Holly reaches up to comb her fingers through my hair. “Dr. Williams says my recovery won’t be as long as yours. I should be in the hospital for only a couple of days, and then I need to keep from doing anything more than walking for a few weeks. So, I’ll stay at Pops’s house for a bit. Probably just play card games and watch movies till classes start up in the spring.”

“What about rent?”

She hasn’t said it outright, but I get the sense that Holly and Terra don’t make much between the two of them. Putting half the team out of commission for a few weeks isn’t going to help.

“I’ve got some savings. And Curt said he’d pay me to take care of the scheduling and accounting for Both Ways, which I can do online while I rest in my bed.” She fiddles with my collar, watching her fingers rather than me.

I’m such an asshole. This can’t be how it’s going to play out. No way am I taking Holly’s organ and then delivering her a financial blow, too. For the first time since the lawyers told me about my inheritance, I’m grateful for the money Grandpa left me.

“You shouldn’t have to worry about all that when you’re recovering. I’ll cover your rent until you’re back at work.”

“What?” That gets her to look at me. “No. I don’t need you to do that. I can get by fine.”

I stare her down. “Of course you can. You’re like a freaking superhero to me. But, even though your surgery isn’t as intense as mine, you’re still dealing with a lot of risks.” I cup her cheek, stroking her soft skin with my thumb. “Please let me help. If I know you’re stressed about money, then I’m gonna be stressed about you making yourself sick, which will then make me sick. You don’t want me to get sick, do you?”

She gives my shoulder a light shove and glares up at me. “You’re suck a sneak! Of course I don’t want you to get sick.”

“Then, say yes.”

“I just …” She shifts, and I suppress a groan as her thigh brushes against my groin. I’ve got to focus. “I don’t want to ask your parents to pay for me.”

“You wouldn’t even have to ask.” She frowns, and I run my thumb over the curve of her plump bottom lip. “But it’s not them. I have some money. Interning at my parents’ law firm over the summer paid well. And Grandpa Ben left me more than just that cabin.”

“No, Ben.” Holly sits up, switching our positions, so now, she’s the one gazing down at me. “There’s no way I’m taking your grandfather’s money from you.”

This independence she has is equally attractive and frustrating. The fact that she can take care of herself, even when life is beating her down, is inspiring. But she needs to learn when to accept help.

I lie back on the bed, running my fingers up her arm and watching as goose bumps follow their path.