Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 23762 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 119(@200wpm)___ 95(@250wpm)___ 79(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 23762 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 119(@200wpm)___ 95(@250wpm)___ 79(@300wpm)
“Okay, so you walk out of the barn and toward the tree line and then pretend to fall.” His brows lift. “I saw it on TikTok. It’s worth a try.” I’ll do anything right now if it means keeping Paxton in my line of sight.
“All right.”
"I'll stay hidden in here and watch for him.”
"I'll give it a shot," Paxton says before walking out of the open barn doors.
I creep forward and peek out as Paxton goes halfway to the trees before he falls dramatically. It makes me want to laugh, but I don't have it in me. Not when he's out there with his head wound and a missing mini donkey.
"Come on, come on." I chant the whisper to myself. It's getting so close to dark at this point that time really is running out.
Then I see Dominick in the distance and I slam my hand over my mouth so I don't let out an excited squeal. I watch as he tentatively steps out from behind one of the trees and takes a few slow steps toward Paxton. He must believe it's all clear because after that, he goes rushing the rest of the way to Paxton.
When Paxton sits up to get him, I step back into the barn so I don’t spook Dominick. A couple of minutes later, they start to come through the barn doors, but Dominick freezes, no pun intended, when he sees me.
“It’s okay,” I say, gently taking a few steps back before kneeling down to be less intimidating.
“She’s all right,” Paxton tells him. “Come on, I’ll give you some treats.” He leads the little cutie past me. "I'm going to get him settled, if you want to head in. I need to change his coat and get him warm water." Paxton lets out a relieved breath, but I can tell he's still worried. "He’s all wet now."
"Is that bad?"
"He's a rescue. Donkeys are desert animals. They can deal with some cold, but you have to do it right." He shakes his head. "I'm working on building him his own little barn that's heated."
That is so freaking adorable. Paxton has a sweet, pure heart, and I have no idea why he's trying to tie himself to me. Guess that's on him, but either way, I need to focus on the problem at hand.
"You have a mudroom," I point out. "Let me go ahead of you and move a few things in there and toss a few of those paint blankets down on the floor."
"That's a brilliant idea." Paxton gives me a warm smile that has me relaxing. I didn't know how much his being worried upset me too.
"I have my moments."
"They're more than moments."
"Stop saying things that make me want to kiss you. We're busy." I wave my hands around.
"I'll save them for after,” he says and then winks at me.
Gah! This man’s charm is driving me crazy. Turning around, I hurry back to the house and waste no time getting everything ready. It might be freezing out, but all I can feel is warmth flooding my entire body, thinking this could be my life. When I’m done, I head back into the living room and scoop up Paprika to cuddle her close.
“Now we have to get this donkey to fall in love with us too,” I tell her, and she purrs loudly, clearly knowing that’s an easy job for her. “You’ll have to teach me your tricks.”
I know I can be a little rough around the edges, and Paxton has only seen parts of me. What will he think after being stuck together for the next few days?
Looks like we’re about to find out.
Chapter Twelve
PAXTON
I give Dominick a stern talking-to about running away from home, then I hug him and thank him for coming to my rescue. The trick Tilly suggested was perfect, and I’m so glad she was here to help get my little guy back.
It takes some time to get him settled and warm inside, but once he’s dry, he gets in his bed and goes right to sleep. I’m sure after his big adventure in the snowstorm he was exhausted, but more than anything, I’m glad that he’s safe.
“You seriously made this?” Tilly says as she finishes her bowl of stew.
“Why are you so shocked by my excellent skills?” I shrug as I eat the last of mine. “I’m alone a lot.”
“So am I, but I still can’t cook. It’s why Gramps is always bringing me food. I’m pretty sure I’d starve otherwise.”
“Then I’m happy to take over feeding duties,” I tease, and she smiles at me.
“I’m just thinking if you can do this with a head injury then imagine what you’ll make me when you’re back to your old self.”
“Is that an order?” I say, and she laughs.
“That’s me saying I like to eat.”