That closet door full of skeletons popped open in my mind like a jack-in-the-box at his reminder we weren’t safe. Mentally shoving the door closed, not ready to face reality again, I told him, “I can’t take time off from work. I’ll lose my job.”

“If you want to keep your job, I’ll make sure it’s there for you when it’s safe for you to return.”

“How?”

“Hospitals are always raising money for something. I’ll be sure whatever they need is paid for.”

“Just like that?”

“Just like that.” The man moved so fast I could barely keep up with him.

Hmm. “What about Colin and school?”

“He’s suspended until Wednesday, right? So, if we need him to stay out longer, I’ll handle that, too. Of course, I’d prefer he changed schools and enroll where I went. Better programs there.”

“You already looked into his current school?”

“Of course I did.”

“You’re lightning-quick about everything.”

His eyes dropped between us, settling on my lap, and a flash of heat pooled in my stomach as he murmured, “Not about everything.”

I remember. Thank God for the padded bra now.

“Colin told me what happened the other day,” he said in a firm voice, bringing us back on task and cutting the obvious tension before it consumed us both. “I don’t like the idea that his principal quietly stood by while a guy had you get on your hands and knees for him.”

I worked through the surprise surrounding Colin opening up to him about that before even knowing he was his father. “I didn’t have a choice. I didn’t want him getting hit with assault charges or a lawsuit. But if Colin’s game about switching schools, I am as well. The last thing I want to do is see that kid’s father or face the principal again.” I shivered at the thought, and he set his hands on my arms, tracking the chills there with his palms. Of course, all he managed to do was create new ones.

“I’ll be needing that man’s name.”

My gaze swerved to his face. “No.”

“Yes.”

“No,” I shot back, not wanting to give it to him for precisely the same reason I didn’t tell Easton about the incident.

“Yes,” he said emphatically. “I can do this all day,” he added before I could protest again.

“Oh, just a little controlling, huh?” I teased. “But I suppose being a little controlling is okay if it’s for a worthy reason. I won’t fight you on that.”

“Much appreciated.” I read the fire in his eyes, the desire to handle Zach’s father like Colin handled his son at school the other day. “His name,” he prompted.

My shoulders sagged. “He’s a defense lawyer.” I had to try one more time to talk some sense into him.

“And?”