Free Future Investment: (Taboo Romance Series) (Forbidden Fruit Book 2) by Ali Parker Page A

right." She smiled and ran her fingers through her thick tresses, teasing me with the desire to want to do the same.
    "What can I do to help?" I moved to my desk and dropped down in my chair. "Have a seat and talk to me. I'm not just your mentor here. I've been through most of what you have, or so I assume. Sit down and let it all out." I wanted to know what was plaguing her. I had more resources than I knew what to do with. If she needed a small loan, I could help.
    "It's okay." She moved to take a seat in front of me as her eyes lit up. "You were brilliant in there today. I enjoyed that so incredibly much."
    "You were too. I'm impressed, and it’s not easy to do. You've done it in less than a week," I chuckled. "I'm sorry that I arrived in time to hear a little of your conversation, and I don't mean to press, but I'm going to."
    "Alright." She glanced down at her hands, which rested in her lap. "Just don't think less of me when you peel back a few of these layers. Okay?"
    Her eyes filled with tears again, and I was shocked by the level of need I had to shut down her sadness, to wipe it away and cover her in kisses. I wasn't falling in love, but the connection between us left me hungry for the thought of trying again.
    "That's ridiculous. I'm concerned with you taking on too much and your performance here suffering. You're at the top of your class here, much like you were at NYU. Doctors are going to notice you, and you want that." I leaned forward a little. "Why would you think to get another job? Are you not happy here?"
    "Oh. That." She wiped at her face again. "I'm not getting another job in lieu of this one. I need one in addition to it."
    "Why? Are they not paying you enough?" I lifted my eyebrow. The residency didn't pay great, but it was good, at least from what I could remember.
    "Yes, they are. It's very comparable, but I'm trying to help keep my mother afloat, pay back my student loans, and pay for my place with Stephanie, my roommate." She shifted uncomfortably in her chair. "I'm one of those kids."
    "One of what kids?" I crossed my arms over my chest and studied her.
    "One who didn't have a father and my single mother did the best she could." She shrugged, working to deflect the sadness that went hand-in-hand with talking about such things. "We were poor. We still are poor."
    I nodded. "I'm not sure I would classify myself as one of those kids. You're a woman… a strong, intelligent, beautiful woman."
    Her eyes moved up to mine, and I could see that I'd struck a chord with her. I kept moving forward.
    "You don't need to get another job. We can figure this out. I'll help. If you'll let me." I slid my hands across my desk and tapped it. "I was where you were at one time. It's about time I pay it forward now that I'm not there anymore."
    She shook her head as a look of horror moved across her face. "No. Absolutely not."
    I chuckled as she stood. "I didn't mean to offend you. Honestly."
    "You didn't, but I'm not taking money from anyone. If you have another office or a side job I could do, then maybe, but I'm not one to take handouts." She shook her head, and the smell of her shampoo wrapped around me, driving a stake of desire down through the center of me. It was horrible, but I wanted to help her just so she might like me more, might consider going out with me sometime. I was too old, and Parks was much more her style and speed, but something sat between us. It was something that I wanted to explore it.
    "Close the door. Please." I moved around the desk and watched as she got up and walked to the door. Her confidence was all but gone, but I enjoyed seeing this side of her as well. She was in need, and I wanted to provide for her.
    "Dr. Crawford. Look..." she stopped just in front of me.
    "Aiden. Please." I reached toward her and squeezed her shoulders softly. "Let me help. I want to."
    "I can't." She reached up and pressed her hand to my chest, shocking me. It felt good to be touched by her. I just needed her