Total pages in book: 49
Estimated words: 46805 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 234(@200wpm)___ 187(@250wpm)___ 156(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 46805 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 234(@200wpm)___ 187(@250wpm)___ 156(@300wpm)
“I wouldn’t. I should have noticed Giana approaching. It’s okay. We’ll go in and you can talk to her in a couple of minutes. For now, let me hold you. Can you slow down your breathing? Inhale with me, sweetheart. Now, exhale.”
Brooklyn struggled to follow his directions. Fortunately, after a few rounds, she could match her breath to Caden’s. The panicky feelings inside her chest lessened, and she relaxed against him.
“Feeling better, Brookie?”
“Yes, thank you.”
Caden kissed her temple and hugged her close. “Would you like to go inside, or should I call Zale and tell him we needed to go home?”
“We have the dessert. They’ll hate us if we don’t take it in.”
“They won’t hate us, but that’s a good excuse to join everyone. I think Giana would like to see that you’re okay,” Caden told her.
Brooklyn hesitated and then agreed. “You’re right. We need to go inside. If I give you a sign, will you get me out of there?”
“You bet.” Caden popped open his door before she could change her mind. He carried her with him as he stepped out. Setting her feet on the street, he wrapped his arm around Brooklyn’s waist until she was steady. “That’s my girl. Shall I get the dessert and the waffle maker?”
She nodded and stood quietly, scanning the area as he shifted to grab the stuff in the back. When he returned to her side, Brooklyn tucked herself next to him. Caden pressed a hand to her lower back and guided her around the house to the backyard.
“Hi, everybody,” he called.
Greetings came to them from the small groupings. Three men stood by the grill, flipping burgers. Giana sat with two other women on lawn chairs nearby. The final two men played a game with targets and beanbags. Zale headed forward to greet them.
“Hi. I’m glad to see you again, Brooklyn. Welcome!. Please make yourself at home.” A brunette appeared beside him. “Here’s Pippa. She’s my little girl.”
“Brooklyn, I’m so glad to meet you. Thank you for helping Giana,” Pippa told her as the other women joined their conversation.
Brooklyn stiffened her legs to keep from running. “Hi, Pippa. Zale. I’m afraid I made a fool of myself outside. I’m sorry, Giana.”
“Oh, no! I was an idiot. I dealt with a threat for a short time, and I still freak out from time to time from something random. I’m really sorry I scared you,” Giana told her with tear-filled eyes. “Especially after you saved me.”
Brooklyn stepped away from Caden and wrapped her arms around Giana. “How about if we forget we saw each other a few minutes ago? I’m really glad to know that you’re safe now.”
“I’d like that. Let me introduce you to Aspen.” Giana stepped back slightly to wave the other young woman forward. “This is Aspen.”
“Hi, I’m Brooklyn.”
“Hi! We’re glad you’re here,” Aspen greeted her cheerfully.
“Giana told us about you driving like a badass to get her to the base,” Pippa said with a grin.
“Language, Pippa!” Zale corrected from behind the cluster of women.
“Sorry, Daddy,” Pippa apologized. She turned back to the women to whisper, “I’ve already gotten in trouble twice today. Let’s go talk over there by the swings.”
Giana hooked her arm with Brooklyn and said, “Good idea.”
The quartet distanced themselves together. Brooklyn couldn’t believe how the conspiracy to keep the men from overhearing their conversation made her feel like one of the group immediately. She glanced over her shoulder at Caden and gave him a thumbs up. He smiled and waved.
“Are you really okay?” Giana asked quietly.
“Just jumpy. I’m always expecting the worst to get me.”
“I hate that for you. You’re safe here. Those guys would take down anyone who even thought of messing with us,” Giana told her in a louder voice that the other women could hear.
As the others nodded, Giana added, “I’m strong. I’ll keep you safe as well.”
A movement caught Brooklyn’s eye, and she looked past the ladies to see an enormous animal approaching. “Um… Is that beast friendly?”
The massive dog bumped into Aspen’s leg and leaned his heavy bulk on her. Everyone laughed as Aspen took a step to the side before bracing her legs to withstand the weight. “This is Rexy. Despite his fierce appearance, he’s a big softie.”
“He has to eat a lot,” Brooklyn said, studying Rexy.
“He does.” Aspen winked at her. “He’s handy for munching the green beans I don’t want to eat. Rexy draws the line at broccoli, unfortunately.”
“Suddenly, I want a dog,” Brooklyn said.
“I know. Right?” Giana chimed in. “I work long shifts. It wouldn’t be fair for a dog to be trapped inside for so long. I have to eat my own vegetables.”
“Daddy approaching!” a voice warned.
The women turned to see Zale heading their way. Brooklyn realized he’d announced his arrival so she wouldn’t get spooked. She really appreciated his thoughtfulness.