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)
“So, you just put a box in the wrong place or something silly?” Rocco asked. “And it cost you your job?”
“It was a bit more serious than that,” Sadie admitted.
“The world is a pretty small place if someone is out for vengeance. When we get the resort restored and guests and staff fill the rooms, I’ll worry less. But for now, the place is easily accessible. I don’t like you sleeping on the fourth floor by yourself,” Rocco said.
“I’ll have staff members moving in on my floor next week,” Sadie rushed to reassure him. She didn’t confess that she’d felt much better having the group of men above her last night.
“What would you think about sleeping in my guest room for a few nights until we have more people here full-time? There’s a twin bed where you and Edgar could sleep very comfortably.”
“I can’t just move in with you!” she said, stopping in place.
“You’re just swapping rooms for a while to make sure Edgar is safe.”
“The other guys will think I’m a…floozy.”
“A floozy? I haven’t heard that word in forever,” Rocco said with a chuckle.
“Don’t laugh, Rocco. I don’t want people to think ill of me. I need to be able to work with everyone here at the resort,” she responded indignantly.
“I know the guys won’t consider you a floozy or anything else derogatory if you sleep in my guest bed,” Rocco assured her.
“I’m not doing it,” she stated firmly, crossing her arms over her chest.
“Then, I want you to take this,” he said, holding out a keycard.
“Your keycard?” she asked, automatically reaching out for the device when he held it out.
“This will open the fifth floor from the elevator or the stairwell.”
“I’ve been in the stairwell. I could just climb the steps to your level,” she pointed out as she stared at the card in her hand.
“You can, but you won’t be able to walk into the fifth floor without this,” Rocco explained.
“That’s unbelievable security. You need this card, though, don’t you?”
“No. We’re set up so our thumbprints open the door. You take it and put it somewhere safe. When you get to the top floor, you’ll know my room. There’s a penguin on the door.”
“Really? A penguin?” Sadie questioned, looking at him instead of the card.
“What else would let you know that’s the door to open?” he asked. “Put that card in your pocket, and when you get to your room tonight, you can stash it somewhere safe.”
“I’m never going to use this,” she said to make sure he understood.
“You’ll have it if you need it.”
Sadie slipped it into her pocket and felt safer already. If she needed, she could get to Rocco.
They walked quietly for a few minutes, hand in hand. She liked being with him. His presence scared away all her worries and made her feel secure. After a few minutes, she whispered, “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, Little girl.”
A yawn surprised her, and she quickly covered her mouth. “Sorry. I had a long day.”
“You’ve been working very hard. An early bedtime would be smart. Do you think you could lie down now to sleep?” he asked.
“Probably, but it’s ridiculous to go to bed now.”
“It’s not ridiculous if you need the sleep,” Rocco told her firmly. “Let’s go up to your room, and I’ll read you more of the story.”
“I’d like that,” she answered honestly before covering another yawn with her hand.
Rocco led her inside, and they rode the elevator to the fourth floor. She clung to his hand for reassurance, happy that he would take care of her and didn’t see tucking her in bed as silly and immature. Rocco seemed perfectly at ease, so she relaxed against the elevator wall next to him.
When the doors opened, she followed him into the hallway, noting that he scanned the area. “Are you expecting bad guys?” she forced herself to ask.
“Would your old boss send someone after you?”
“Oh, yeah. If I was still in his town, there’d be no doubt about that. But he doesn’t know where I am. And this far away? I don’t think he’ll decide I’m worth all that effort to track me down.”
“What did you find, Little girl?”
“Some strange accounting practices. Nothing that would make him chase me halfway around the world,” she said quickly as they reached her door. With a flick of her key, she opened it and led him inside.
“It always pays to be careful,” Rocco reminded her.
“I will, Dad!” she said sarcastically.
“Daddy to you, Little girl.” He eyed her skeptically. “Is there anything else you’d like to tell me?”
She shook her head, not wanting to talk about this anymore. Hopefully, it was all nothing.
“Okay, sweetheart.” Rocco pulled her close and turned her around to unzip her sundress.
Sadie inhaled quickly as she realized he meant to undress her this time. His hands smoothed over her shoulders, whisking the light fabric off. It slid down her body, trapping her arms against her waist as it caught on her rounded hips. “Daddy?” she whispered.