She injected some insulin. Then, heart sinking, lead in her stomach, she practically dragged her feet into the kitchen and dining area.
Linc looked up from where he was setting two big plates of food on the small kitchen table. He gave her an inquisitive look.
“I know my cooking isn’t cordon bleu, but people don’t usually come to the dinner table like it’s their last supper, either.”
Oh jeez, Marisol. Way to be ungrateful.
“I’m so sorry, it’s not the food. I guess I’m just feeling a bit down right now.” Was it okay to admit that? People didn’t like to be around people who were feeling low, right? Maybe she shouldn’t have said it.
Urgh. She just wasn’t good at this crap. And by crap, she meant anything to do with other people.
“Shoot. Sorry. I just keep mucking up.”
“Hey.” He took her face between his hands, raising it so he could stare down into her eyes. “It’s completely understandable that you’re feeling a bit off. Okay? You never have to apologize for your feelings.”
“I don’t want you to think I don’t appreciate everything you’ve done.”
“Far as I can tell, I haven’t done much at all.”
“You came out in the middle of the night because I was in trouble. Brought me back here. Washed my clothes. Gave me yours to wear. And you just made me breakfast. I can’t remember the last time someone helped me this much. I don’t think anyone has made me breakfast in years. Not since Ana.”
“Ana?”
“She was our housekeeper for a while when I was younger, she was from Venezuela. When my aunt wasn’t home, Ana would make me all sorts of goodies like arepas and cachitos. I was telling Ed about Ana last night. She was our housekeeper for about a year until my aunt came home one day and discovered her teaching me Spanish. She fired Ana and forbid me from ever speaking the language. The only bits of Spanish I know is a few swear words I’ve picked up here and there. Then about a month later, my aunt was arrested and this lovely social worker let me to stay with Ana and her family. That week that I stayed with Ana, well, I actually felt like part of a family.”
“God, teeny,” he said with sympathy. “That aunt of yours has got a lot to answer for.”
She shrugged. “She is what she is.”
“Well, I don’t like that you weren’t cared for the way you should have been. That won’t happen while you’re here. How is your neck this morning?”
She raised her hand to touch the still-sore skin. “It feels all right. Hopefully, it won’t bruise too badly.”
He scowled. “That bastard. Excuse my language. I won’t let him hurt you again, I promise.”
“What about my job? How will I work?”
“You’re not going back there, Marisol. It’s not safe. You’re going to need to stay here on the ranch for me until we figure out whether Tiger is going to come for you. Hopefully Ed can scare him away, although I have my doubts.”
So did she. She nibbled at her lip.
“Were you happy at that job? Did you like it?”
“No,” she whispered. “I only did it because that’s what my aunt wanted. But I’m kind of an introvert. Being around people all day exhausted me.”
“Then it’s no big loss to go back.”
“I just feel bad about leaving everyone in the lurch.”
“Your aunt could always cover for you.”
Right. That would never happen.
He pulled out a chair for her, pushing her in. The chair must have been made for a damn giant because her feet didn’t even touch the ground when she was seated on it. She had to scoot forward to the edge and even then, the table was kind of high.
So embarrassing.
“This won’t do. You could use a highchair.”
Umm. She had to have heard him wrong. Right?
“Did you say a higher chair?” she asked. “Any higher and I will need a stepladder to get on it. Is all your furniture made for giants?”
He opened his mouth, a twinkle in his eyes.
“And no short jokes,” she told him sternly, holding up a single finger.
To her shock, he leaned over and took her finger into his mouth, sucking on it strongly. Holy. Shit. That sent an answering shockwave down to her clit.
He let go of her finger with a small plop. “No pointing your finger at me.”
Her heart was beating too rapidly for her to answer. For her to do anything but stare at him. “I’ll go get something for you to sit on.” He turned away, walking towards the door. Then he turned back, giving her a cheeky grin.
Uh-oh.
