Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 54208 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 271(@200wpm)___ 217(@250wpm)___ 181(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 54208 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 271(@200wpm)___ 217(@250wpm)___ 181(@300wpm)
“Yes. Strawberries.”
“That does sound good. Let’s go.” Hawking took her other hand and led her out of the package-filled room. Quickly, they filled the water bottle, and Hawking called the kitchen to have them leave strawberries and kiwis at the front desk for him to pick up.
Within a few minutes, they were seated at the table in the basement munching on sandwiches and veggies the kitchen had prepared for them.
Celeste took a tentative drink from her new water bottle. “That’s really good.”
“Told ya.” Hawking nudged her with his elbow. “You should listen to Daddy. I know things.”
“That’s it!” Celeste stood and ran to her computer.
Hawking watched her type furiously on the keys before looking over at Magnus who had noted Celeste’s actions as well. When the computer guy looked at him and shook his head slightly, it confirmed what Hawking already knew. She was on a roll with something, and he wouldn’t interfere.
Moving quietly, he rose and carried her water bottle and half-eaten sandwich over to the area she had claimed for her workspace in the basement. He set them nearby but out of the way before returning to finish his own lunch.
When he needed to get back to work, Hawking stopped to drop a kiss on the top of Celeste’s head before walking to the elevator. She didn’t stop what she was working on but reached over to pick up her water bottle and take a drink.
He smiled all the way to the security office.
Chapter Fourteen
“Cuddle Bug, it’s time to call it a night.”
Celeste looked up at Hawking and tried to pull her thoughts together. “I just need a few more hours.”
“You’ll have hours tomorrow. Make a note for yourself where you need to start tomorrow.”
Reading the determination in his expression, Celeste pulled up a note and typed furiously before closing her computer with a definite snap of anger. She stood and immediately ran for the bathroom as her stretch made her realize how badly she needed to pee. Working always did that to her. She lost track of all the normal things she needed to do.
When she walked back, Hawking leaned against the table where she’d worked all afternoon. “Will it be looking at pretties or a run?”
“Umm. I’m so stiff I think a run would be better for me,” she suggested.
“Let’s go get changed,” Hawking invited.
“You’re going with me?” she said, completely taken by surprise. Hawking was totally fit, but he was built like a rugby or America football player.
“She doesn’t think you can keep up with her,” Rocco pointed out.
“Don’t you have anyone to parade across the climbing path on the bluff?” Hawking asked.
“That would be fun to try,” Celeste murmured.
“I’ll be glad to take you out sometime, Little girl,” Rocco promised her.
“Maybe you could tempt Sadie to give it a second try,” Magnus called, getting up from his chair to walk to the exercise area.
Celeste watched him stretch. He was tired of sitting, too. Instantly, she really wanted to get some fresh air. “Can we go now?” she asked.
“Definitely.”
When they got upstairs, Celeste sighed as she looked at the contents of her dresser. In the rush to grab clothes at her apartment, she had only packed a few exercise outfits. Both were dirty. Shrugging, she picked a pair of sleep shorts she had and her most supportive bra.
“Try these, Little girl.”
She seized the pile of clothing he plopped down in front of her. Diving in, she found several pairs of colorful, lightweight running shorts and tops. With a cry of happiness, she held three sports bras overhead and danced in a circle as he chuckled.
“Now, I know the way to your heart—pretty running gear. Choose your favorites, and let’s put them on.”
In a few minutes, she stood dressed in front of him. “How do I look?”
“Like a lean, mean, running machine. Let me put some shorts on. How about new running shoes?” he asked.
“What?” She was filled with excitement.
“Go check that pile,” he said, pointing her toward boxes that awaited her attention.
“How did you get all the right sizes?” she asked.
“I unpacked for you, remember? There should be socks there, too.”
Amazed that he had thought of all the things she’d need, tears welled into her eyes. Lowering herself onto the floor, Celeste tried to let the tears run down her cheeks silently as she pulled on socks and shoes. A sob escaped from her mouth, and in a flash, he was seated next to her.
“Cuddle Bug? Why are you crying?”
She crawled onto his lap, wrapped her arms and legs around him, and held on tightly. “How did I get so lucky to find you? My whole life crumbled around me, and you were there to pick up the pieces.”
“Want to know the truth?” he asked, tilting her back a bit so he could look into her face. Hawking gently wiped away her tears. “I would do anything to keep you from being caught in the middle of this mess—anything but keep your brilliant mind from helping so many. Your company’s actions were criminal. I have to admit a fraction of me is glad they acted like they did so I can hold you in my arms. I shouldn’t think about myself now, but I’m selfish when it comes to being with you.”