Total pages in book: 31
Estimated words: 28678 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 143(@200wpm)___ 115(@250wpm)___ 96(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 28678 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 143(@200wpm)___ 115(@250wpm)___ 96(@300wpm)
There’s a little voice in the back of my head that tells me he’s only doing this because I’m his best friend’s daughter. Just as I think the thought, my hospital gown is opened.
Colt pops apart the little buttons in one easy motion before guiding me back under the spray. He wets my hair with the showerhead and when he uses a sweet-smelling floral shampoo, I can’t help but smile. That definitely isn’t standard issue.
When it’s time to wash my body, he uses a special body wash that smells like sunshine and lilacs. The scent makes me smile and I wish he’d use the opportunity to push for intimacy, but he doesn’t.
His touch is entirely medical, focused only on taking care of me. If he notices my beaded nipples or wet pussy, he doesn’t act like it.
After my shower, I’m feeling more like me. But I’m a little tired and definitely disappointed at how the shower turned out.
Still, the doctor told me that if my numbers keep improving that I’ll get to go home in two days. I gave him a bright smile as if I have a home to return to. I don’t want to go back to that place I shared with Albert.
But I also can’t exactly ask to crash on Colt’s couch. The thought of a hotel doesn’t make me feel safe either. Perhaps I should look for a roommate. There has to be an app or something that will pair you with your perfect roommate match. Maybe I’ll check out one of those.
I yawn as Colt tucks me back into the bed. He pushes a tray toward me. On it is a baked potato, a banana, and a leafy green salad with tomatoes. All foods rich in potassium.
He hasn’t stopped trying to feed me since we arrived. It’d be kind of cute if I thought he were worried because he likes me. But I’m not sure if that’s the case or if he just feels responsible for me. The thought kills any delight I felt just a moment ago.
“Eat,” he instructs and takes the chair by the bedside. He’s only left twice in the three days since I’ve been here. Both times were at Brody’s insistence. While he was here, Brody sat in the chair Colt vacated. I asked him a little about the case and Brody explained that Albert has already turned against Curtis, giving the FBI even more dirt than they already had on him.
“Like Von Hagel, he’s going away for a long time,” Brody assured me. “And because of the overwhelming evidence they have on all of the men, you won’t have to testify.”
The words were a welcome relief. I know some victims look forward to their day in court. They want to look the monsters in the eye and tell the world what they did. But not me.
I just want to put all of this behind me and forget it ever happened. Not that I’m naïve enough to believe that’s possible. I know I’ll always be haunted by the events of the past month.
I thanked Brody before he left, and he placed a kiss on my forehead. He told me that I was family and to call him anytime.
“You’re frowning,” Colt grouses. He looks like he’s about to start feeding me, so I quickly pick up the fork and pop a bite of the baked potato in my mouth.
“I’m wondering if I can get back into my classes,” I answer when I’ve swallowed the bite that I didn’t even taste. I don’t want to stay here alone in Kentucky but if Colt doesn’t want me, then it’s time I started making plans for myself. I don’t think there will ever be anyone else for me. My dad’s best friend will always be my first love. My only love.
He growls. “They’ll have to be online ones.”
“I’m strong enough to go in person,” I reassure him. I really am starting to feel more like myself with each passing day. Albeit, this version of myself is broken-hearted. But no one told me to go and fall in love with Colt Winters. I did that all on my own.
“Agreed. But the commute will be hell,” he says.
“Oh,” I pick at my potato. “Did you…find me a place to crash?” It would be fair. Maybe he thinks if he has someone to dump me on then his guardian duties are officially over.
He snorts. “You’re coming home with me.”
My heart leaps at the words but I force myself to ignore the hope bubbling up inside my chest. “You’ve done enough. You don’t have to—”
He silences me with a kiss to my lips. A long, slow kiss. One filled with sensual promises. Is it possible that I’ve read this wrong? Does Colt want me, and I’ve just been too distracted and overwhelmed to recognize it?