Total pages in book: 248
Estimated words: 236036 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1180(@200wpm)___ 944(@250wpm)___ 787(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 236036 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1180(@200wpm)___ 944(@250wpm)___ 787(@300wpm)
He leaned against the doorframe with his arms crossed, that big, muscular body filling the space. Dark forest green eyes were fixed on Rose, soft and aching at the same time. The deep, quiet sadness in his expression made Sage’s breath catch.
Their eyes met for a moment, and her heart skittered. She could spend days watching the different shades of green dance in his eyes. Grady cleared his throat and straightened, the soft look vanishing behind his usual stern mask.
“Need anything before I go?” he asked.
Jeez! A girl could get whiplash from the speed his moods changed. Maybe he needed to sit down and color with them. She thought about suggesting it, but instead, shook her head, offering him a small smile. “No, Sir, we’re good.”
Grady’s gaze flicked to the pile of pillows, then back to her. For a second, she thought he might join them. But no. With a single shake of his head, he muttered, “I got work to do.”
Sage watched him go, her heart breaking and her fingers tightening around a pillow. That look in his eyes lingered in her mind. Ever since their time in the barn a few days ago, he had been much more standoffish toward her. The incident at the Broken Bridle Saloon had given her hope that would change, but she’d been wrong.
As much as she would love to chase after him and comfort him, she needed to stay with Rose. For now, her silent charge needed her more.
He was carrying so much. Her chest ached with her want to wave a magic wand and fix everything. If only he’d allow her to bear some of that load. If not for him, at least with him.
Rose tugged on her sleeve, pulling her back to the present. Sage forced a bright smile and dropped back down into the Pillow Palace.
“Come on, Princess Coral,” she said, voice full of a cheerfulness she didn’t quite feel. “Let’s finish making our castle the most magical place in all of Wyoming!”
Rose nodded eagerly and handed her another stuffie to guard the entrance. Sage hugged the stuffed animal close, letting the soft fur brush her cheek. At least I can make one little girl happy today, she thought. Even if I can’t figure out how to make her grumpy Daddy smile.
They spent the next hour decorating the inside of their palace with crayon drawings taped to the blanket walls and arranging the stuffies into a royal court. Sage kept sneaking glances toward the doorway. Half of her hoped Grady would come back and join them in play, while the other half was a bit ashamed of the fact she hoped he’d come back and swat her ass again. How did those two halves make sense? Don’t ask her, as she had no clue.
Every time she remembered the way his big hand had felt on her bottom—that single firm swat—her cheeks heated all over again.
Stop it, Sage, she scolded herself. He was her boss. He was Rose’s father. And most importantly, he was not her Daddy. Why was it that, no matter how many times she told herself that, her heart and her bottom refused to listen?
A soft tug on her sleeve reminded her Rose needed her attention. “Look, Rosie. I have a special gift for you.”
Rose stopped and clapped her hands in expectation.
Never had Sage seen such joy on a child’s face as she did on Rose’s when she drew the mermaid costumes out of the bag. Rosie’s joy was contagious, and before long, they were both squealing and jumping around, holding the dresses up in front of themselves and imagining how they would fit.
If only she could make Grady that happy. Putting that thought aside, she extended her hand. “Come on, Rosie. Let’s go get changed.”
Chapter Six
Half an hour later, Grady stood in the doorway of the living room, arms crossed tight over his chest. While he’d been outside checking fences, Sage had created absolute chaos. And it was fucking adorable. Damn it.
Sheets and quilts hung from every lamp, chair, and piece of furniture. It looked like a Bed, Bath & Beyond had exploded in his living room. And there were so many of Rose’s stuffed animals scattered around their Pillow Palace, he half expected them to topple the whole structure at any minute.
What, exactly, were they wearing? It took a minute, but eventually he concluded they were mermaid outfits. Rose practically danced with excitement, and damn if Sage didn’t look cute as hell.
There Sage sat, mermaid dress and all, in the middle of what he could only describe as chaos central. She was every bit as lively and animated as Rose, laughing, and looking far too right in his house. Struggling not to smile, Grady shook his head and mentally inventoried the coloring books, crayons, and schoolbooks scattered across the blanket-covered floor.