"I bought you some things because you didn't have time to pack. They're on the table in the dining room," Ryder murmured in her ear as he hugged her. Lifting her chin, she said, "I don't want anything from you. I can buy my own things." He let her go and stepped back, surprised that he felt hurt by her words. "There is a toothbrush, hairbrush, some underwear, whatever you'll need. Just accept it as a loan then. Please, Wiley." "A toothbrush?" she said, running her tongue over her teeth and grimacing. "Okay, a toothbrush. Maybe a hairbrush, but that's it," she said firmly. Biting back a grin, he led her to the dining room. She stood at the doorway, her mouth opened wide in shock. "You must have spent a fortune on us. I can't accept all this," she whispered. "Since this is an emergency situation, I think you can be forgiven for accepting help. There are a few things to get you through the next week or so. Please let me take care of you and your family," he said quietly. "Oh, all right, Ryder, but I'm paying you back in full." "If you wish.
