Total pages in book: 117
Estimated words: 116760 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 584(@200wpm)___ 467(@250wpm)___ 389(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 116760 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 584(@200wpm)___ 467(@250wpm)___ 389(@300wpm)
There was a huge basket of things on the small dining table.
“What’s this?” she asked, walking over to it. There was a card with her name on it. “Can I open the card?”
“Of course, baby.”
She opened the card and read the message, tears entering her eyes as she took in all the names on the card.
“Hey, what is it?” he asked walking over to wrap an arm around her as he read the card. “Ahh, a welcome package from the girls. That was nice of them. Why are you crying?”
Placing a finger under her chin, he turned her face so she was looking up at him.
“It’s just . . . it’s really nice and so unexpected.”
He rubbed his thumb over her cheek. “I hate that you’re so shocked by someone doing something nice for you. You should expect it. The people who live here are good people. I’m guessing the reason the girls aren’t here in person is that they don’t want to overwhelm you. But they’re all happy you’re here.”
“Really?”
He leaned in and kissed her lips. “Really. Why don’t you take a look at the care package?”
Nodding enthusiastically, she carefully removed the cellophane packaging, nearly squealing in excitement as she saw the treats inside. There were boxes of chocolates, hot chocolate, a bag of tiny marshmallows, cookies, potato chips, and sweets.
“Hmm, I can see I’m going to have to confiscate some of this.”
“Confiscate it? It’s mine!” She threw herself over the basket protectively.
“I know it’s yours, baby. You get to have it. Just not all at once, or you’ll get a tummy ache or a hole in your tooth.”
“I don’t want that.” She put her hand over her mouth. No one liked visiting the dentist. Turning her attention to the package again, she saw that there was a squishy squirrel toy.
How had they known she liked squirrels? She eyed Corbin, but he was giving nothing away. However, she knew he must have told them.
It was all so incredibly thoughtful.
She pulled out a blue T-shirt with Welcome to Sanctuary Ranch written on the front and the image of a log cabin in the woods on it.
Hugging it to her, she then found a cropped sweater that had Wishingbone Bone, Montana: Batshit Crazy Since Forever written on the front. She giggled.
“The thing is . . . that’s totally true.”
“I just love this all so much. I have to thank them all.”
“I’ll take you around and introduce you to some people tomorrow,” he promised. “I’ll also have to get groceries delivered as I don’t have much in the pantry.” He moved into the kitchen. “But I’ve got some frozen meals. What would you like?” He opened the freezer and started searching through it.
Was he nervous?
He seemed nervous. Did he think she wasn’t going to like it here? Did he want to make sure she did?
Making a decision, she walked up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist. “Thank you.”
“Baby,” he said in a low croon. “What for?”
“For being you. For bringing me here. For not giving up on me. And for . . . and for being patient with me. If there’s anyone I feel safe enough with to ever let my Little free again, it’s you.”
Shutting the freezer door, he turned and picked her up in his arms. “Fuck, baby. You don’t know what that means to hear you say that.”
“Hopefully, it feels as good to hear it as it felt to say it.” It made her feel lighter. There were still nerves and she wasn’t sure she wouldn’t change her mind.
But she knew this man.
He would never hurt her, or she wouldn’t be here with him.
Moving, he set her on the kitchen counter and cupped her face in his hands. “Whatever you need, baby. I’m here.”
“Hmm, is that so? I can think of something I need right now.”
His eyes widened behind his glasses. “Can you just?”
“Uh-huh.” Reaching out, she removed his glasses. “Okay?”
He swallowed heavily. “Oh yeah. I like to see you clearly. But then it’s easier to do this.” He took her face in his hands and leaned down to kiss her.
Oh boy.
What a kiss. She parted her lips beneath his touch, letting him slide his tongue into her mouth. A moan of longing escaped her and she grasped hold of his wrists, holding on for dear life.
“So beautiful,” he whispered. “My girl. All mine.”
“All yours,” she replied.
He kissed along her jaw and down her neck. She tilted her head to the side, a whimper of need escaping her as he reached the spot where her neck and shoulder met.
Oh hell.
“Like that?” he murmured.
“You could say that,” she replied.
He reached for the bottom of her sweatshirt, tugging it up and over her head. Then, her top underneath followed until she was just in her bra and yoga pants.