Total pages in book: 44
Estimated words: 40566 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 203(@200wpm)___ 162(@250wpm)___ 135(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 40566 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 203(@200wpm)___ 162(@250wpm)___ 135(@300wpm)
“Does Case like lasagna?” I ask, a towel wrapped around my head in a turban style. I’ve yet to be able to go back to my house and bring more clothes to Ryland’s. Apparently, the police department had to do some kind of investigation work. Which means I’m left in limbo. And while I have the clothes Ms. Catherine bought me, I can’t necessarily walk around in pajamas day in and day out. Especially without a bra, which means I’ve taken over most of Ryland’s clothes.
“Yeah, babe. Pretty sure anything you make, he’ll eat,” Ryland responds.
“At least he eats for Sutton. He’s not been doing that for any of us lately,” I hear other voices murmuring to one another. Well, shit, I guess they’re going to see me looking like this again.
“I’ll be right there.” I veer back to Ryland’s bedroom. The oversized shirt won’t do anything to hide the lack of a bra, and while the last time they saw me wasn’t much better, I can at least attempt to cover up this time. A quick nip into the closet, and my hand grabs the first available hoodie that zips up the front, and then I head back out to be social.
I’m not expecting what greets me. The whole family is here, carrying a bag here, a box there, and when I spot a couple of items that look like mine, I’m in shock. My hand goes to my mouth, water gathers in my eyes, and no matter how many times I blink, I can feel the tears slide down my cheeks. No matter what I try to do, they just keep leaking.
“Ryland, what’s going on here?” I make my way toward him. He’s got a pot of coffee in his hand and is pouring multiple cups into the mugs.
“Had the family meet me at your place, packed what we could.” I can feel the heat spread along my cheeks, carrying down to my chest, worried that someone besides Ryland went through my panty drawer. “Birdie, Tully, Maeve, Juniper, Sienna, and Mom took care of your bedroom. We guys did the heavy lifting.” I plant my hands on his sides, stepping closer.
“Ry,” I breathe his name. He’s done more for me than I could ever imagine. Thank you will never be enough. Loving him as much as I do won’t be enough, either, but I’m going to hold on to him and never let him go.
“Thinkin’ it was dumb on my part bringing you clothes. I like you in mine a fuck of a lot more. I like knowing you’re not wearing anything beneath my clothes, too.” His hand slides beneath the hem of my shirt and hoodie, and when it meets the skin on my back, I lose myself in our moment. His head lowers, and all I can do is brace for his kiss. Ry doesn’t care that his family is walking in and out of the house. It seems neither do I. His tongue sweeps along the seam of my lips, deepening the kiss until they tangle with one another. My fingers fist his shirt so tightly I can feel the cramping start. A nice new bonus to my recovery. I’m so tired of being tired.
“Who says I won’t still wear your clothes?” I murmur, smirking against his lips. I’ve liked wearing Ry’s shirts probably a little too much, but I can’t say I’ll change my ways, either.
“You won’t hear me complain,” he replies, giving me one last kiss.
“That’s good. What can I do to help?” I offer, floating back down to reality. In hindsight, he shouldn’t have to pack my bags. I should have been able to ride over to my house, pack what I need, and come back here, or I could have stayed in my home. The doctor hasn’t completely cleared me, but he has stayed in contact with Ryland to monitor my progress. The truth of the matter is I’m not ready to face the place where I was attacked. My safe place is completely destroyed. Finding comfort in a house where love once lived has vanished. Shane ruined that, and he almost ruined me.
“Not a damn thing. Going to make room in the closet for your things, along with the dresser. Then you can unpack after your morning nap.” He reads my mind. He’s been doing that a lot lately. Either he can see the apprehension on my face when stopping at my house is brought up or he’s protecting me. I tend to think it’s a little bit of both.
“I’d like to slowly go down to one nap a day. So, I’ll just hold off for now.” I feel like a child with the number of naps I take.
“It’s up to you. How about you sit down for the time being? We’ll bring the boxes to the room for later.”