Total pages in book: 46
Estimated words: 47381 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 237(@200wpm)___ 190(@250wpm)___ 158(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 47381 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 237(@200wpm)___ 190(@250wpm)___ 158(@300wpm)
She hadn’t brought any of her Little stuff on tour. She hadn’t wanted to risk anyone finding it. Not even the smallest of her stuffed toys. Now, all of her stuff was in boxes in Addie’s garage. Including her stuffies.
She hoped they were all right. She needed to go find them, bring them into the house.
“I think that’s part of it.”
“All right. Good. So, I’ll get some rest and everything will be okie-dokie.”
“It’s not that simple.” Addison shook her head. “Burn out can be serious. Look, I have an idea, and I’m not sure you’re going to like it.”
“What is it?” she asked suspiciously.
“There’s a place I’ve heard of that I think might be good for you. A place you can go and get what you need.”
“You’re kicking me out?” She attempted to make her tone light, but there was a part of her that worried Addie was doing just that.
Was she sick of her? She’d taken over Addie’s garage with her stuff. She’d said it was fine, but what if it wasn’t?
Without Addison, what did she have?
“Jolie, stop,” Addison said firmly.
Jolie’s eyes widened. “What?”
“I know you’ve got a lot of negative thoughts in your head. You know that sleep and good nutrition are key to keeping your head in the right space and controlling your anxiety. I could fucking kill Keith.”
“Everything that’s wrong with me isn’t Keith’s fault. And let’s face it, I was a lot to deal with. Can’t blame him for wanting someone easier.”
“I can fucking blame him,” Addie replied. “And there’s nothing wrong with you.”
“You have to say that.”
“I mean it.”
Yeah. Jolie couldn’t believe it, though. “So, what’s this place called?”
“Rawhide Ranch. And it’s in Montana.”
“A ranch? I like cowboy boots, but that doesn’t mean I need to learn to ride horses or hang out with cowboys. Although… cowboys are hot.”
“They sure are.” Addison grinned. “But this isn’t that sort of ranch. Okay, that’s wrong. I’ve seen some pictures and there are definitely horses on it. But… Rawhide Ranch is kind of different. It’s a safe place for Littles and subs to stay.”
“What? Really?” she asked.
“Yes. You can go as a guest or even stay there for longer and attend university.”
“I don’t… I don’t want some strangers topping me,” Jolie said.
“Look, I’m not saying you have to participate in anything. But there are lots of Little activities you can take part in if you want to. Or you can just go and eat and swim and relax.”
“I can do that anywhere.”
“But at Rawhide, you’ll be safe. And if you want to let your Little out, you can without anyone judging you. I have a pamphlet if you want to read it. Like I said, I know someone who actually used to work there, and it changed their life. They met their own Daddy and they are so happy. I want that for you. She said that the owner is very protective of the Littles on the Ranch. Ivy also said he’s a bit of a matchmaker.”
She shot Addie a look. “I’m on tour. I’m not looking for a relationship.”
Again, Brand popped into her head.
Idiot.
No doubt he wasn’t thinking about her. Unless it was to curse her name.
“Please think about it,” Addie implored. “I’m worried about you. As your friend and as your doctor.”
“It’s short notice. They’re probably full.”
“Nope. I’ve already called and reserved you a room,” Addie told her.
“You’re so freaking pushy.”
“And the lovely woman I spoke to sent over some forms for you to fill in. I’ve printed them out for you.” Addison handed them over.
“Awesome.” She leaned back in her chair, gripping the pieces of paper.
“So, you want to go throw darts at Keith’s head?” Addison asked.
“I got rid of all the photos of him.”
“Who said anything about a photo?” Addie said.
Jolie grinned. “I like your thinking.”
CHAPTER 3
God. She was tired.
Jolie wasn’t sure she’d ever felt this shitty in her life. It was as though as soon as she’d stopped moving and tried to relax, her body had decided to punish her by throwing every illness possible at her.
First had been the vomiting bug.
Okay, it had only lasted twenty-four hours, but it had left her feeling awful.
And then she’d been hit by a killer cold. Now, she couldn’t breathe out of her nose. Whenever she swallowed, it felt like she had knives in her throat. And her face was on fire, but she felt like she was freezing to death.
A knock on the door to her admittedly cute room had her glancing over. She was lying on the sofa. She couldn’t stand to lie in bed any longer. The TV was on, but the volume was on low. She had the electric fire going in a bid to keep warm.
Who could be at the door?
She’d put a Do Not Disturb sign out. When she’d checked in, she’d been given a list of activities she could join if she wanted. But she’d told the friendly woman at the front desk that she was probably going to sleep for a few days.