By the time I finally release the water from the tub, the bubbles are miraculously gone. Cannon was right. And I’m pleased they didn’t run over the side of the tub to make a mess of the floor.
I step out of the tub and grab one of the towels from the rack. It’s shockingly heavy, partly because it’s so much bigger than the towel I was assigned for the last four years, but also because it’s of a far higher quality.
It’s so soft. I rub it against my face, feeling like a princess. When I’m dry and have squeezed as much water out of my hair as possible, I open one of the drawers to find a new toothbrush, toothpaste, a comb, a brush, deodorant, and face lotion.
I’m in heaven as I use all the products, including brushing my teeth for a long time and combing through my hair until it’s partially dry.
I’m naked, so I put the towel back around my body before I enter the bedroom. The door to the room is closed, thank goodness, but I don’t know whether Cannon will come in unannounced or not, so I hurry over to the drawers to find clothes.
I look through everything before deciding on leggings, a pink T-shirt, and the prettiest silk panties I’ve ever touched. Also pink. Whoever shopped for me picked out a lot of pink things.
There’s a sports bra, but I leave it. I’ve been wearing a bra I picked up at a thrift store for the past few months, but it doesn’t fit right and is threadbare. I’m underweight, and my boobs are not that big anyway. Before I took off on my own, I hadn’t worn a bra for over three years. The straps felt annoying the first time I put one on, but I did it every day because no matter where I found work, going without a bra wasn’t an option.
I’m not sure how I feel about stepping out of the room without one. Cannon looked through the drawer. He must have noticed there were no real bras, and it’s not surprising. How could a stranger have guessed my size?
Surely he won’t mind. If he says anything, I’ll put on the sports bra. I could grab the one I was wearing, but the idea of touching that nasty thing makes me wince. I don’t ever want to see any of those clothes again.
I take a deep breath to fortify myself and step out of the room.
Chapter Nine
Cannon
* * *
My breath hitches when Eloise pads into the kitchen. She looks ten times better now that she’s had a bath and is wearing clean clothes. Her skin is so soft and clear. She isn’t wearing makeup, but I get the feeling she hasn’t worn any for a while. She doesn’t need it.
Her hair is damp and hangs much longer down her back, the weight of the water pulling the heavy curls. Ringlets around her face create a halo, making her look like the angel I’ve been calling her.
In a word, she’s stunning. It’s hard to look away from her, but I try not to react because the last time I did, she obviously didn’t care for my ogling. I don’t think she enjoys the fact that she’s so pretty.
I smile. “How was the bath?”
“Amazing. Thank you. I can’t…thank you enough for letting me stay here. I promise I’ll get out of your hair soon. Maybe you know someone who’s looking for a waitress or housekeeper?” She looks around. “You obviously already have a cleaning lady, but I can do it while I’m here. I can also cook if you want. I’m not a great cook, but I can make simple things.”
I approach her, crossing the kitchen to get closer. “You’re my guest, Little one. You won’t be cooking or cleaning.” I want to touch her. I’m drawn to her. I want to stroke her hair or caress her cheek, but I resist. Instead, I tuck my fingertips in the front of my jeans pockets.
While she was in the bathroom, I took a quick shower and changed into blue jeans and a white T-shirt.
“I can’t just stay here and not do anything to repay you,” she says. I’m not surprised. She doesn’t strike me as the type who would be comfortable feeling like she’s mooching off anyone.
“You can, Little one. I insist you do. You need to focus on eating and getting enough sleep. When you’re feeling better, we can talk about what interests you and what you’d like to do next.”
She gapes at me. “I can’t do that. I’m taking advantage of you.”
“No, you’re not, angel. You’re a breath of fresh air. Do you know how boring it is around here? Now a floral-scented angel is going to flutter around the apartment, brightening it up.”
She stares at me for a moment before glancing down and crossing her arms over her chest. “I, uh. There wasn’t a bra, and I…”
“Yeah. I had no idea what size you might be. I could guess about clothes, but not bras. Are you uncomfortable without one? We can order some right now so they’ll be here soon if you want.”
She lifts her gaze and bites her lip before finally surprising me. “I hate them.”
I chuckle. “No bras, then.”
“You don’t mind?”
I frown. “Why would I mind?”
