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)
Walking out of the elevator, she waved at Magnus as she passed him and headed for the large machine. To her delight, he had already set up the program, and all she needed to do was grab her water bottle and step up on the treadmill. With a push of a button, she was off, running through a tropical paradise, giving her brain a much-needed break.
Chapter Twenty
“How long has she been on that thing?” Hawking asked Magnus when he entered the basement after work.
Magnus scowled. “An hour. I’ve tried to get her attention, but she’s zoned out.”
She was beet red and dripping with sweat as Hawking reached over and turned the machine off. As it came to a halt, he wrapped an arm around her middle and plucked her off the treadmill.
She squealed, probably from shock. “Hey. I was running.”
Hawking kept her back plastered to his front, holding her upright. She would be wobbly after all that exercise if he let her go. “You’ve been running for too long, CB. It’s time to stop.”
She hmphed, slumping against him. “I was in the zone.”
“That may be, but you’re going to be too sore to get out of bed tomorrow after that workout.” He kissed her salty neck, not caring that she was getting him all sweaty. He loved holding her no matter what state she was in.
Magnus came toward them, holding out her water bottle.
Hawking took it, flipped the top open, and held the straw to her lips. “Drink, Little girl.”
She frowned, but as soon as she took the first sip, she snagged it from him and drained it. “Guess I was thirsty.”
“I should say.” He chuckled as he turned her to face him, keeping his hands on her hips to steady her. “I thought it was just your work that held your focus so hard that you shut out the world around you. But it’s everything you do, isn’t it, Cuddle Bug? You’re intense whether you’re working, jogging, or even organizing your playroom.”
She shrugged.
“Hey,” Magnus said from across the room. “I think there’s an incoming email.” He was leaning over the computer Celeste had been working at.
Celeste shoved the water bottle at Hawking and rushed across the room, though Hawking wasn’t at all sure where she got the energy. She’d been about to collapse two seconds ago. Adrenaline had to be pumping through her.
Hurrying to join them, Hawking set the water bottle down and leaned over his Little girl’s shoulder to read with her.
She muttered all the words in the email out loud as her head moved back and forth with each line of text. “Wow. I think they believe me.” She glanced over her shoulder at Hawking. “They want to interview me. Live. On television.” She fidgeted her fingers together, looking pale.
“That’s excellent, Cuddle Bug. It’s exactly what you were hoping for.” He cupped the back of her head and furrowed his brow.
She swallowed. “I know. It’s perfect, but it’s scary. I’m a scientist, not a television personality.” Suddenly, her eyes went wide, and she gasped, went to her knees, and reached up to pat her hair with both hands.
“What’s wrong?” He was in a spiral of confusion.
“I can’t even do my own hair and makeup,” she shouted before groaning. “The only time I’ve worn any in the past several years was for that gala. You saw the pictures.”
“Little girl, no one cares about your hair and makeup. You’re stunning without any additions anyway.”
She shook her head. “You’re just saying that because you’re my Daddy, and you have to.”
He squatted in front of her and met her eye to eye. “I’m not just saying that, CB. You’re a beautiful woman. But I’m sure we can find someone to help you if it will give you more confidence.”
“Do you think so?”
“I know so.” He’d make some calls and find someone. His biggest concern was keeping her safe. Leaving the safety of Danger Bluff Mountain Resort was risky. Here, he and his team could protect anyone. Once they left the resort and headed into the city, she would be exposed.
Magnus was leaning over on her other side, reading the email closely. “This is in two days. At least they’re located on the South Island. It’s not too far.”
Celeste stood and started pacing while muttering to herself. “You can do this. You have to do this. For science. For humanity. Because it’s not right to let Dr. Hughes steal your research.”
“That’s right, CB. That man has obviously pulled this stunt several times. Someone needs to stop him.” Hawking was already so proud of his girl. He knew she didn’t like the idea of speaking in front of the world, but she would do it.
The elevator opened, and the rest of the team streamed into the basement—Kestrel, Phoenix, Caesar, and Rocco, plus Sadie.
Sadie rushed over to Celeste. “Did you hear from the reporter?”