He’d told her he would take care of her.
This time she saw him come back out of the house and walk to her side of the truck. He opened the door and in his arms was a thick blanket. “Gonna wrap you up in this and carry you in, sweet girl so you don’t get so cold.”
And that’s when she knew what her answer would be.
“I’ll do it.”
“What?” he asked as he reached across her to undo her seatbelt.
“I want to try what you said. I want to let my Little side out. I don’t want to think or worry or stress. I’m just, I’m not sure how to do that.”
“Leave that to me. I have an idea.”
KENT GLANCED OVER AT where Abby lay on the sofa in front of the crackling fire. She had a blanket over her. He slid the grilled cheese onto a child’s bamboo plate that had a picture of a monkey on it. The matching cup was filled with water, knowing how she felt about milk. He’d cut the grilled cheese into quarters already. He slid his own sandwich onto another plate and grabbed a beer from the fridge.
Then he juggled everything as he carried it into the living room. He had yet to expand on his idea to help her Little side take over. First, he wanted to feed her. Besides, this might help some.
When he reached the couch, he could see that she was half-asleep. Her cheeks now had a bit of color in them. Her eyes were sleepy as she gazed up at him.
“Oh hey, you didn’t have to go to any bother,” she said.
“No bother, it’s just grilled cheese but I thought comfort food might be good after a day like you’ve had. I’m afraid it’s about the extent of my culinary skills, besides working a grill that is.”
She smiled as she sat. “I like to cook. It was just never really worth it for one person.”
She ran her fingers through her hair which had slid free of the ponytail she’d had it tied up in. It lay in soft curls around her face. The scent of strawberry wafted out to him as he placed the plates down then settled in next to her. He grabbed her plate. She studied it curiously.
“Is that a monkey?”
“Yep. I thought it was cute.”
Her grin widened. “It is.”
He picked up one quarter of her sandwich and blew on it. Her eyes widened as she watched him. He brought it to his lips...as though he was testing the temperature. Then he handed it to her. “Perfect temperature, little one.”
She took the piece of sandwich in awe of what had just happened. She couldn’t remember anyone checking the temperature her food for her before she ate it. She had a bite, even though she wasn’t really that hungry. In fact, she felt a bit nauseous. He was right, though, it was the perfect temperature and as she ate her stomach settled. When she was ready, she reached for the plate which he’d put on the coffee table.
“Uh-uh, let me.” He grabbed it, going through the same ritual. By the time the sandwich was eaten, she was feeling full, sleepy, content and completely cared for.
She leaned back with a yawn. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, sweet girl.” He stood and gathered up the plates, handing her the cup of water. “I want you to drink all that, okay?”
She nodded and drank it down thirstily.
“Now, do you want a bath before bed?” he asked.
“Actually, I’m so tired I think I’d just fall asleep in it,” she told him.
“Can’t have that,” he said firmly. Then he reached out a hand to her.
She was so tired that she knew she should go to bed and yet she also didn’t want to be by herself.
“Could we watch television for a while?”
He shook his head. “You’re exhausted. You need your sleep. Don’t worry, I’ve got some ideas to get you to relax. Come with me.”
She took hold of his hand and he led her to a staircase. “Your house is gorgeous.”