Total pages in book: 61
Estimated words: 60342 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 302(@200wpm)___ 241(@250wpm)___ 201(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 60342 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 302(@200wpm)___ 241(@250wpm)___ 201(@300wpm)
I smile. “That’s fine. Thank you for caring.”
“Of course. I will let you know that Landry Security is keeping two men in town just in case you need them. They asked me to tell you that if we talked. Apparently, they know where you are and are giving you space, but they’re close by.”
I can’t stop the sniffle. The bridge of my nose burns nearly as hot as my chest. Knowing that these people care about me, even if they are on my payroll, means a whole heck of a lot—especially right now.
“We have your back, Laina. The Mason Music team is battling for you right now. Coy heard the news and called me right away to make sure we were doing everything we can to protect you. Everyone but Boone,” she says, her voice rising. “Get out of my candy jar. I mean it.”
I snort, imagining Boone Mason driving Anjelica crazy per usual.
The Mason Music staff is nothing short of amazing. They feel closer than business associates to me much of the time. Even the CEO, Coy Mason, and his brother, Boone, reach out personally from time to time. Choosing to work with Anjelica was the best decision I’ve made in my career.
“Thank you, Anjelica. I appreciate you so much.”
“That’s what I’m here for. Now go and try to get some rest.”
At the mention of sleep, a yawn slips past my lips. I stretch over my head and enjoy the pull through my back.
“Don’t forget to call me,” she says. “I have to go. Talk soon.”
“Goodbye.”
I end the call and place the receiver on the bedside table. My dress is still on the floor, and the washcloth is still in the shower. But this bed is so soft.
I lie back, intending to close my eyes for a few minutes. The next thing I know, I’m drifting off into a peaceful slumber.
Chapter Six
Laina
A voice inside my head tells me to wake up. It grows louder, working its way into my dream until I finally crack open my eyes.
Where the heck am I?
Pale yellow walls. A navy comforter covering my legs. A television too big to be practical mounted on the wall across from the bed.
Luke’s.
My cheek is stuck to the pillowcase by my slobber as I try to sit up. The day’s events come rolling through my mind, ruining the beautiful moments of post-slumber bliss. A twinge of a headache licks behind my temple.
What time is it?
The sky outside the window is orange and purple. Luke’s house is completely still. A clock on the bedside table reads mid-evening. I’ve been asleep for three hours.
I spring to my feet and step over my dress, working to regather my hair into the rubber band. The strands are smashed against the side of my head from where I slept on them. Without a mirror, I can tell that the top is a rat’s nest of epic proportions. I should make a pit stop in the bathroom and get myself put together, but my feet march through the hallway and down the half flight of stairs to find Luke.
“There you are,” he says, leaning against a kitchen cabinet. “I thought you might sleep all night.”
I yawn, my shoulders drooping. “I didn’t realize how tired I was.”
His gaze draws the length of my body. His lips twitch as his gaze finds mine once again. “I see you found your way through my closet.”
“Do you know how many feed store shirts you own?”
He shrugs.
“All of them,” I say.
“I like the way they fit.”
“Do you ever shop at a store that doesn’t sell farm supplies?” I ask.
“Why would I do that?” He laughs at my expression. “You have a little something on your cheek.”
I wipe at the spot he motions toward and find a sticky blob that must be snot. My face heats so hot that it’s warm to the touch.
“It happens to the best of us,” he says as I wipe my hand on a paper towel, then move to the sink. “Did you sleep okay?”
“Apparently. I lie down for a minute, and it’s three hours later.” I finish washing my hands. “I used your landline to make a couple of calls. I hope that’s okay.”
“Of course.”
We stand close enough to touch if our weight shifts just enough. My skin tingles at the proximity. I tell myself it’s because I need comfort and not because of anything else—surely not because I’m still attracted to Luke.
His half smile, like he can read my mind, gets me every time.
I turn off the tap. “My friend Stephanie and agent, Anjelica, seem to have taken care of everything.”
“That’s good.” He stretches his legs out in front of him. “You haven’t talked to Tom?”
“No. That’s a big no.”
He nods, following me with his eyes as I take a dish towel from the drawer.