You’re safe now, baby. Daddy won’t let anything happen to you.
Where had that thought come from? Fuck. What time was it? Should she be at work? She glanced over and saw Inky lying on the bed beside her. She blushed. Who had brought her Inky?
The drapes were pulled and they were thick, not allowing any indication of whether it was night or day. The lamp on the nightstand was on, providing plenty of light.
She used her left hand to push the covers back and slowly stood up. She had to pause as the room spun. Damn it. She was weaker than a new born babe. She clung to the headboard for support.
She walked slowly over to the window and pulled open the drapes. Daylight poured in. Appeared to be morning from the position of the sun. Look at her, a week of living on the ranch and she was starting to sound like she knew what she was talking about.
Feeling like an old woman, she shuffled her way into the bathroom and took care of matters. She found a toothbrush still in its packet in the bathroom cabinet which she used to brush her teeth. She sat on the toilet and slowly unwound the bandage, peering down in shock at the stitches in the palm of her hand. How had she cut herself? Fear threatened to swallow her. The room spun and she had to press her head against her knees until the nausea and dizziness went away.
She forced herself to stand and walk back into the bedroom. She needed to leave. She searched around the room for her clothes and found them neatly folded on a chair in the corner. It took her a frustratingly long time to get dressed since she couldn’t use her right hand. Waves of dizziness kept assailing her and she ended up sitting on the chair so she didn’t fall over.
Why was she so weak?
“God, this is humiliating.” How she was going to make her way to the kitchen, she wasn’t sure. And on some level, she knew she was acting crazy. The only place she should be was in bed. But she needed to get back to work. She couldn’t afford to lose this job.
She picked up Inky then walked out of the bedroom, glancing up and down the passage. She’d never been upstairs and had no idea which way to go. There was a dinging noise and she turned with surprise to see Eden wheel her way out into the passage. Was that an elevator?
Eden appeared just as shocked to see her.
“Crap,” Eden said in a low voice as she wheeled closer. “What are you doing up? Clint will lose his shit. You need to get back into bed.”
“What time is it?”
“Just after seven in the morning.”
She frowned. “How long have I been in bed?”
“Umm, since around five last night.”
“I slept all night?” She gaped at the other woman. Normally, she barely slept. How had she managed over twelve hours? No wonder she’d needed to pee so badly when she woke up.
“I need to leave.” And never, ever return. “I’m not even sure why I’m here.”
Eden eyed her. “You don’t remember anything from last night?”
“No. Should I?” Alarm filled her.
“It’s okay,” Eden soothed.
“I don’t…I don’t remember hurting my hand. What happened to it?” She held her hand up to Eden.
“Oh man, did you take the bandage off? Doc’s not going to like that.”
“Doc?” She’d heard of Doc but hadn’t met him. He did all of his own cooking. From what Ellie had told her, he sounded like a grumpy old fart.
“Yeah, he stitched your hand for you last night after he…well, that doesn’t matter,” Eden said hastily. “What matters is you need to get back into bed before Clint returns. In case you haven’t noticed my brother is the overprotective type.”
She wanted to press Eden for the details she was hiding from her, but the truth was, her head was so sore it was making it hard for her to concentrate. “I need to go.”
Eden gave her a stern look, as she shook her head. “Nope. Not happening.”
“I can’t stay here,” she said in a desperate voice. “You don’t understand.”
A hint of sympathy entered the other woman’s eyes then her face hardened. “Clint has been by your side all night. He slept in an armchair in your room. He’s been really worried about you. He only left you now because he had to take an urgent call. But he’ll be back any minute.”
“I can’t be here.”
“You can. Because I’m not letting you leave. And don’t think that just because I’m in a wheelchair that I can’t overpower you.”
“I didn’t think that at all.” In fact, right now an infant could get the best of her.
Eden gave her a firm nod. “Good. Because my brother cares about you and I’m not letting you out of my sight until he gets back here for you.”
She blinked. Then leaned against the wall. “Cares about me? I think you’re mistaken. I’m just an employee.” And not a very good one.
Eden snorted. Yep, so like her brother. “So, you think he nurses every injured employee himself?”
Well, when she put it like that…
“I didn’t think he even liked me. I’ve hardly seen him since I got here.” She’d thought he might have been interested in her after that kiss, but he obviously considered that a huge mistake.
“He’ll have to explain his reasons, but I’m guessing he was doing it out of some misguided idea that he was protecting you. Clint’s the fairest guy I know. He might be gruff and a bit of a Neanderthal and his social skills definitely need improving—”
“What social skills,” she murmured.
Eden grinned at her. “Exactly. But he looks after his people. Everyone on this ranch is under his protection and God help anyone who tries to harm Clint’s family.”
“I’m not family.” The words were like a physical ache.
“Oh, honey, you might just be the most important person in this family.”
She shook her head then wished she hadn’t as Eden blurred into two people. She blinked, trying to bring her back into focus. “I don’t understand. He barely knows me.”
