Total pages in book: 31
Estimated words: 28144 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 141(@200wpm)___ 113(@250wpm)___ 94(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 28144 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 141(@200wpm)___ 113(@250wpm)___ 94(@300wpm)
I hobbled on weak legs out of the bedroom and into a large living area, casting my eyes in every direction. Weldon's home was beautiful. The walls were constructed of exposed logs, which gave way to a vaulted ceiling. The room held an overstuffed brown leather recliner and matching sofa, and a small television which had long antennas on top.
I saw the kitchen through the open floor plan. It held many wooden cabinets, along with stainless steel appliances. There wasn't a dining table, but in the center of the space was an island, which had two barstools seated behind it.
A loud crack noise caught my attention. I stepped closer to the front door and the sound grew louder; a thump, followed by a crack, and it continued in a steady pattern of thump…crack…thump…crack.
Nervous but curious, I pulled the front door open and stepped outside. The sun was shining brightly, but the temperature was chilly. It seemed to be around the same time of the day that I first met Weldon, which meant I slept through the evening, night, and most of the next morning.
I followed the sound, walking off the porch and around the side of Weldon's house, which turned out to be a beautiful log cabin. It was settled amongst tall, leafy trees and rolling hills. He had no neighbors that I could see. It was just Weldon and me, all alone in the middle of nowhere. With anyone else, I would be a nervous wreck. But the thought of being alone with Weldon brought me peace. His presence was comforting.
I rounded the side of the cabin and found the source of the sound, and a sight that made my mouth water. Weldon stood next to a large wooden stump with an ax resting on his shoulder. He was shirtless, and the abundant sunshine pouring over him made the thick brown hair on his chest and stomach sparkle.
He placed a block of wood on the stump with a quiet thump, and his broad shoulders rippled when he swung the ax, splintering the wood with a crack. His stomach was round, but it didn't jiggle when he moved; it merely flexed. He was pure muscle under a layer of softness. Seeing him in the sunny woods, splitting wood effortlessly, he reminded me of a grizzly bear; beautiful and powerful.
Weldon placed another piece of wood on the stump and raised his ax again, but didn't swing it. He stilled, sniffed the air, and turned to face me. When his eyes landed on mine, he dropped his tool and hurried over to me.
“What's wrong?” he asked, patting his hands over my chest as if checking for injuries, before cupping my cheeks in his palms. “Are you okay?”
I nodded, even though the movement made me a little woozy. Now that I was no longer worried about getting to Weldon, I noticed how unsteady I felt on my feet. Still, I wanted to ease his worry, so I told him, “I just got a little scared by myself. Plus, I missed you.” My cheeks heated at both admissions, but I was glad I made them when Weldon gave me a gorgeous smile.
“I missed you, too. I'm sorry I left you alone; the fire died down and I was out of firewood. I was hoping to get some chopped and make it back inside before you woke up.”
His care and concern warmed my heart. I wanted to tell him how much I appreciated him, but my lips felt tingly. Actually, my whole face tingled…and my legs. Which I realized just before my knees buckled.
“I've got you,” Weldon said as he scooped me into his arms. “You're still weak from the poison. Plus, I'm sure you're dehydrated. You lost a lot of liquid and you haven't had anything to eat or drink in over twenty four hours.” I rested my head on his chest as he carried me, knowing that I could relax; I was in good hands. Weldon echoed my thought with, “I'll take care of you, baby bear.”
The name brought a smile to my lips. I loved hearing it even more after noting his resemblance to the animal. I'd gladly be Weldon's cub. The thought brought me both excitement and guilt. I needed to talk to him. I promised myself I would as soon as I felt well enough to have the conversation.
Weldon carried me back inside the house and into his bedroom. He situated a stack of pillows on the bed before placing me on the mattress in a sitting position, leaning back against them. When a shiver rocked through me, he tucked blankets around my legs and asked, “Will you be okay while I grab more wood? I'll be quick.”
I gave a tiny nod and he left me alone. Quick was an understatement for how fast he returned with an armload of firewood. Granted, where he'd been chopping wasn't a great distance from the cabin, but I couldn't wrap my head around how he'd made the trip so quickly.