His Little Pumpkin, page 3
I shuffle to the bedroom in just a towel, then throw on pajama pants and an old t-shirt before going out to find Laura. She has her hair tied up in a messy bun on top of her head, which looks beautifully tousled and sexy.
“How was your bath?” Her eyes are so bright and hopeful that even if I’d hated every minute of it, I would never in a million years tell her.
“Honestly? I feel completely invigorated. Like my busy day went down the drain with the water. Great idea.”
I sit beside her on the couch, noticing her laptop is open on the coffee table. “Dinner was amazing,” she says. “Thank you so much.”
“Anything for you.” My hand gravitates to her knee, giving it a gentle squeeze. “How is your work going? Did you have some English meeting things today?”
Laura grins. “Yes. And they went really well.” Her smile falters. “The only problem with that program is that they take about a month and a half to pay.”
“What about the one that was supposed to pay you the other day?”
Her bottom lip wobbles. “Still hasn’t come through.”
Part of me wants to put my fist through a wall at the thought of some jackass not paying Laura on time. “Well, I’m glad you’re here with me. Safe, warm, and well fed.”
“Yeah. Thank you again for everything.”
“And thank you.” I look around the room. “You’ve done more of that…cleaning, arranging, making-it-all-look-better thing.”
She giggles sweetly, drawing my attention to her perfect rose lips. “I’ve never had a place where I felt I had free rein to rearrange things. It feels good.”
“Good.” My gaze flicks to the large clock in the dining room. “Tomorrow is my big baking day, so I need to go in extra early.” I reach out and take her hand, threading her fingers through mine. “Shall I tuck you into bed?”
Her eyes light up.
I don’t want Laura to think for one moment that she owes me anything for the food and shelter. I’m caring for her because it’s the right thing to do, and because she needs someone in this world to keep her safe. But it’s clear that Laura wants me as much as I want her. At the same time, I’m not sure how fast these kinds of things usually progress.
We walk hand-in-hand the short distance down the hallway to the guest room. I notice that she has the pillow wedged in the far corner of the foldout couch. “You don’t center the pillow?” I ask. “Is this some new design thing you saw on online?”
She laughs lightly, sitting on the edge of the bed. Then she pats a certain spot. “There’s a metal bar right here. If I sleep diagonally, I don’t get it right in the spine.”
My hand skims along the noticeable protrusion. “Why didn’t you say anything?”
“Are you kidding?” she says. “This is still one of the most comfortable places I’ve slept in years.”
Another wave of rage with no target lashes through me. How could this precious girl not be comfortable?
“I’m truly sorry – I had no idea. I’ve never slept on this.” I study her eyes. “There’s also the big couch in the living room, if you like. Or… My bed is pretty big. It’s a new mattress, with one of those…what do you call ’em.…sponge top things that you sink into just the right amount.”
Laura’s tongue flicks across her bottom lip so fast I almost don’t catch it. But my body notices, sending blood surging south as I realize how much I want her nestled against me all night.
“I know you need your rest,” she says softly. “But I would feel very safe if I were sleeping next to you.”
In half a blink, I’ve scooped her into my arms, carrying her to the next room.
Somehow, I’m going to sleep with Laura without actually sleeping with her. I need this precious girl to know I want her for her. Not just for…that.
I swallow hard.
As for “that”…
I hope it’s just a matter of time.
6
LAURA
I’m not sure if I actually sleep, or simply float on a cloud of happiness most of the night.
Inside the circle of Eldon’s arms, I feel incredibly protected. Like I’ll never have to worry about anything ever again.
At some point, I do doze off, then wake with a start as a sliver of daylight flickers across my nose.
“Good morning, pumpkin. Did you know your breathing is soft and smooth as a kitten’s when you’re asleep?” Eldon murmurs in my ear, then kisses my shoulder.
“Good morning,” I murmur back sleepily.
“Hey, I forgot to tell you something. Boss asked if you needed a job. He said that if you were desperate, he could probably hire you as part-time kitchen help for a few weeks, if you wanted.”
“Wow.” My heart is in my throat. “That’s so kind of him.”
“I told him that you’re probably okay for now and that I’d take care of anything you need. If you feel like helping me now and then just for fun, that would be great too. But if you suddenly want more money, or your freelance stuff still doesn’t pay you on time, that’s another option. It’s completely up to you.”
“Please tell him thank you.” I turn around to meet Eldon’s eyes. “And I really appreciate that you’ve been taking such good care of me. I don’t…I mean… I’m not the kind to ever ask for help. So this is kind of…” I close my eyes, unable to stand the intensity in his gaze. “Awkward for me, you know? Like, I don’t want to be a burden.”
“Oh, pumpkin… I wish you wouldn’t feel like that.” Eldon holds me close, tucking me against his chest and stroking my back. “Although I get it. When I was just starting out in the world, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. Ended up in the military for a few years, which taught me that I’m wired to work hard for a living. It’s part of who I am.”
His deep voice is so soothing. “When I came back, some of my family reminded me that they would pay for any schooling I wanted. You can’t say no to an offer like that, so I did a year at culinary school, then worked at a couple of ranches as…” He chuckles. “Well, in a restaurant it would be called a sous chef. On a ranch, it’s an assistant cook.”