“And no, I didn’t say a higher chair. I said highchair. I’m sure the same place that does booster seats can make those too.”
She just sat there, staring after him. Even when he walked back in, cushion in hand, she was still staring.
“Stand.”
After she stood, he set the cushion down on the seat. She sat and he pushed her chair in for her. Sitting across from her, he reached over and tapped her plate. “You need to eat.”
She ate a couple of mouthfuls. Guilt swirled in her stomach, making it hard to swallow. He was taking such good care of her. It just made her feel worse.
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you what was going on,” she blurted out, needing to apologize again. “And that I lied about my wrist.”
He gave her a firm look. “You know how I felt about lies.”
She nodded miserably. “I know.”
“And I hate knowing that I had no idea of what you went through. Of how bad things were for you. Keeping something that big from me, it can’t happen again, Marisol.”
“It won’t.”
“I also know that we haven’t known each other long and that trust can take time. So I’m not mad at you, Mari-girl. Okay? Just a bit disappointed.”
Jeez. She thought that might be worse. In fact, she was sure it was. What could she do to make things better?
You could ask him to punish you.
Okay, that might be taking things a step too far. She wasn’t even sure that he wanted her anymore. Or that he wanted that sort of a relationship. Even though he’d asked her whether she read books with BDSM in them, he’d never said that he was into it. Or really mentioned it again.
She forced herself to eat some more. “I’m just not used to relying on other people. For anything. We moved around so much that I never put down roots anywhere. I was always the hanger-on. The extra. The poor relative. To be pitied and picked-on at school. Ignored or yelled at when at home. Nobody stuck around. None of my aunt’s husbands or boyfriends, except for Saber. None of our staff. The only person I can ever remember caring about me was Harry. And Ana.”
“Harry was your aunt’s ex? The guy who took you on your only picnic?”
“Yeah. He was kind to me. I was devastated when he kicked Rosalind out. I begged her to let me stay with him. She told me that I was the reason he was divorcing her. That I was too needy and annoying and that he couldn’t be bothered with me anymore.”
“What the fuck?” he snapped. “Sorry for my language.”
That was so cute.
“I’m not sure if she was telling the truth. She likely said it to shut me up or hurt me. But I can’t help thinking that if he’d cared for me at all, he would have tried to see me again. Or contact me.” She shrugged, trying to play off the pain. But it was still there. Even after all these years.
“Maybe she wouldn’t let him.” He reached across the table and took hold of her hand. She’d eaten as much as she could. “That sounds like the sort of thing she’d do.”
“Yeah, you’re likely right. I’m used to people leaving me, Linc. Or being forced to leave them. People don’t want to stick around.”
“Look at me, Marisol.”
She stared into his intense gaze. “I’m not going anywhere. I brought you back here with me because I care about you. My feelings for you haven’t changed. I still want a relationship with you.”
“You do? You still
want me?”
“Yes,” he said firmly. “I’m attracted to you. I want you. I think you’re gorgeous, smart, funny and kind. I can’t get too upset with you for holding back because I’ve been doing the same. I haven’t been upfront about exactly who I am and what sort of relationship I want.”
She frowned at that. “Did you lie to me?”
He shook his head. “I never lied. I was just waiting to see if there were signs you wanted this sort of relationship too. And I think you do. But that talk can wait a bit until you’re settled in. Besides, I don’t have the time right now. But I need you to trust me enough to let me protect you.”
“I do trust you,” she said. “That’s not why I never said anything about Tiger. I just wanted to protect you.”
“Which is sweet. But remember I’m an old-fashioned guy. I protect you. I have the means to protect you. But to do that, I need you to open up with me. Right. I’ve got to get back to work. Your phone is dead, right?”
“Yes, I don’t have the charger. I don’t think I should use it anyway. It’s my aunt’s old phone and she still pays the bill. She might be able to track it. Should I contact her? Let her know that I’m safe?”
