Total pages in book: 141
Estimated words: 141428 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 707(@200wpm)___ 566(@250wpm)___ 471(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 141428 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 707(@200wpm)___ 566(@250wpm)___ 471(@300wpm)
Rude.
Now she couldn’t remember her train of thought. Oh, right.
“I was crying because . . . I’ve been upset with myself for giving up so easily on the exhibition. For not trying to figure out a way to get the money. And you . . . you and Michelle . . . I get my exhibition?”
“Yes, baby. We’ll have to go back to Angel a few days before the exhibition, but Michelle seems to have it all under control.”
She buried her face back into his chest. “Thank you, Hayes. Thank you so much.”
He hugged her tight. “Anything for my girl.”
Devi was sitting on Hayes’ lap on the front porch with a blanket over her when she saw movement between the trees.
Hayes sighed as she stiffened.
“Is someone there?” she asked.
Truthfully, she thought someone would have visited before now. Well, other than Kent and Eden who had returned a few times.
Maybe they didn’t want to meet her?
“Yes, a naughty little someone. Daisy, is that you?” he called out.
It was getting rather cold. The storm was close and they’d come out to watch it as they drank hot cocoa. Well, she was. Apparently, Hayes didn’t drink hot cocoa. So weird.
“Yep, it’s me!” A woman with brown hair stepped out. She gave them a shy smile. “Sorry, I don’t want to intrude.”
“You’re not intruding,” Devi told her, wanting to put her at ease. She had her hands clenched together as she shifted from foot to foot.
“Is there something wrong?” Hayes asked.
“I, um, wanted to come and say hi! Jed said we had to leave you alone for a while because Devi was recovering. But I didn’t want you to think we were being rude by not coming over.”
“Oh. I thought . . . it doesn’t matter. It’s nice to meet you.” Devi tried to get off Hayes’ lap, but he just held her there.
“You too! We’ve been trying to plan a Welcome to Sanctuary party for you. Once you’re feeling better,” Daisy added.
“Really?” she asked, happiness filling her. “That sounds really nice.”
“It will be. Charlie and Ellie are busy organizing it. But we don’t want to overwhelm you.” Daisy’s gaze shot to Hayes.
“That’s so kind,” Devi told her. “I would like to meet everyone.”
“All right! We’ll go ahead with it. Maybe this Saturday?” Daisy looked from her to Hayes.
Devi turned to look at Hayes who was frowning slightly. “It’s probably too soon. You still get tired easily.”
“It’s not too soon!” she protested. “I’ve been here for ages. I want to meet everyone. Please.”
Hayes sighed, then nodded reluctantly.
“Yay!” Daisy said, clapping her hands. “And if you want to come visit me anytime, you can. I don’t live that far away.”
“Where is Jed?” Hayes suddenly asked. “Does he know you’re here?”
“What? Yes, of course.” Daisy took a step back. “But I should probably be going now . . .”
Suddenly, a large man appeared behind her and Devi let out a small scream. Hayes kept hold of Devi as Daisy bumped into him and turned with a cry.
“Jed!” she cried out. “You scared me.”
The huge man just crossed his arms over his chest and glared down at the smaller woman.
Yikes. He was terrifying.
“Don’t worry,” Hayes said. “He would never harm her.”
“You left.”
“I was coming back!” Daisy told him. “I just came to see Devi and tell her about the party.”
“Without permission.”
“I don’t think I need permission to leave the house.”
“When a storm is coming, you do. You’re supposed to be at home.”
Suddenly, he picked Daisy up, flinging her over his shoulder.
“Jed! Put me down!”
Smack!
His hand landed on Daisy’s ass and she went still and quiet.
Then, to Devi’s shock, Jed winked at her. Why did people keep winking at her? Then he left just as quietly as he’d arrived.
“Did that . . . did that really just happen?” Devi asked.
“Yes, that was Daisy and Jed.”
“He’s terrifying.”
“He would never harm you or any woman on the ranch. If you need anything and I’m not around, you can go to him.”
Right. She’d have to be brave to ask that man for anything.
“You sure you’re okay about the party, baby?” He cupped her chin, tilting her head back.
Shit. Was she?
She’d gotten excited at the idea but now . . . it sounded daunting. And then there was her face. Her hand moved up to her cheek, but he drew it away with a frown.
“You are beautiful. Scar or not. And everyone will love you.”
“Why? Because you’re going to tell them to?” she joked.
But he was serious as he nodded. “I will.”
“Hayes! You can’t do that!” she cried as a roar of thunder hit. She jumped in fright.
“Why not?”
“B-because that’s not the way things work. You can’t make people like me.”
He just raised his eyebrows. Oh, he was terrible.
“It won’t mean anything if they’re made to like me. I just want them to like me for me.”