Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 55087 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 275(@200wpm)___ 220(@250wpm)___ 184(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 55087 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 275(@200wpm)___ 220(@250wpm)___ 184(@300wpm)
After she filled a glass with water, Rocco set the rose in it before nodding toward her stuffie. “Are you going to introduce me to your special friend?”
Her cheeks heated deeper as she stared at Rocco, wondering if he was mocking her. He didn’t look like he was making fun, so she set the glass on the counter and picked up the penguin. “This is Edgar. I’ve had him most of my life.”
Rocco lifted a hand to pat the penguin on the head. “Nice to meet you, Edgar. I hope you don’t mind sharing Sadie with me.” He leaned in closer to whisper directly in Edgar’s ear. “She’s very special to me. I feel so lucky to have met her today. I promise to treat her like a princess.”
Sadie couldn’t help but smile as Rocco spoke to her penguin. His words helped calm her racing heart. He really seemed like one of the good guys. But was there such a thing as “good guys”?
Her history would suggest otherwise, but she should probably give Rocco the benefit of the doubt, assuming he really was here to read her a story and not to try to get her into bed.
“Are you just hitting on me because I’m the only woman at the resort so far, and you want to be the first of the men to get me into bed?” she blurted skeptically. She didn’t feel apologetic for her question. She needed to be brave, bold, and upfront.
Rocco shook his head. “No, Little girl. I’m not hitting on you at all. The connection between us is already solid. I know you feel it, too. And none of the rest of my team will be making a move on you. I can assure you of that.”
She flinched. “Why? Am I not attractive enough?”
His eyes went wide. “Sweetheart, you’re the most attractive woman I’ve ever seen in my life. The rest of the guys know I feel that way. That’s why they won’t be vying for your attention. I already told them you were mine.”
Still feeling defensive because she thought she should, Sadie crossed her arms defiantly, tucking Edgar under one elbow. “That was awfully possessive of you.”
“Mmm-hmm.” He lifted a hand and slowly cupped her face.
She instinctively tipped her cheek into his palm. His touch calmed her and made her feel silly for questioning him.
“Do you think Edgar will mind if I help you get ready for bed, tuck you in, and read you a story?”
Sadie shook her head. “He likes stories.”
“Good.” Rocco slid his hand down from her cheek, over her shoulder, and lower until he clasped her hand. “Where are your jammies, sweetheart?”
“In my dresser.”
Rocco guided her to the small dresser. “Pick something out, Little one.”
When he let go of her hand, she missed his touch immediately. She quickly opened the second drawer and selected a lightweight pajama set. The long-sleeved top and pants were soft cotton and covered with penguins.
“I’m sensing a pattern here,” Rocco commented, a bit of laughter in his voice.
“I like penguins,” she admitted.
“They are very cute animals. Did you know the daddy emperor penguin tucks the egg under him and balances it on his feet for months, guarding it with his life?”
Sadie nodded, wide-eyed, surprised Rocco knew so much about penguins. “I’ve seen that in documentaries. It’s so sweet.”
Rocco reached up a hand to cup her face. “Daddies can be fierce protectors.”
She knew her eyes remained wide while she held his gaze.
“I want you to know that you can count on me to defend you at any cost, too.”
For several heartbeats, they stared at each other before Sadie whispered, “We just met.” She suddenly felt guilty for entertaining the idea that she could enter into any kind of relationship with Rocco. Besides the fact that he was a coworker, she’d come all the way to New Zealand to hide. What would Rocco think if he found out she was on the run? She would never expect anyone to understand. There was no way she would tell him about her predicament. She was hoping it would go away, actually. Surely her previous employer would eventually grow tired of looking for her and stop calling.
“I know you feel the connection, Sadie,” Rocco said. He set a hand on her chest. “In here.”
She nodded slowly, unable to deny the truth of his words or her agreement.
You should tell him to go. You can’t date a man you work with, or any other man for that matter.
She glanced at the door.
“Sadie, look at Daddy.”
She jerked her gaze back to his, her breath catching when he called himself Daddy.
His brow was slightly furrowed. “Do you want me to leave?”
She hesitated and slowly shook her head. She never ever wanted him to leave. But was this wise? Should she tell him about her problems?