“I suppose that’s up to you. But I want to be here when you call her. Why don’t you take some time to think about it today?”
“Yeah, okay.” Even though her relationship with her aunt wasn’t great, she felt like maybe she owed it to her to let her know she was safe.
Then again, she had told her to give Tiger whatever he wanted. So maybe she owed her nothing. And it wasn’t like she would report her missing. Rosalind hated the police.
“Help yourself to anything you want while I’m gone. Call me if you need me. I’ll write down my phone number. I’d also like that list you were going to write me about anything I need to watch out for with your diabetes and what to do. I’ve done a bit of research already, but there might be something I’ve missed. I’ll check on you throughout the day. Let’s get you settled on the sofa with the TV remote. Today, you’re doing nothing but resting and taking care of yourself. Understand me?”
So bossy.
“Okay,” she whispered.
“That’s my good girl.”
She set the mop aside and looked down at the clean floors with satisfaction. She’d sat and watched TV for about an hour before she’d started to get antsy. She wasn’t used to sitting around for long periods of time. Well, not unless she’d lost herself in a good book. Then the whole day could go by with her barely noticing.
She also felt guilty that she was relaxing while Linc was out working. With all that he was doing for her, the least she could do was clean his house. Not that it needed much cleaning. The man was very tidy.
He even kept lists for God’s sake. There was a to-do list on his fridge as well as a shopping list.
Now, if only she could manage to make something for dinner. But her cooking skills were non-existent.
A knock on the door had her frowning, her heart racing. Mierda! Linc hadn’t told her what to do if someone came to the door. Surely, if he’d been expecting someone, he would have told her. He’d already called her to check on her.
Another knock. It couldn’t be Tiger, anyway. He wouldn’t knock. But was it a good idea for anyone to know she was here? Was Linc telling people? Shit. Why hadn’t she asked any of this stuff?
Knock. Knock. Crap. She was just going to answer it. Racing to the door, she took a deep breath then opened it carefully.
To find Abby standing on the other side, a smile on her face and a large casserole dish by her feet. Mari’s eyes widened. “Abby?”
“Marisol! I was starting to wonder if you were here. I mean, Kent said you were and I didn’t think you could go anywhere. Unless you went down to the stables, I guess. Or for a walk.”
Marisol just stared at her.
“Urgh, I’m sorry. I’m babbling. Kent told me you were staying with Linc, so I thought I’d do the neighborly thing and bring you some shepherd’s pie.” She crouched down and picked up the dish.
“Shepherd’s pie?”
“Yes. Oh no, you do like it, don’t you? You’re not vegetarian? Oh no, you’re vegetarian and I brought you meat. Shoot. I knew I should have gone for cookies. Everyone likes cookies.”
“Actually, I’m not a vegetarian so shepherd’s pie is great.”
“So I did good?” Abby’s face filled with relief.
“Would you like to come in?” It felt a bit awkward to invite someone else into Linc’s house but she couldn’t leave her standing out there after she’d brought over food.
“Oh yes. I can’t stay long, though. I just told Kent I was going to bring this down and come straight home. He’s in a meeting so I have a few minutes to spare. But if my butt isn’t home and lying down within the next forty minutes, I’m in trouble.”
Abby followed Marisol through the house into the kitchen. She set the casserole dish on the counter with a sigh.
“Trouble?” Marisol questioned worriedly.
“Yes. Kent’s very protective. All the men on the ranch are. He thinks I exhausted myself helping with the wedding and now I’m supposed to take afternoon naps until my energy is back. He’s worried about me.”
“Oh. That’s actually quite sweet.”
“Isn’t it?” Abby said with a sigh. “I mean, sometimes his overprotectiveness will make you want to slap him with a wet sock in the face while he’s sleeping, but mostly it just makes me all gooey inside.”
Marisol grinned. She got it.
“Of course, you’ll find that out for yourself now that you’re living with Linc. He’s just as bad as the rest of them.” Abby gave her an interested look.
