Total pages in book: 133
Estimated words: 134598 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 673(@200wpm)___ 538(@250wpm)___ 449(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 134598 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 673(@200wpm)___ 538(@250wpm)___ 449(@300wpm)
“You sound like a hero in one of my books.”
“Is that a good thing?”
“I hope it is.”
“Me too, baby. Me too.”
“From my understanding, when you care about someone you want to put their needs first? Before your own?”
“Hmm. Yes.” He sat back on his ankles. “I’m not sure I’ve always been successful at that.”
“You? Not successful at something?” she asked.
His lips twitched. “There are some things I’m unsuccessful at, believe it or not.”
“I find it hard to believe.”
“So good for my ego.” He ran a finger down her cheek. “Now, tell me what’s wrong with the bath? Why were you getting out?”
“I don’t know. It feels fine now. I was just feeling . . . weird. Antsy. I couldn’t relax. I . . . I think I wanted you.” Her gaze went to the bubbles.
“Hey, that’s nothing to be ashamed of. It’s not like I wasn’t standing outside the bathroom door just waiting for you to call out to me.”
Wonder filled her. “You were?”
“Yes. I am finding it very hard to be away from you right now. You could have been injured today and my protective instincts are screaming at me to wrap you up in bubble wrap and put you in my pocket where you’ll be safe.”
“I’d be safe in your pocket? Must be a big pocket.”
“Hmm, or perhaps I could put you in an adult carrier and just carry you around all day, against my chest. I just . . . I need to see you to know you’re safe.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I thought you might need some space to process everything that happened. But now I think that space is the last thing you need. That maybe everyone has given you far too much space.”
“I’m uncertain that you being able to read me so easily is such a good thing.”
“Well, I disagree. I need every advantage I can get when it comes to you.”
“I think you’re right though. Space is the last thing I need. Everyone gives me space. No one really wants to be around me. So I like that you can’t stand to be away from me.”
Ethan made a low, grunting noise. Was he angry? But his face looked calm when she studied him.
“Have you washed yourself?” he asked.
She nodded.
“Would you like to relax a bit more or have a play?”
“A play?” she asked as her gaze moved to his chest. She was just noticing how his wet T-shirt was plastered to his skin.
Wow.
He was so . . . muscular.
He cleared his throat. “Enjoying the view?”
“I really am.”
A low chuckle filled the room and she glanced up at his face. “I wasn’t joking.”
“No, I could tell. But you were being cute.”
“Again?”
“Yes. Always so cute.”
Good to know.
30
“Have you got any bath toys?”
“No.” She frowned.
“Hey, it doesn’t matter.” Ethan ran a finger along her forehead. “Don’t fret. I have an idea. I need to go to the kitchen, though. I’ll be right back. You will stay here.”
It wasn’t a request, but she nodded.
What was she doing?
Could she let go?
And in front of someone that she hadn’t known that long. Even if he was one of the kindest men she’d ever met.
With a strong streak of dominance and alpha protectiveness thrown in.
“Here you are.” He returned with some plastic measuring cups and spoons. “I know it’s not much. But it’s all I could come up with.”
Um.
She stared at the items as he put them in the bath. Was she supposed to measure something?
Cate internally shrugged. She guessed she could count how many bubbles she could get into a cup. That could be interesting.
Holding one of the cups, she carefully gathered up some bubbles. But it was difficult to get them into the cup without some of them popping. And even more difficult to count them.
Hmm, perhaps she’d go for larger bubbles.
“Catie-pie, what are you doing?”
“Have you called me that before?” she asked.
“Um, yes, I did just a few minutes ago.”
“No. I mean before that. Have you called me that another time?”
“Yes, while you were in Little headspace.”
She froze for a moment. “Oh.”
“Do you object?”
Did she? She thought about that for a moment.
“No. I don’t object.”
“That’s good. Because I think it suits you since you’re so damn cute all the time.”
Oh no. She was blushing again.
“What are you doing, though?” he asked.
“I’m trying to see how many bubbles can fit in the measuring cup.” She glanced up at him. “Why? What did you wish me to do?”
“I thought you might play with them.” He picked one up and filled it with water, then poured it out. “See?”
“Oh. Do you want me to try and work out how much water is in the bath?”
“No, baby. I want you to have fun.” He leaned in and kissed her cheek. “I thought it might be enjoyable just to play with them.”
All right.