Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 74956 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 375(@200wpm)___ 300(@250wpm)___ 250(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74956 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 375(@200wpm)___ 300(@250wpm)___ 250(@300wpm)
But maybe I should start embracing the Zen a little more, if tonight is anything to judge by…
By the time Stone returns with funky-smelling tea, I’ve managed to stop leaking from my eye holes, but when I reach out to accept the mug, my arms still feel wobbly and weak.
“Chamomile with honey,” he says, taking a seat beside me, close but not too close. “It should help you sleep. Nothing like deep breathing and sleep for what ails you. And protein, but you’re running low. All I could find was some frozen chicken and cashews that look like they’ve been in your pantry since Christ was born.”
“Yeah, I should have bought more protein at the store on Friday. My meal planning has really fallen apart over the past few months.” I take a sip of tea, the warmth loosening some of the gripping sensation in my chest. “Thank you for this. And the breathing. I feel better already.”
“Do you want to talk about it?” he asks. “Whatever’s got you so on edge?”
I sigh. “It’s not any one thing. It’s just...” I gesture vaguely with my free hand. “Everything. Work. Dad. The interview. Coaching stuff. My team has their first big game next week, and two of my best players pulled a muscle at our last practice...” I trail off, realizing I’m sharing more than I intended. I shake my head. “Anyway. Yeah. You know how it is.”
“I do. You’re the hardest working person I know,” Stone says. “But even badasses need breaks. When’s the last time you took a break, Rem? A real one.”
I take another sip of tea to avoid answering.
Because the truth is…I can’t remember.
“That’s what I thought,” he says, watching me with those blue eyes that see far too much. For such an easy-going man, Stone is always watching, and he doesn’t miss a beat. “You’ve been going non-stop for way too long. You need to make time for rest. Back off a little and—”
“I don’t have time to back off,” I say, setting the mug down on my coffee table. “I know you’re right, but with the interview coming up and people depending on me to keep the promises I’ve made…”
“You don’t want to let them down,” he finishes for me, before adding in a gentler tone, “But you’re going to let them down anyway, babes. If you keep pushing yourself until you’re so burned out that your body gives out on you, this isn’t going to end well. I’m honestly surprised you’re not sick. I always get sick when I’m overworked, and I’ve never been half as overworked as you are right now.”
He’s right, which makes me irrationally annoyed. “I don’t need a doomsday prophecy, Stone.”
“Not prophesying,” he says, with a shrug. “I’m just worried about you.”
The sincerity in the words makes me look away. There’s a rawness to this moment, a vulnerability I didn’t plan for. I don’t do vulnerable, not if I can help it. Not with anyone, and especially not with this too-charming, too-likeable man who keeps making me feel things I don’t want to feel.
“I’m going to take a bath. I think that might help me get better sleep, too,” I say as I rise to my feet. Partly because I do think that. Partly as an excuse to put some distance between me and Stone. “You don’t have to stay. I’m okay now, I promise.”
Stone nods, but instead of heading for the door, he follows me toward the bedroom. “It’s fine, I’ve got nowhere to be. Barb’s already been taken out and fed, and I don’t like to leave a woman alone when she’s shaking like a leaf.”
“I’m not—” My protest dies on my lips as I realize my arms are still jittering at my sides. I let out a frustrated huff. “Stupid body.”
“Stop that. Your body isn’t stupid, it’s the best. I know from experience,” he says, tailing me into the bathroom. “And I have a personal investment in making sure it stays fit and healthy. Did you eat dinner tonight?”
“Yes,” I mutter, adding beneath my breath when his eyes narrow on mine, “Okay, no, but I had a late lunch. I’m fine.”
“Got it. Then I’ll order sushi for when you’re done with your bath,” he says, clucking his tongue like a disapproving old lady as he pulls his cell from his pocket. “We’ll go heavy on the fish for protein, but no fried rice, so you won’t be too loaded down before bed. Tuna or salmon sashimi?”
Again, I consider protesting, but I am a little hungry… “Salmon, please. And a California roll with extra avocado.”
“Done,” Stone says, finishing with a final tap. He slides his phone back into his pocket. “Should be here in twenty-five minutes. Just enough time to pamper you a little.” He points to the closed toilet seat. “Sit. And twist up your hair if you don’t want it getting wet.”