Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 27306 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 137(@200wpm)___ 109(@250wpm)___ 91(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27306 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 137(@200wpm)___ 109(@250wpm)___ 91(@300wpm)
“You said you’d protect me and you did.” She puts her arms around my neck, and I hold her until my deputies arrive. She belongs here, with my arms around her. I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life.
11
LUKE
Michael DiMiglio spends the next five days in the hospital recovering from his injuries.
Once he’s capable, he’s arraigned and taken to the state prison to await his trial. In the course of our investigation, we searched his bedroom and found a stash of candid pictures he took of Lori. Some recent shots are of her in the yard and on the porch and other, older ones are of her when she was just a little girl.
His obsession with her appears to date back to when they were children. If he were being held in my jail, he might not live to see his trial. On that count, he’s lucky the State stepped in.
Lori is a little on edge for the next few days. She’s shaken from the experience and blames herself for not recognizing the dangerous position she put herself in. No matter how hard I try, I can’t seem to convince her it wasn’t her fault. Sometimes good people assume the people around them are also good. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case.
With DiMiglio behind bars, I have no reason to continue spending my nights at Lori’s place. It’s hard sleeping without her, and I spend most nights waiting for the sun to come up so I can see her again.
Today, I’m helping her take her grandmother to the doctor and find them both waiting for me on the porch when I arrive.
“You didn’t have to come outside, baby. I would have come in to help you,” I tell Lori before planting a long kiss on her pouty lips.
“It’s alright. Nana is moving around much better. Getting her out here was a breeze.”
“Still, I wouldn’t have minded helping you. That’s what I’m here for, right?”
“Of course. You’re our handsome knight in shining armor.”
I bring Nana in the backseat, making sure she’s safe and comfortable, and open Lori’s door for her. I press her against the door and kiss her once more. “I missed you last night, little girl.”
“I miss you every night, Daddy.” She pouts and I know I have to do something to rectify this situation fast.
We take the short drive to the medical center, and I run inside to retrieve a wheelchair. Lori watches me from the car window with a broad smile on her lips.
It amazes me how much she appreciates even the simplest gestures. What kind of man would sit by and let his woman do these things for herself?
We bring her grandmother into the doctor’s office, and she’s taken to the back immediately. I sit in the waiting room and make a few calls while they see the doctor. I want to surprise Lori with a night in town. I know she doesn’t like living in the city, but I think she’ll enjoy dinner and a cruise around the harbor. I’ve just finished making the reservations when she comes bouncing back into the waiting area.
“Guess what? You won’t believe it! I told you that Nana was getting around better, and I was right. The doctor says she’s regained enough mobility to start physical therapy. He said she should be able to do some small tasks independently again and won’t need round-the-clock care.”
“That’s amazing, baby girl. I’m so happy for you both. I know it’s a relief for you, and I’m sure she’ll feel better.”
“When I heard she had a stroke at her age, I didn’t think it would be possible for her to get better. I’m so happy for her.”
I take her in my arms and hold her tightly against my chest. Her love for her grandmother is so pure. I couldn’t be happier for her.
“It just seems like all of my problems are disappearing. Thank you, Daddy.”
“Me? What did I do?”
“You came into my life and suddenly everything started getting better.”
“Well, the timing is perfect. I was going to surprise you, but I’ve made reservations for us to have a night out in the city. Amy Spencer is going to stay with Nana. It’s all arranged.”
“Really? When?”
“Tomorrow night. I’ve taken care of everything. You just need to be ready to go around five. Now, get back to the doctor. When you’re done, we can have lunch together.”
We return to Lori’s place, and I help her grandmother into her bed. Once she’s settled, I meet Lori in the kitchen where she’s busy preparing lunch for the two of us.
“I’m not really hungry for that,” I tell her as I wrap my arms around her waist.
“What are you hungry for?”
“You.”
“You’re the boss. You can have anything you want for lunch.” I hiss when she rubs her sweet ass against my crotch.