The Deal (Off-Campus, #1)

by Elle Kennedy

“I highly doubt that, but okay, humor me. What would I have said?” I don’t understand his weird-ass reaction, and it’s making me uneasy. “You would have told me that you didn’t care if your father cut you off, because you’re not going to let him control you, or us.” Garrett nods. “Yup, you’re on track so far. What else?” “Then you would have said you care about me more than you care about his stupid money.” “Yup.” “And you would have let him cut you off.” “Right again.” My stomach lurches. “He said you aren’t eligible for financial aid, and that you wouldn’t be able to get a bank loan.” Garrett nods again. “Both true.” “You would have had to clean out your savings account. We both know you can’t afford rent and expenses and car payments when you’re not working, so that means you would need to get a job and⁠—” “I’m gonna stop you there, baby.” The smile he gives me is infinitely tender. “So…let’s back up. I let my father cut me off. Ask me what I would’ve said next.” I bite the inside of my cheek. A little too hard, so I soothe the sting with my tongue. “What?” Garrett leans closer and sweeps his fingertips over my cheek. “I would’ve said, Don’t worry, babe, I’m turning twenty-one in a few weeks, and my grandparents left me a trust fund that I can access on January 2nd.”