Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 79349 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79349 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
I nod, still clutching the pencil. Reaching for the notepad, I quickly write.
I’m sorry.
She shakes her head. “You have nothing to be sorry for.”
I hesitate, then write some more.
Thank you for the hug.
Her lips curve up. “I love hugging, so if you ever need one, just say the word.”
God, she’s trying so hard with me, and in some ways, she reminds me of Mr. Oliveira. Maybe it’s because they’re the only two people who’ve put in any kind of effort with me?
I think for a moment, then scribble the words down before I change my mind.
Something bad happened in my past. I can’t talk about it. Since then, I haven’t spoken much, and it’s kind of become a habit.
As Cassia reads, I continue to write.
Are you sure you want to be friends with me? I’m shy and stupidly awkward. We’re nothing alike.
A chuckle bubbles over her lips. “Opposites attract.” Her eyes soften on me, then she admits, “Maybe I see a kindred spirit in you, Jenna. I’ve been through something traumatic as well and also don’t like to talk about it, so I understand.”
I exhale a relieved breath.
I’m sorry for whatever trauma you’ve been through.
“Thank you.” She reaches for her cup of tea and takes a sip, then asks, “So what do you like to do for fun?”
The corner of my mouth lifts.
I’m addicted to K-dramas. Have you ever watched one?
Cassia shakes her head. “Which one do you recommend I start with?”
Oh my gosh. She shouldn’t have asked that.
My hand moves fast as I write down one title after the other, and it has Cassia laughing.
“How about we order in something for lunch and watch one of your shows?”
My face lights up, and I quickly reply.
We don’t have to order in. There’s so much food in the fridge. I can make us something while you relax on the couch.
“Nope. We can make lunch together. I’m not letting you do all the work.”
My eyes flit to her face, and I stare at the beautiful woman who walked into the store yesterday and completely changed my life.
Which reminds me.
Does my boss ever come home?
Cassia looks at the sentence for a moment, then says, “Not at the moment. I’m not sure what his plans are, but at some point, he will. You’ll know when he’s here.”
What is he like? Do I have to be careful around him? I can go back to my house and just come in to clean whenever he’s here.
Cassia quickly shakes her head. “No. He wants you here at all times.” When my eyebrows lift, she softens her tone. “He will never hurt you, so know that you’ll be safe with him.” She lets out a chuckle. “He actually warned me not to wake you if you were sleeping.”
My eyes widen, and I quickly write down a question.
Did you see him today?
She nods. “We work together.” Letting out a sigh, she admits, “Actually, we’re like family. There are five of us, and I’m the only woman, so it feels like I have four older brothers. One pissed me off this morning.” When I give her a questioning look, she continues, “Santiago, that’s his name, is very overprotective of everyone he loves, and because I’m pregnant, he didn’t want me…at a meeting.”
Dang, what did the meeting entail that it’s unsafe for a pregnant woman?
Maybe it’s just stressful? Yeah, that’s probably the reason.
“Anyway,” she says as she meets my eyes again, and I resist the urge to look away, “Your employer cares a lot about your well-being.”
Again, a frown forms on my forehead.
That’s weird. He doesn’t know me from a bar of soap.
Her features tense for a moment, and it makes me suspicious.
Forcing a smile to her face, she waves a hand through the air. “That’s enough about him. Let’s make lunch so you can show me your K-dramas.”
Hmm…her changing the subject only makes my wariness grow.
Shaking my head, I quickly write more.
He signed his letter E. What does it stand for?
“Enzo.”
I’ve only heard that name once, and it was from The Vampire Diaries.
Enzo who?
Cassia shakes her head. “I can’t give you more information without clearing it with him.” She gets up and walks to the fridge, opening it to look inside. “What are we going to eat?”
As I climb to my feet, she says, “Oooh, the cravings are starting early. Do you have crackers?”
I check the pantry quickly and pull out a box of lightly salted crackers.
“Those will go great with the creamy ricotta and cherries. What do you think?”
I shrug because I’ve never had it before, and I’m not so sure about mixing cherries and cheese.
Cassia places everything on the island and begins to smear the cream cheese over the crackers, while I grab a butter knife and start helping.
She takes the pits out of the cherries, and when her fingertips stain red, I quickly wave my hand for her to stop so I can take over. I don’t want her ruining her pretty nails, which have an artful design painted on them. It probably cost her a lot and took hours to get them done like that.