Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 113272 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 566(@200wpm)___ 453(@250wpm)___ 378(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 113272 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 566(@200wpm)___ 453(@250wpm)___ 378(@300wpm)
“I didn’t realize this storm was going to be so bad,” she said as Kellan pulled the curtains and checked the windows in the bedroom.
He then helped Eli with the mattress.
“It wasn’t meant to be,” Eli told her. “I’d say it’s caught a few people short.”
“It’s not really that bad,” Kellan said. “The wind is just a bit stronger than expected. We’ve been through worse.”
Right. Of course.
Her teeth chattered.
“Where did you live before coming here?” Eli asked as they made the bed.
She should offer to help but her back was killing her
“Austin. We had a few storms. I don’t know why I’m so scared right now. Silly, huh? B-before that I was living in Los Angeles.”
“You like the beach?” Eli asked.
“Um, sure. I didn’t spend much t-time at the b-beach. But it’s b-beautiful.”
“Must have been hard to leave everyone you knew,” he said.
Why was he mentioning all of this? And asking these questions?
Maybe to distract you.
Right. She needed to get herself together. At least she wasn’t alone. Even if the guys weren’t here, she had Horse. She wrapped her arm around him. He’d stuck close to her since the storm struck.
He was shaking slightly. Poor dog.
“It’s okay, Horse,” she whispered. “I’ve got you. Um, it was hard to leave my grandfather. He’s in a retirement home in Austin. And my friend, Wilma. She helped me with my business a lot.”
“Your business?” Kellan asked.
“I make and decorate cakes,” she said. “And I make online content.”
“People follow you?” Eli asked.
“Yeah. A few.”
She’d just clocked over half a million over four sites that she loaded content onto. And she was getting some really good traction. The money coming in from her content creation wasn’t to be sniffed at. And it was her only income at the moment until she started selling her cakes again.
But those words sort of froze on her tongue.
“Come on, the bed is made. Let’s get you into bed and resting.” Eli carefully picked her up before she realized what he was doing.
Arabella stiffened, but her back didn’t protest too much. The pain had definitely lessened thanks to the muscle relaxers.
“Sorry baby, did I hurt you?” he asked, pausing.
“No, I’m fine. But you don’t need to carry me. Or call me baby.”
“I like to do both, though.”
“And do you always just do whatever you like?” she asked.
“Pretty much,” he said cheerfully. “Do you need the toilet?”
“No!” she cried. Then she realized that was a lie. “Yes, okay, I do.”
He carried her to the bathroom and set her down. For a moment, she thought he was going to insist on staying. Thankfully, he left. She checked the battery life on her phone.
Shoot. There wasn’t much left.
She used the toilet then washed her hands. How was she going to cope on her own once they left?
Or would they leave? Wasn’t it dangerous to drive in this?
But where would they sleep?
Well, she could sleep in her recliner and they could take her bed. That could work.
Mind made up, she walked out of the bathroom, letting out a small cry as her phone light hit Eli then Horse who were both waiting on her.
Horse let out a small woof. She was taking that as a doggy apology for scaring her.
“You scared me,” she said to Eli.
“You didn’t think I’d be waiting for you?” he asked.
“No!”
“She probably thinks that’s stalker behavior,” Kellan called out. “I’d agree.”
“Was that . . . a joke?” she asked.
Kellan didn’t seem the joking sort.
“Also I found a flashlight and a battery-powered lamp,” Kellan said. “I’ll set them up in the bedroom.”
“Probably not,” Eli told her. “He likely thinks I am a stalker. That’s okay if it keeps you safe. Come on. Bed.”
“Yes, boss!” She snapped out a salute at him.
“She’s getting sassy,” Eli said to Kellan as he led her into the bedroom. Horse followed them, sitting and watching them all as a low growl erupted
“It’s all right, Horse. Do you want to go to bed?” She’d bought him two dog beds, one was in the lounge and the other one was in the corner of her bedroom.
“He sleeps in here with you?” Eli asked.
“Of course.”
“Smart,” Kellan said. “He can protect you from anyone entering your bedroom.”
“Um, well, it was more in case he had a nightmare and needed me close. I don’t think I really want him protecting me. But then I doubt I’ll have intruders.”
“It’s foolish to think that way. An intruder could enter at any time. You’re not immune because you live in Haven. Bad things happen here too.”
She gaped at Kellan for a long moment as she thought about his words. Then she shook her head. “So Haven council won’t be hiring you to write the town slogan.”
Eli snorted and drew back the covers. “Get into bed. And Kellan, stop scaring her.”
“I’m just being realistic. Which is what she should be. Plenty of bad things happen here and she needs to be aware of that. To protect herself.”