses and get the most bang for his buck. He’s just greedy.”
    Thatcher said nothing for a long time, waiting to see if she had anything else to say. “Businessmen can be that way.”
    “Well, he shouldn’t. There’s no reason.”
    “Have you said anything to him?”
    “Indirectly.”
    “Since you’re going to inherit it someday, you’ll have your chance to change it.”
    “I don’t want it,” she snapped.
    “You don’t?”
    “No. Why would I?”
    “Because you would be a billionaire,” he said with a laugh.
    “Money can’t buy you happiness. Fortune only weighs down your wallet and scr ews with your ego. Nothing good ever comes from money.”
    He stepped closer to her, a slight smile on his face. “So, that’s why you work at the aquarium?”
    “I would rather be a janitor there than take any of his money. I live with him, rent free, but he doesn’t pay for any of my bills or my luxuries. I don’t need him. I’ll find my own way in life.”
    “That’s—badass.”
    “Badass?”
    “It’s inspirational. Most people would gladly take that gig.”
    “Money has done nothing but ruin my family. I don’t want anything to do with it. It’s evil.”
    “So, what’s your plan, then?”
    “My plan?”
    “For you r life.”
    “Well, I was hoping to graduate and get a job.”
    “Doing what?”
    She shrugged. “Working in a lab.”
    “Do you want to work in a lab?”
    “Not really.”
    “Then don’t do it.”
    “I need to support myself.”
    “Why don’t you try painting instead?”
    She laughed. “I wish. I’m not good enough to be a professional.”
    “Says who?”
    “Nobody in particular. I’ve only showed my dad and he thought my painting was abysmal.”
    “He doesn’t know how to look at art. Don’t take his single opinion as value. You should show someone else.”
    “I entered a painting competition at J and K showroom.”
    He nodded and took another drink of glass.
    “I don’t think I’ll be picked for the showcase, but it doesn’t hurt to try.”
    “No, it doesn’t,” he said.
    Nancy crossed her arms over her chest, suddenly feeling warm and vulnerable. She never told anyone these things. He seemed to pull it right out of her. The revelation made her feel nervous.
    “Nancy, Coen and I are ready to go,” Sydney said as she approached Nancy. Coen gripped her waist and kissed her neck gently, making her chuckle. “Are you ready for us to take you home?”
    Nancy turned to her. “Sure.”
    Thatcher stepped forward. “I can give you a ride home if you want to say longer.”
    Nancy immediately wanted to say yes. She wanted to spend more time with this stranger, talking about art and her future. He seemed invested in her well-being even though he hardly knew her. His blue eyes drilled through her skin and saw exactly who she was underneath. She wanted him to keep looking. His thin lips were pressed tight together, waiting for her response. She noticed the faint stubble around his chin, like he hadn’t shaved in a few days. His shoulders tensed, waiting for her response.
    Nancy immediately thought of Derek. She said she would try to work it out with him. She couldn’t spend time with a guy she was attracted to when she had a boyfriend. Derek had treated