“Clint isn’t like Kent. He doesn’t have women falling at his feet in adoration. He isn’t charming. He’s always been serious. In everything he does. Including relationships. He doesn’t do bullshit. He doesn’t have flings. I don’t think he’s ever had a one-night stand. And I have never seen him fuss over anyone like he did you.”
She was speaking to every need Charlie had to be loved. All she wanted was to come first with someone. But did she dare believe what Eden was telling her? How was it possible?
“I thought he was avoiding me because we kissed.”
“You kissed?”
She braced herself for disapproval. She wasn’t good enough for him. She knew that and she was certain Eden did too.
“That’s good. Really good. But I really suggest you get yourself back into bed before Clint returns.”
“Too late,” a deep voice said from behind her.
Charlie whirled around then wished she hadn’t as the world spun around her. Strong arms lifted her, cradling her against a muscular chest. The scent of leather and man surrounded her. Oh God, he was potent. And way too much man for her. She could never be what he needed.
She’d failed everyone else in her life. She’d fail him too.
“Easy, baby. Hush. You’re okay. I have you now.” His words were low and soothing and she suddenly realized she was making little whimpering noises.
Damn it. She needed to stop acting like a wimp.
Toughen up, Charlie. Stop acting like a child.
“Damn it, Eden, why didn’t you call me when you found she was up and around?” he barked at his sister.
“Not Eden’s fault. Don’t snap at her.” She frowned up at him, grateful to see the world was back in focus. “She was keeping me from leaving.”
He stared down at her in surprise. “Why is it that you can defend everyone but yourself?”
She found herself blushing slightly. Shit. How did he already have that much insight into her?
“And why the hell were you trying to leave?” He
strode into the bedroom she’d just came from and sat her down on the bed. “It’s back into bed with you.”
“No, wait,” she protested.
“I’m not going to take any arguments from you, little girl,” he said firmly. “You’re pale and clearly exhausted. You need to rest, which is exactly what you are going to do until I give you permission to get up. Understand?”
She glared at him. “You can’t keep me here, Clint. I’m not even sure how I got here.” Fear filled her. “What happened?”
He crouched down in front of her, and took hold of her hand in his. “You’re freezing. Wait there.” He stood and moved over to turn up the heat. Then he returned and crouched down again. “Shit, you took off your bandage, Doc will be pissed.”
“Eden already mentioned that. I just wanted to see what was wrong with it. Why-why don’t I remember hurting it? Or getting here? Did something happen? And why does my head hurt so much?” She reached up with a hand to touch her temple.
“Bad headache, huh?” he said sympathetically. “I’ll give you some medicine for that soon. Doc said you might have some memory issues. You cut your hand on some glass last night, during a panic attack.” He watched her carefully.
“A panic attack?” She gaped at him. “But I don’t have panic attacks.”
“So, this has never happened before?”
She shook her head then winced. “No. Never.”
He squeezed her good hand reassuringly. “Well, don’t worry about it now. You’re safe. I’m going to take good care of you. Doc said you might feel very drained today. He’s worried that you’re run down and underweight. He said it would be a good idea for you to rest for a few days and I agree.”
Rest? She couldn’t rest. She had a job to do. And a panic attack? God, she wished she could remember what happened.
“Why did you bring me here?” she asked.
“Because you needed watching over. I am your guardian.”
Oh right. Of course. It wasn’t that he cared about her. She knew she shouldn’t have put any stock in Eden’s words.
He grasped hold of her chin. “Look at me, little darling.”
“You shouldn’t call me such names.” Mainly because they meant more to her than he could understand. They made her feel like she was important to him. And that just wasn’t true.
What would it be like to be part of this man’s family as Eden had suggested?
You’re safe now, baby. Daddy won’t let anything happen to you.
Her imagination had to be playing tricks on her. Making her believe things that couldn’t possibly be real.
“Why not? You are my little darling. You’re also going to stay here where I can keep an eye on you.”
“I-I can’t.”
“Why not?” he asked.
“I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. I know you feel responsible because you’re my guardian, but I’m just an employee. I should just go back to my cabin. I promise I’ll stay in bed until it’s time to make dinner.”
With the way she felt, she’d be lucky if she could manage to get out of bed then.
“Baby, you’re not up to making dinner right now,” he said gently.
“But who will do all the cooking? Allan?” Her stomach dropped as she said his name. He’d be happy she wasn’t there.
“It’s under control. Ellie is helping out.”
“Ellie? Oh God.”
“Charlotte, you can’t work with stitches in your hand. And right now, you can barely even walk. I want you to relax and not worry about anything. I have it all under control.”
Not worry? Was he crazy?
“And by the way, I’m not doing this just because I feel responsible for you. I care about you, Charlotte.”
“No, you don’t. You don’t even like me! You’ve barely spoken to me since that kiss! I thought I disgusted you or something.”
He groaned and ran his hand over his face. “Messed that up, didn’t I? Darling, I could never be disgusted by you. Not ever. I was staying away because that kiss made me feel things I haven’t felt in a long time and I didn’t want you to feel pressured into anything because I’m in a position of authority over you.”
