Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 82671 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 413(@200wpm)___ 331(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82671 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 413(@200wpm)___ 331(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
“I was hot. I couldn’t open the window. I was looking for a screwdriver.”
I indicated the windows. “That wouldn’t have helped. There’s a locking mechanism in the handle. I should have told you, but I didn’t think.”
“Oh God,” she said then sat up, holding her head. “Ouch, that hurts.”
“Let me see.”
With a frown, she tilted her head back, and I brushed the soft hair away, examining the lump. “No broken skin, but it’s a nice goose egg.” I met her gaze. “I’m sorry I startled you.”
Something passed between us as we studied each other. Something warm, intense, and new. I was even more aware of how few clothes she was wearing. The fact that I only had sleep pants on. Two layers of clothing easily removed. I realized how close I was to her—another couple of inches and our chests would brush each other. Our mouths could connect. Her eyes widened, and her breathing picked up. She felt the same thing—the same draw. I moved a little, bringing myself nearer. She inhaled sharply. I narrowed my gaze to her mouth. It tempted me. Strongly.
Except as she lifted her head, she whimpered. It wasn’t a sound of pleasure but one of pain. I pulled back, shocked at how close I had come to kissing her.
“I’ll get you some Tylenol.”
I rushed from the room, heading to the kitchen to get the pills. I poured some water for her and took a minute to calm my raging body. My heart raced as if I’d run a mile. My blood strummed through my veins, pulsating to its own beat. My hand shook as I opened the bottle. My cock was heavy, erect, and ready.
I hadn’t expected this sort of reaction at being close to Sammy. If she hadn’t have whimpered in pain, I had no doubt she’d be under me right now. I wouldn’t be wondering how her mouth would taste. I would know.
It was unacceptable.
I dragged in long breaths. Thought of unpleasant things. Cleaning the barn. Shoveling manure. Anything to stop the other thoughts from staying in my head. Once I was sure I was under control, I returned to the bedroom, grateful to find Sammy had pulled a light blanket over herself. I gave her the pills and watched as she took them.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered.
“It’s not your fault. I should have thought about the fact that the room would be warm. It always is since it gets the last of the sunlight.”
“I meant—”
I cut her off. “I know what you meant. Nothing happened. Nothing will. Now, you go to sleep. I’ll check on you in a few hours.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“Yes, I do. The last thing I need is you dying on me the first night.” I offered her a grin, wanting to lighten the atmosphere. “Rachel will definitely think I had something to do with it.”
She chuckled, holding her head when the action caused her some discomfort.
“I’ll leave the hall light on and the door open. It’ll help with air flow.”
“Okay.”
The last thing I saw before I snapped off the light was the sad look on her face. I didn’t like it.
I touched her cheek in the dark. “Everything is good, darlin’. Just go to sleep. I’ll watch over you.”
Then I left her, shocked at how hard it was to do so.
CHAPTER FIVE
LUKE
I left her, but I couldn’t relax. Ten minutes later, I was back in her room. She was sleeping, her breathing deep and even. With a huff of air, I sat in the chair in the corner, already knowing there would be no sleep for me tonight. Her Kindle was on the armchair, and curious, I opened it, chuckling as I read a page of the book she had been reading. Historical romance. Not what I had figured her to read. My curiosity grew, and I searched her library, finding a variety of genres. Seeing a new murder mystery book I had been wanting to read, I opened it and settled back. Might as well take advantage of the time.
I spent the night reading and checking on her. Every two hours, I gently woke her, made her tell me her name and mine, had her drink some water, and let her go back to sleep. By the third wake-up, she was grumpy and out of sorts, almost snarling when I shook her awake, not even giving me time to ask her anything.
“Dammit,” she cursed. “Luke Adler. Sammy Morrison. It’s Tuesday, for heaven’s sake, and I hit my head.” Then she pushed away the water, rolled over, and began to snore. I straightened, trying not to laugh. Little Miss Mouthy was back, which, I was certain, indicated she was fine, but I stayed and finished reading the book. I had to be up soon anyway.
The morning air was chilly, and I made sure she was tucked in, leaving her sleeping, figuring she’d have a headache when she woke up and needed the rest. I showered and changed, drank a cup of coffee, and headed out to start my chores. I sighed as I stepped outside, inhaling the fresh air deeply. I set my hat on my head and sauntered toward the barn, already tired. I had a feeling today was gonna be a long-ass day.