Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 53807 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 269(@200wpm)___ 215(@250wpm)___ 179(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53807 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 269(@200wpm)___ 215(@250wpm)___ 179(@300wpm)
Without a word, Jerico leaned in and grabbed it from the cupholder. “Be ready. I think someone missed you today.”
The beast howled happily at seeing her when they walked in the door. Weaving around her legs, Rexy rubbed against her, lapping wet kisses on her skin. Aspen stroked her hands through the dog’s fur, enjoying the enthusiastic greeting.
“Rexy didn’t cause any problems, did he?”
“None. He was upside down on my bed, fast asleep, when I came in. That dog can snore worse than my grandpa.”
“He does saw some logs,” Aspen agreed as she stood back up. There was no mistaking when Rexy was sleeping. “Did he bother you last night?”
“No. I tried to get him to come stretch out on the bed with me last night, but he wouldn’t leave his guard position outside your door.”
Jerico handed Aspen her phone before guiding her into the house and to the kitchen. “I’m figuring you didn’t have dinner?”
“No. I never stop while I’m working. I’ll eat tomorrow morning.”
“You need to eat something before bed. Peanut butter sandwich or cheese and crackers?”
“Peanut butter crackers?” she suggested.
“You’ve got it. Take a seat.”
Jerico poured two glasses of milk and made one chocolate. Taking a sip, Aspen was surprised again at how delicious it tasted. Maybe she did like milk. Curious, she watched him move fluidly through the kitchen. His fit body glided through the movements. She’d never known someone as in shape and in control of his muscles as Jerico.
After gathering a knife, the jar of peanut butter, and saltines, he stood across the counter from her and spread the thick mixture on a cracker.
“Eat,” he ordered, handing her one.
Taking a big bite, Aspen chewed with delight. This was just what she needed to settle her churning stomach. She watched as he lined up more in front of her. A whimper from the doorway caught her attention. Rexy peeked from around the door, torn between the memory of his past owner and the aroma of peanut butter.
She moved to the edge of the chair to slide off and take him one, but Jerico’s hand covered hers. “Let me.”
Aspen watched as he took a cracker and set it a foot away from that fuzzy snout. Only when Jerico walked away did Rexy decide it was safe to eat.
“I didn’t know I could hate that asshole more,” Jerico grumbled.
Nodding, Aspen snagged another cracker for herself. Rexy moved just inside the doorway. Holding her hand over her mouth as she chewed, Aspen mumbled, “Give him a few more. I can’t eat that many.”
“No talking with your mouth full. I don’t want you to choke. Even though Rexy needs to maintain his boyish figure, one more won’t hurt. I’ll help you,” he assured her before setting another full cracker on the floor just inside the room.
“You don’t need to keep yours?” she teased.
“If you only knew how many miles we ran today. By the way…” Jerico’s voice trailed away.
She knew he was waiting for her to relax, so he could ask what happened to have rattled her so much. “I don’t want to talk about it.”
“You don’t want to tell me what happened tonight?” he asked.
When she shook her head, Jerico told her softly, “You can tell me anything, little girl. Sometimes, it’s better to tell someone. Keeping bad memories bottled inside you isn’t good.”
“I’ll be fine.”
“I can’t force you to tell me, Aspen, but I wish you’d trust me enough to share.”
“Are you going to kick me out if I don’t?”
“Of course not. Finish eating, little girl. Then it’s time for a shower and bed. I’ll be out for early maneuvers before you wake up. Are you safe to go to work this afternoon?”
“This afternoon?” Aspen checked her phone to see that it was after midnight. Instantly, she felt bad. He needed to be in bed to get up as early as he did.
“Sorry, I kept you up.”
“Knowing you were safe is more important than sleeping. I’m good on a couple of hours. I’ll have twice that tonight. Sure you don’t want to talk about it?”
Aspen carefully controlled her expression, so he didn’t know the truth. “It’s not important.” She picked up her milk and drained it.
Maybe I’ll park a distance away and take a rideshare to the building and back. Something. Jerico isn’t going to want to save me from everything.
“If you say so, little girl. I don’t want you in danger. Tell me now if we need to make some changes to keep you safe.”
“I’m good. I’ll say goodnight and go shower. Thanks for dinner.”
“Tomorrow, you’ll be home earlier. I’ll make something yummy.”
“You don’t need to take care of me, Jerico.” Aspen slid off her stool and headed for the guest bedroom she was fighting against calling her own.
“Oh, yes, I do,” he said, and his voice seemed to follow her down the hallway.