“You mean…you’re not angry at me?”
Tears dripped down her face. He wiped them away with his thumbs. “Baby, don’t. I could never be angry or disgusted by you. I’m so sorry I haven’t been there for you. Please, stop crying. You’re breaking my heart here.”
He stood and picked her up then sat on the bed with her on his lap, rocking her.
“Shit. Sorry. I never cry.” She clumsily wiped at her face. “I’m sorry I’m such a mess.”
“We’re going to have to change that.”
She pulled back to peer up at him. “Change what?”
He wiped away a stray tear. “It’s good to have a cry now and then. Releases stress and tension.”
“So, does that mean you like to have a good cry?” she dared to ask.
“Me? No. I was talking about for you.”
“Seems a little sexist.”
He grinned and it was like the rain clouds parted and sunshine streamed through. “I have never claimed to be enlightened.”
She snorted.
“I loved that kiss. And I have wanted nothing more than to repeat the experience.” He dropped his mouth to hers and kissed her. It started gentle. Sweet. Just his lips against hers. Then his tongue slid over the seam of her lips. She opened her mouth at the unspoken command. And he took complete possession of her.
The kiss became hotter. Intense. Arousal spread like wildfire through her. He eased back.
“Can you forgive me for being an idiot?”
If he kept kissing her like that, she’d forgive him most things. “Yes.” It felt surreal, like this was all a dream. She couldn’t really be sitting here on his lap, being kissed by him, could she? She stared back at him, wincing slightly as her head protested.
He reached up and rubbed the back of her neck. Oh God. That was heaven.
“Now isn’t the time for this.”
“But I want more.” She pouted.
He frowned but she saw a glint of amusement in his eyes. “Demanding little thing, aren’t you?”
Immediately she pulled in on herself.
You have no right to ask for anything. I took you into my house. That’s all you deserve. You’re lucky I didn’t leave you in the system. Ungrateful little brat.
“Charlotte! Charlotte, are you listening to me?”
She blinked, stared up at him. “What?”
“There you are.” He gave her a concerned look. “What were you just thinking about?”
“Nothing.”
His gaze narrowed. “Not good enough.”
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
There was a moment of silence and she thought he was going to push her. “All right. We’ll leave that for now. But you will tell me eventually.”
“Why?”
“Because I won’t allow anything or anyone to hurt you. Including yourself. I’m attracted to you, Charlotte. I want you. I know I haven’t been there for you as I should have. I know I have to earn your trust, but I think I will once you realize that you come first with me.”
“I’ve never come first with anyone.”
He cupped her cheek, gave her another soft kiss. “And that’s a damn crime. Because you deserve to be cherished. Pampered. To have nothing to worry about but pleasing your man.”
She snorted. “And you think that’s what I want? To only worry about pleasing you?”
He grinned. “It should be.”
She rolled her eyes, but she was more amused than anything else. His arrogance was out of control. But it was part of what made him Clint.
“How do you know I deserve all that?” Because she really didn’t. And he wouldn’t feel that way once he knew the truth about her. Something tickled at her memory, but she pushed it away to pay attention to what he was saying.
�
��Because you’re a sweetheart. All I’ve heard over this past week is how sweet and lovely you are. Everyone wants you to stay. I’ve also been informed that rather than asking for help lighting your fire, you were prepared to stay the night in a cold cabin.”
She stared over his shoulder. “I didn’t want to bother anyone. This is a temporary job. I shouldn’t get attached to anyone. Goodbyes are hard.”
“Well, luckily, you don’t have to say goodbye.”
She frowned. What did that mean?
He placed a finger under her chin, tilting her face up. “I’m going to ask you a few questions and I want you to be honest with me.”
“O-okay.”
“How long have you been living in your car?”
Shit. That wasn’t something she liked to talk about, but she didn’t have a good reason to refuse to tell him. “About seven months.”
His eyes widened. “That long?”
“Yes. It’s not as bad as it sounds. When I had work, I would usually stay in a cheap motel so I could shower each day. Otherwise, I’d find public facilities where I could bathe.”
“Jesus, baby.” He hugged her, but she noticed he didn’t squash her. He was always very aware of his strength. “I can’t believe you managed that for so long. And on your own. You’re so brave.”
She didn’t feel brave. She felt like a coward.
He reached over and picked up Inky, where she’d put him beside her on the bed. “What’s his name?”
“Umm, Inky.”
“Hello Inky,” he said in a serious voice. She tensed. Was he about to make fun of her for being attached to a stuffed toy?
“Inky appears to be well loved. Do you sleep with him? Hug him often? Play with him?”
She gasped in a breath. How had he guessed? “I think I need to leave.”
He held her easily on his lap. “Answer me, little one. I’m not going to make fun of you. Or hurt you. Has Ellie talked to you about her relationship with Bear?”
She blushed, pressing her thighs together as longing moved through her. “Yes.”
“So, you know that as well as being his girlfriend and lover, she’s also his little girl.”
She licked her lips. “Yes.” Seemed she wasn’t capable of saying much else. Her heart thundered in her chest.
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