Total pages in book: 42
Estimated words: 41839 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 209(@200wpm)___ 167(@250wpm)___ 139(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 41839 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 209(@200wpm)___ 167(@250wpm)___ 139(@300wpm)
Pausing on the stairs, she watched as Drew took in the place. He held his key, stepped out and tried the lock, and stepped through the door.
Callie couldn’t help but giggle. “This is your home. You can come in peace.”
“You … cleaned.”
“I did ask before you left if that was okay.”
“I thought it would be, you know, just basic stuff. Are you a cleaner as well?”
“In some of the previous families, they had a cleaner and my only requirement was to take care of their kids. Meghan and I had nothing to do all day, so we cleaned this. I figured you needed a hand. I hope you’re okay with that?” she asked.
He closed the door. “I’m fine. I’m shocked, but I’m happy. This place had turned into a bit of a dump and I know it was my fault.”
“It wasn’t your fault.”
“I’m not a fool. It really was.”
She pressed her lips together as she descended the last of the stairs. “Nothing is out of place. I’ve been doing your laundry. I’ve left your room and your bathroom. Unless you want me to take care of them, they’ll be your responsibility.”
“You’re really a godsend, aren’t you? How did Meghan get on with all this?”
“She helped a lot. I had her taking clothing to the laundry room. I got her to put it in color codes. White, pink, green, that kind of thing. She’s been a big help. Are you hungry?”
“Starving.”
“Good. I have a lasagna keeping warm for you as well.”
“Who are you?” he asked.
She giggled. “What do you mean?”
“You’ve cleaned, brought me lunch, made dinner. Cupcakes. I see you kept your end of the bargain.”
“And Meghan walked all the way home, so no worries.”
“Where’s my daughter?”
“She’s asleep. Why don’t you freshen up while I serve you some food?”
He looked down at himself. “Yes, I’ll do that.”
She put the laundry basket in the room, closed the door, and went to the kitchen. It was late. She made herself a hot chocolate. Meghan had already had one complete with marshmallows and whipped cream.
She wasn’t a whipped cream and marshmallows kind of girl. Just a simple hot chocolate. After pouring the warm chocolate mixture into her cup, she pulled out the lasagna from the oven and the quick green salad she’d made from the fridge.
Once she’d plated the food, she carried it to the table. She’d made sure to leave him a place. Drew entered the room seconds later, and it looked like he’d already taken a shower. Droplets still clung to his hair and he looked refreshed.
“Dinner,” she said.
She went to walk away but he captured her wrist. “Stay with me.”
“Don’t you want to relax?”
“And I’d like some company. I’ve been around a couple of moaning teenagers for the best part of the afternoon. I’d like some adult company.”
“I’ll grab my hot chocolate.” She didn’t like the way her heart raced or the feelings tugging low in her belly. This shouldn’t be happening to her. Biting her lip, she picked up her cup. All this time, she had so many reasons for saying no. For going up to her room. Instead, she sat down at the table while Drew tried her lasagna.
He moaned.
She smiled, blowing across the top of her hot chocolate. “You like?”
“I love. It’s been so long since I enjoyed a good, hot meal.” He looked ravenous. Mouthful after mouthful, he finished the plate.
She couldn’t help the pride that filled her at him eating her food. Sipping her hot chocolate, she knew she made an amazing lasagna.
“Fuck, where have you been all my life?” he asked.
“You’re right, Meghan does like to copy, doesn’t she?”
He groaned. “Has she been showing my bad language?”
“She’s been letting some things slide.” She chuckled. “She enjoys saying shit. She’d walk into the wall and go, oh, shit.”
“I’m a bad dad.”
“No, you’re a very good father, actually.”
“You think so?”
“I do.” Meghan talked nonstop about her dad and how much she loved him. Not once did she mention her mother.
“Thank you for this,” he said. “All of this. I didn’t expect it to be so … bad. I thought I could handle it, you know. She’s my kid.”
“Kids are a lot of hard work.”
“Tell me about it. I didn’t even realize how much.” He ran a hand down his face, suddenly looking tired.
He wore a plain white shirt with no stains and a pair of sweatpants. The clothes clung to his heavily muscled body.
Don’t think about that.
Don’t even go there.
“I better get cleaned up.”
She grabbed the plate and walked into the kitchen. The rest of the lasagna she put on a plate for the fridge. After finishing up the dishes, she turned to see him leaning against the doorframe watching her. How long had he been there?
“You know, I don’t know anything about you.”
“There’s not a lot to know.”