Marisol found herself blushing. “It’s not like that. I’m staying here because Linc is protecting me. There’s this asshole who thinks I’m his. We’re not sure whether he’s going to try and find me.”
“Oh, Marisol.” Abby came forward and to her shock, took Marisol’s hand in hers. “I’m so sorry you’re going through that.”
Her too. It kept coming back to her during the day, catching her by surprise, the memory of his threatening her, strangling her had threatened to make her panic. She’d reached for the phone so many times to call Linc then pulled back.
He was working. She shouldn’t bother him.
That was part of the reason she’d taken to cleaning the house as well, to keep her mind busy.
“I’m glad you’re here then. Kent didn’t have time to tell me much of what was going on. He just said that you were here, and that I wasn’t to say anything to anyone off the ranch. Which I wouldn’t. Kent and his guys are the best in the business. And I know Linc will take good care of you.”
“He already is.”
Abby looked around, obviously spotting the mop. “You’ve been cleaning? Was it a mess in here? Do you need a hand with anything?”
“Oh no. It was actually rather tidy. I just thought I’d make myself useful and clean. Linc wanted me to rest, but I can’t sit around all day.”
“Uh-oh.”
“Uh-oh, what?”
“Well, these guys can be rather alpha. They like to be in control. If he said to rest then that’s what he expects you to do. Just like I’m supposed to be in bed right now. I best go. But Marisol, I’m glad you’re here and that Linc’s keeping you safe. If you need anything, call me. Bye!”
She watched with a smile as Abby left as quickly as she arrived. Coming here might have been the best thing to ever happen to her.
17
Exhaustion filled him as he pulled up outside his cabin later that night.
He’d worked hard today in order to get enough work done so he could take tomorrow off to spend with Marisol. He hadn’t liked leaving her on her own today. He called her a few times on the house phone.
They had a few things they needed to deal with. Her lack of clothing. Her health. He wanted to take her to see Doc. He was prepared to help get her whatever she required to make it ea
sier to manage her diabetes.
Thankfully, he’d managed to get some things for her today. Climbing from his truck, he reached into the back and dragged out the few bags he had stashed in there.
Linc thought he was starting to understand Marisol better. She’d never had someone she could rely on for any length of time. Her aunt might have been around, but she was verbally abusive. Neglectful. Marisol had been moved from place to place. Being somewhat introverted, that must have been so hard for her. The one person she’d formed an attachment to, she’d been made to leave and had never seen or heard from again. It was no wonder she didn’t trust that he’d stick around. Or that he’d want her to stay with him.
But he was prepared to do whatever was necessary in order to make her feel more secure. She’d spent most of her life tiptoeing around her aunt, that she’d never had a chance to be a child. To be carefree.
He wondered how she would feel if he offered her a way to just be, without all the stress, the fear. To have him take all that on so she could damn well relax.
To him, that was the ultimate. For her to trust him enough to give him complete control.
Walking inside, the smell of food hit him, making his stomach rumble. He frowned. Hadn’t she said she couldn’t cook? He’d been intending to make something quick for dinner. He hoped that she hadn’t been working hard all afternoon when he’d wanted her to rest.
Strolling into the kitchen, he saw her crouched in front of the oven, peering into the window.
“Mari-girl? Everything okay?”
She let out a screech and fell on her bottom.
“Oh, baby. Are you okay?” He dropped the bags in his hands and leapt forward, helping her stand. Tears had filled her eyes and he felt like a complete ass.
“Jesus, I deserve my butt whipped for that. I thought you would have heard me come in the door. I didn’t mean to frighten you. Is your bottom sore?”
Holding her to his chest with one arm around her lower back, he rubbed her bottom gently, hearing her moan. She sagged against him and her moans turned to whimpers. Noises that were filled with need.
Liked that, did she?
Daddy in Cowboy Boots (Montana Daddies Book 9) Page 15
