Total pages in book: 51
Estimated words: 48550 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 243(@200wpm)___ 194(@250wpm)___ 162(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 48550 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 243(@200wpm)___ 194(@250wpm)___ 162(@300wpm)
“Both. I always knew there were outgoing people and quiet people. I figured that’s how everyone was in their relationships, too. I didn’t know that the most in-control person could need to submit intimately.”
“But you do. Not only for pleasure, but to restore your energy and love of life,” Rio suggested.
“I’ve never found that, but I fantasize of finding someone who cares that much about me.”
Amber couldn’t believe she admitted that aloud. Somehow, here in his arms, she felt safe to express her most intimate dreams and needs.
“I think I can help you with that, Little girl.” Rio rubbed her back reassuringly.
“So, what do we do?”
“First, we have lunch. Then we spend time together to get reacquainted with each other.”
“We kind of put whipped cream and a cherry on top of the get-to-know-you part of our relationship today,” she reminded him with sass.
“I will make love to you often, Ella. I need to be close to you,” he said smoothly before continuing, “We need to set up some guidelines for our relationship and get you moved in here.”
“You want me to live here?” she asked, running her fingers through the hair that flopped artfully over his brow.
“I need you to live here, Little girl, until they finish our house. I can’t take care of you if you’re not with me.”
“You’re not one of those possessive jerks that won’t let their girl hang out with her friends, are you?”
“Jerk is not the right word for me. Depending on the type of hang out, I could be okay with you having some private time.”
She looked at him skeptically. “Give me an example of an activity you would veto and one you’d approve.”
“Going to the bar with friends and driving home after drinking—no. Being dropped off for a gathering of friends at someone’s house and calling when you’re ready to come home—yes.”
That made sense. It actually sounded good. Amber avoided drinking because she felt wonky after one drink when it came to driving. If someone else was transporting her, she could relax and have a glass of wine or a margarita.
She dropped that argument because she had nothing to disagree with him about. Running over his list of things they should do, Amber seized on one word.
“What do you mean, guidelines?”
“Are you ready to get up?” he asked.
At her nod, Rio helped her stand before taking her hand. “Let’s go get some lunch.”
Once in the kitchen, Amber offered, “How can I help?”
“Sit down and talk to me.”
“No, really. Put me to work. I’m glad to help.”
“Little girls don’t work at home. That’s their Daddy’s job. Allow me to take care of you, Ella,” Rio requested.
What could she say to that? Nodding, Amber slid into a chair at the table. She answered Rio’s questions about places she’d worked in over the years as she watched him deftly slice and dice some vegetables and cooked chicken before stir-frying them quickly with rice and some seasonings.
“That smells heavenly,” she complimented.
“Good. I hope you’ll enjoy the flavor as well. I do this a lot for myself. It’s fast, easy, and can be nutritious.”
“And it makes leftovers for the next day,” she observed.
“Perfect for a Little girl’s lunchbox for work.”
“I usually just throw a handful of crackers and some cheese together in a plastic bag and call it good,” she confessed. Amber couldn’t imagine taking the time to make herself lunch each day.
“I’ll make sure your lunch is ready for you to take,” Rio promised as he spooned a healthy portion of the concoction into a large bowl and carried it over to place on the table between their chairs.
“You’re not eating?” she asked in confusion.
“We’ll start with this and get more if we’re still hungry.”
Rio dipped the fork in the fried rice and lifted it to her mouth. He waited for her to react with a hum of delight before smiling and taking a bite himself.
“You’re an excellent cook,” she complimented after swallowing before letting him feed her again.
An idea burst into her mind to add fun to the meal. “You don’t have chopsticks, do you?”
“I do.”
Rio returned to the kitchen and dug through a drawer to find a pair of bamboo sticks. “You feed us while I write,” he instructed as he pulled a pad of paper close.
Feeling awkward, Amber fitted the utensils in her hand and scooped up a portion to offer to him. Rio opened his mouth and chuckled as a few grains of rice tumbled to the table.
“You’re good at that. I would have dropped the whole darn thing on the floor.”
Her embarrassment faded away. Rio was the same as he’d always been—fun and accepting of new things. With more confidence, Amber tried the chopsticks again to feed herself before holding out a bite to him next. This time, she didn’t drop a grain of rice.