His palm strokes all the way down my back, then circles my hip. “What I’m trying to say is, we all need help sometimes. I had it from my family, and I hate that isn’t an option for you. I also had it from everyone who took me on as an assistant so I could learn, and from Boss when he hired me for this job. Now I have just the right balance between being a total grumpy loner out in the middle of nowhere and having a circle of ranch hand friends.”
“I don’t think you’re grumpy.”
Eldon grumbles a bit before sitting up. “I used to be especially grouchy in the mornings when I didn’t have you to wake up to. Now I smile before noon. But I’m sorry – I really do have to get going now.”
“Okay.” I run my fingers through my hair, assuming it’s a tangled disaster. “Hey, could I do laundry again this morning? I can wash anything you need while I’m at it maybe?”
Eldon pauses mid-stretch, then looks back and forth between me, my backpack on the floor, and my small, tidy pile of clothing on top of his dresser. “Dammit. I didn’t even think. You probably only have…what, two changes of clothes?”
“Four. But I want to keep everything super clean if I’m going to be in your kitchen. I have a bit more, but it’s all at my family’s old storage locker.”
There’s a flash of anger in his dark eyes before he snaps them closed for a moment before speaking. “You work here this morning, pumpkin. I’ll bring you some lunch around one. Then we’ll go into town to buy you a new wardrobe. Whatever you want.”
“I can’t let you—”
He tips my chin up with his finger and fixes me with a look. “I have savings. A great job. I own my home outright. I come from a family that sets everyone up quite well, as long as you prove you’re a hard worker and doing some good in the world. So not only am I going to pay that forward to you, I’m going to go spend some money at the ladies’ clothing stores in town.” He shrugs. “I like supporting all the local businesses, but I’ve never had an excuse to even walk into those. So we’ll have a little adventure. Okay?”
Before I can try to speak, Eldon wraps me in his arms again, rocking me gently. “I want you to tell me every time you need something, my sweet little pumpkin. No matter what it is. You’re going to have to tell me if I’m overstepping, or if anything is too weird for you. But a basic thing like a week’s worth of clothes is something I really need to take care of for you.”
He kisses the tip of my nose, then jumps out of bed and pulls on his jeans. When he turns around to grab a t-shirt from the closet, he pauses, looking down at the laundry basket at the bottom. “Although… If you’re not too busy with your freelance stuff, maybe you could run this load, and all the towels?”
“Done.”
I know that he only asked so that I can feel like I’m earning my keep, but I think that’s extremely thoughtful. I love that we’re already learning how to navigate each other’s wants and needs, and communication styles.
Honestly, if I were tracking all this for some sort of report, it feels like we have the foundation for a real relationship.
Of course, my luck would never be that good. Still, that glimmer of hope, combined with the luscious view of his back as he pulls on the t-shirt, fills me with joy.
7
ELDON
Idon’t often feel awkward, but going into the store where Laura’s going to buy underwear makes me a little itchy around the collar. I’ll…wait outside. Yeah.
“Here.” I shift all our shopping bags to my left hand and thumb my debit card out of my wallet. “Use the checking account. The code is the last four digits of my phone number.”
Laura stares up at me in disbelief. “Buy whatever girly things you need,” I add. “Actually…no. Buy double what you need. Triple.” I lift my eyebrow rakishly. “That would make me very happy.”
She takes my card, then her hand flutters up near her throat. “I can’t believe you trust me with this.”
Smiling, I lean down to kiss her forehead. “I wouldn’t have let you into my home if I didn’t trust you, pumpkin.” My free hand skims around her hip, then up to tickle her ribs for a split second.
Her beautiful eyes glow. “Thank you,” she whispers, then disappears into the store.
I haul the first round of shopping back to the truck, dropping the bags in the back seat. Then I spot the office supply store just a block away.
Five minutes later, I text Laura.
For work-related things, do you prefer black, charcoal, navy blue, or dark forest green?
Laura: Any shade of green. Why?
No reason. Meet you at the truck in a bit.
Twenty-five minutes later, I help Laura stash her bags in the back before giving her a sizzling hot kiss. It’s far too intense to be appropriate for a public street, but it takes me a full minute to drag myself away.
As we step apart, she looks over my shoulder, then hers.
“If you think I’m going to be shy about kissing you, you’re very, very wrong,” I murmur, skimming my lips over her hair. “I want everyone in town to know how much I want you.” I return her grin, then take her hand to help her into the truck.
Once we’re driving, she asks, “So…green? What’s up with that?”
“You’ll see.”
Her bottom lip sticks out, then she giggles. “Fine. If it’s something interesting, I might let you see the red panties I just bought.”
“Woman, you can’t say things like that. I’m liable to hit the gas so I can get us home in ten seconds. You don’t want whiplash, do you?”
Her laugh is sweet and airy. Delicate, like everything else about her. There’s a grace about her every movement. Honestly, she’s the dream girl I’ve always hoped for.
