Total pages in book: 47
Estimated words: 44932 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 225(@200wpm)___ 180(@250wpm)___ 150(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 44932 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 225(@200wpm)___ 180(@250wpm)___ 150(@300wpm)
“It’s good for you. Come add what you like. Nuts, fruit, and brown sugar,” he said, handing her a heaping bowl.
“I’ll never eat that much.”
Zale set the bowl down and picked up another. Lifting the serving spoon from the pot, he said, “Tell me when,” and plopped one helping into her bowl.
“Oh, that’s great,” she said quickly to stop him from adding more. As she topped hers with the goodies, Pippa watched him add more into the first bowl.
How much can this guy eat?
“You’re hungry, huh?” she asked.
“I had a lot of exercise last night. I have to refuel,” he teased.
Pippa’s cheeks heated, and she knew a blush had spread over her face. “You!”
“I know. And you, too,” he reminded her. “How do you feel?”
Wondering if he was asking what she thought he was, she glanced up at him. The concerned look on his face answered that question and made her answer honestly. “Incredible. A little sore, but I had no idea having sex could be like that.”
“Making love does between the right people. Take a hot bath after I leave and soak for a while. That will help with the soreness. I’ll examine you when I get home to make sure you didn’t tear.”
“You mean I shouldn’t just rip off my clothes and show you my stuff here on the kitchen table?” she joked.
“You’ll show me all your stuff on the kitchen table for an entirely different reason in the future.”
The glint in his eye told her the bedroom would not be the only place he planned to make love to her. “Oh!” she said in a small voice.
“However, I will keep a close eye on your health. One of the benefits, or disadvantages, to being a medic’s little girl, I guess.”
Time to change the topic. “Don’t you drink coffee?”
“No. I don’t drink caffeine. It interferes with our training.”
“I can see that—maybe?”
Zale devoured the oatmeal as she toyed with hers. Settling down the spoon, Pippa asked, “What should I do today?”
“Rest and relax. How are your wrists?”
She considered the new wrapping. He’d re-bandaged them after their lovemaking since the gauze had gotten wet in the shower. “They’re good. It doesn’t sting anymore.”
“Perfect. Wear the bandages today, and I’ll check on the cuts tonight. We’ll take off the bandages and let them get some air.”
By the way he kept checking his watch, she knew he was on a tight schedule. “Go to work, Daddy. I’ll be fine. I’ll find some movies on TV.”
“And take some naps. I’ll lock the doors. I programmed the detectives’ phone numbers into your phone. Call them and then me if there’s a problem.”
“Do you think he’s still searching for me?” she asked, as an icy shiver ran down her spine.
“I hope not. If he’s smart, he’s gotten far away. Just be careful. Don’t open the door unless they tell you my middle name,” Zale told her.
“What’s your middle name?”
“Albert. I know. A family name. At least they didn’t make that my first name,” he joked. “Only people with access to my file will know that.”
“Thank you for keeping me safe.”
“How about if I just keep you?” Zale asked and scooped her into his lap for a hard kiss. When he lifted his head, Zale set her back in her chair with regret plastered on his face. “I have to go. Remember, you are free to explore the house. Make yourself at home and be good, little girl.”
“Love you, Daddy.”
“I love you, too, kitten.”
Nervousness set in as soon as she saw Zale’s Jeep drive away. She retrieved Toothie from the bedroom and held him close as she walked through the house, looking out all the windows. Everything was quiet. A few neighboring houses had lights on. Most were still completely dark. The occupants obviously didn’t have to wake up as early as Zale.
Pippa decided to go get cleaned up. She checked the front and back door to make sure they were locked before heading for the bathroom. Zale’s instructions to take a bath rebounded into her mind as soon as she saw the big tub in his bathroom. She had plenty of time. Why not try it out?
Starting the water in the tub, she adjusted it until it was warm, but not too hot. The tub was enormous. Would the hot water heater run out? Pippa shrugged. She’d find out.
When the water lapped a few inches from the edge, she stripped off her clothes and slid inside. “Oh!” That felt lovely. Taking care not to get her bandages wet, she leaned back against the tub wall and melted into the water. This was the best tub. It was deep and long enough that she could even stretch her legs out completely.
The stress from the last few weeks eased. When she’d gotten this new opportunity, Pippa had run around like a wild woman getting out of her lease, selling off her furniture and belongings, even donating the packaged food in her kitchen to a local pantry. The whirlwind had stopped when she’d reported to the office to meet her new boss and pick up plane tickets for her first morning of employment.