Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 56416 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 282(@200wpm)___ 226(@250wpm)___ 188(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56416 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 282(@200wpm)___ 226(@250wpm)___ 188(@300wpm)
I let my voice trail off, and King waits patiently for me to continue. “Because I don’t think this is going to help me, that’s all.”
He lifts his hand and runs it through his hair. “Yeah, but your appointment the other day was with Victor. Today your appointment is with me. Don’t you think you should give me a chance?”
He pauses and looks at me with hope in his eyes. “I hope you’ll give me a chance, Haven.”
My hand goes to my stomach because it feels like butterflies are churning around in there. I don’t know what this reaction is. I mean, yeah, the man is gorgeous, but he’s my cuddler, someone hired to be here… it’s not like a date or anything.
I’m quiet for so long, but King’s voice is still calm and patient. “What about it, Haven? Give me an hour to change your mind?”
There’s a part of me that wants to say no and run out of here, but something is stopping me. I stand fully erect, teetering on my high heels, and I know I need to make a decision. Hopefully, it’s one I don’t regret.
“Okay,” I murmur.
He smiles, and it lights up his whole face. “Okay, you’ll stay?”
I take a deep breath and let it out slowly. I try to get my nerve up as I take one step toward him. I move slowly, and he does nothing to pressure me; he just stands there smiling. I take another step, and he nods his head encouragingly, and then I take another one. I’m right at the door, and he moves farther back, giving me a wide berth to enter the room.
I feel ridiculous. I don’t usually react this way to people, not to this extent, but with him, it’s like I can’t seem to catch my breath.
He moves out of the way, using his foot to hold the door open. I walk past him, and I think I’m going to be okay until the door shuts behind me. I gasp at the slam, and then it’s like an automatic reaction, and my thoughts start to spiral. The panic hits me in an instant, and I’m not sure what to do. I take a deep breath, trying to will away the way my heart starts to race, my body starts to tremble, and the shortness of breath takes over. In through my nose, out through my mouth. I repeat the mantra in my head, but it’s no use.
I look at King in a panic. It’s been years since I’ve had a panic attack, but here I am, having a breakdown in front of a man whose only offense is being too handsome.
He starts to reach for me, but he must see my eyes widen because he stops and holds his hands up. He points to the chair. “Sit down, Haven.”
I almost deny him until his voice comes at me with more sterness to it. “Sit down before you fall down.”
I reach for the chair and sit down.
He sits across from me and leans forward. He’s nowhere near touching me, but I swear I can feel the heat from his body even from here. “Look at me,” he demands.
I am concentrating on breathing, and I lift my eyes to his as I take a deep breath. “Good girl,” he says, and my body reacts in the strangest way.
My nipples pebble, and he nods his head. “Keep breathing and keep looking at me, sweetie.”
I do as he says, mimicking the way he takes a deep breath in and lets it out slowly. I continue breathing as he talks to me. “You’re doing so well, Haven. I’m so proud of you. Keep breathing, sweetie. In, out, in, out.”
My breathing slows, and I start to pull myself together. I feel clammy and shaky, but I can tell that I am starting to calm.
“Keep it up. I’m going to get you something cool to drink.”
He pulls out his phone and types into it. I wait for him to get up, but he doesn’t. He pockets his phone and continues to look at me with concern.
“I’m okay,” I assure him.
He nods. “I know you are.”
I put my hand to my head and hide behind it. “I’m so embarrassed. I haven’t had a panic attack in a long time.”
I have my eyes clenched closed, and I’m shaking my head. Never have I wished for the floor to open up and swallow me whole more than I do right now.
4
KING
Fuck, she’s beautiful. I mean, I knew she was, but this close, where I can just reach out and touch her, she’s an enigma. I’ve stared at her since I opened the door, and I should stop. I’m supposed to be a professional cuddler, and instead I’m looking at her like I want to make her mine. I try to look away, but I can’t force myself to. “Don’t be embarrassed.”