Total pages in book: 22
Estimated words: 19506 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 98(@200wpm)___ 78(@250wpm)___ 65(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 19506 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 98(@200wpm)___ 78(@250wpm)___ 65(@300wpm)
It wasn’t just his body that had me drooling, though. His face was handsome and chiseled, his strong jaw covered in brown scruff that called out for my touch. His hazel eyes were calm and inviting, but they also held a hint of loneliness, echoed by the faint worry line across his forehead.
My own face heated when I realized I’d been openly gawking at him for some time, so I jerked my gaze away - just to find his four friends giving me big, cheesy grins. I distracted myself by twisting off the cap to the medicine bottle and swallowing two pills with a mouthful of tea. Rowdy was right; it did taste like hot grass water, but I kept drinking to occupy my hands.
As the warm liquid filled my stomach, it also eased the ache in my side, relaxed my nerves and made my eyes grow heavy. Soon, my jaw dropped into a wide yawn.
“I think that’s our cue to get out of here and let Trey rest,” Ridge said before he and the other men stood up. “Trey, I hope you feel better soon. I’m sure Rider will take great care of you, but we’re here too if you need anything.”
I thanked them in a whisper, barely able to get the words past my tired lips.
“And when you do feel better, we’ll go back to the club,” Rowdy offered. “I’ll hook you up with free drinks that will taste way better than that.” I huffed a laugh when he pointed to the thermos in my hand.
When the group left, Rider crouched in front of me, looking into my eyes. “You mentioned wanting to go home, and I’ll take you there if you wish, but I’d really like you to stay here so that I can keep an eye on you. I don’t want you to be alone right now.”
I didn’t want to be alone either, but it was more than that. Now that I didn’t think Rider wanted to hurt me or take advantage of me, I wanted to be near him; to get to know him. My brain and heart were finally in agreement that he was safe, and that I was safe with him.
But I was too tired to explain any of that, or even to hold a conversation. Whether it was the herbal tea or my injury exhausting me, I needed rest. I nodded, and a heartstopping smile crossed his lips.
“Thank you. Are you able to walk?”
I nodded again and stood up. When I stumbled a little, Rider wrapped one strong arm around my waist and guided me back to the bed where I woke up before. “Is this okay?”
I appreciated his question; it had been a shock waking up in someone’s intimate, personal space. But now that I had my wits about me and was in charge of the decision, I didn’t mind. Besides, the bed was very comfortable.
“Sure.”
Rider helped me onto the mattress and covered my body with a quilt once I was lying flat. “You rest as long as you wish. I’ll be right here next to you in case you need anything.”
What would have terrified me an hour ago now brought me peace; I’d almost forgotten what that felt like. The longer I was close to Rider, the closer I wanted to get. I knew nothing about him, but his presence spoke to something inside me, soothing the fears I carried with me.
I looked at him between long blinks, trying to burn his face into my memory, with hopes he’d visit my dreams.
Chapter Five
Trey
As soon as my eyes opened, I looked at the chair next to the bed, and my heart sank when I found it empty. I sat up, noticing that the pain in my ribcage had subsided greatly. Whether it was from the medicine, tea, or rest, I wasn’t sure; I was just grateful.
As I climbed out of Rider’s bed, I caught a whiff of something delicious in the air. I followed the aroma into a kitchen where I found a sight just as delicious; Rider standing in front of a small fireplace, pushing something around a pan with a spatula.
Before I could comment on how good it smelled, Rider turned to face me with a guilty look. “I’m sorry; I thought I’d be back to your side before you woke up. You were stirring in your sleep so I thought you may wake up soon. I figured you might be hungry, so I came in to make us something to eat.”
“It’s okay,” I assured with a smile. “And I am hungry. What are you making?”
“It’s nothing fancy; just burgers. They’ll be done in a few minutes.”
That gave me time to take care of another craving. I patted down my pockets, but felt nothing inside them. “Have you seen my cigarettes?”