Buying her all that clothing, especially the warm winter coat, sent a deep wave of satisfaction surging through my soul. I’ve never thought of myself as a provider before, but I guess with the right person I am…and wow, do I like it.
Back at the house, I unload the bags, setting her clothing in the bedroom and the office supplies bag on the dining room table. “If we only eat at this end,” I say, “the other end can be your designated work zone. Does that work?”
I pull out a thick leather desk mat, some pens in various shades of green ink, a cup to put them in, and some floral sticky notes.
Laura’s hand is fluttering over her mouth. “Oh! Thank you. The mat’s a good idea. It’ll protect the wood—”
I try to stop my frown before it sets in. “That’s not the point. Laptops slip around on wood. It’s harder to work. Plus, I want you to have your own space here, and—”
The air goes out of me in a whoosh as Laura tackles me in a bear hug, squeezing me tight. From the way her shoulders are shaking, then suddenly stop, I feel like she’s trying not to cry.
Holding her snugly against me, I just rub her back gently, waiting. If she wants to show me her tears, that’s fine. If she wants to keep them to herself for now, that’s fine too.
There are definitely going to be some growing pains as she settles in here, especially given the strange circumstances. All I can do is try to be patient, listen to her, and let her know in every way I can that I truly want her.
8
LAURA
Since it’s Eldon’s half day off, we make dinner together in his well-stocked kitchen at home. Even though I can tell he’s been a bit of a grump by nature and circumstance, we laugh together all the time while we’re cooking, and truly listen to each other over our long, detailed conversation later as we eat. I feel like I’ve known him way longer than less than a week, that’s for sure.
I still can’t believe that he insisted on buying me all that clothing, plus created my own workspace at his dining room table. It feels important - like he’s telling me without words that he wants me to stick around.
Of course I want to stick around. What girl wouldn’t? Although it feels too good to be true. After being pushed aside and shuffled around my entire life, it’s hard to imagine someone actually choosing me, and wanting me to stay forever.
After dinner, we curl up and watch a spy movie set in Vienna. I think Eldon likes it for the chase scenes. Me, I enjoy the gorgeous cinematography.
The second the credits roll, his thick arm tightens around me. “I didn’t want to interrupt while you were busy staring at the scenery, but…” He clicks the TV off, then turns toward me with a strange look in his eyes. “Laura, I want to make something crystal clear.”
He seems so serious that I wonder if something is wrong. I can’t imagine what, though.
“You can stay here as long as you like, and I will do everything in my power to make you happy and comfortable. But I don’t want you to think for one second that you owe me anything in return, including…” He clears his throat. “You know. Physical affection.” His eyes drop to our joined hands. “I can’t stomach the thought of you doing anything you don’t want to, or might not be ready for.”
It’s hard to suppress my smile at how serious he’s being. How could I possibly explain that Eldon is the sexiest man I’ve ever seen, and I want him to touch me all over?
Maybe this is something that I should spend time thinking about. A few weeks ago, if I were lucky enough to have met someone, I would have wanted to date for at least a month or two to know that I could trust him. But Eldon and I have slept together, and no clothing came off, so I know I can trust him completely.
Oh, who am I kidding. When I first looked into his eyes, I knew in my bones I could trust him.
“I’ve been on the pill for six months,” I murmur. “I was intending to go to college this fall. So as a precaution, I thought…even though I haven’t needed to…yet…” I squeeze his hands, and his eyes lift to mine. “What I’m trying to say is, I’m ready for anything. Everything is just different with you.”
There’s a fire in his eyes that sends prickles of heat down my spine. “This is something special, pumpkin. I really don’t want to rush things. I’m glad we’re on the same page, though.”
He stands, taking my hand as we walk to the bedroom. It strikes me again how different we are. He’s tall and thickly muscled. Solid like a tree. I’m soft and round and…not exactly fragile, but certainly not as strong as him. Yet he’s always so gentle and careful with me. Somehow, that makes me feel stronger.
“You still need plenty of rest.” Eldon’s voice is thick with desire. “I think I should put you to bed so you get lots of sleep.”
His hands circle my waist, gripping the bottom of my t-shirt. When I nod, he pulls it up over my outstretched arms. His breath catches as he stares down at my dark green bra. “Gorgeous,” he mutters.
He hooks his thumbs into my yoga pants. When I nod again, instead of pulling them off, he kneels and hitches the waistband down just an inch before kissing a line across the skin he’s just revealed. Then he does it again and again, until he’s reached the top of my green lace panties.
It’s tough to stand still when my entire body is all buzzing from his tender exploration. “You’re pale,” his deep voice murmurs, as those thick fingers slip under the lace. His lips brush softly and gently against my skin as he slips the fabric down my left hip. “If you like, next summer we could go swimming up at the lake and get you some sun.”
My breath stutters from the pressure of his mouth, the heat of his hand caressing my ass, the way he looks up at me. There’s a smoldering fire in his eyes as he waits for me to nod again.
The jerk of my chin is quick and decisive as I silently beg for more. My legs naturally want to splay apart, but I hold them together so Eldon can slide my panties off while caressing my thighs and the back of my calves.
