“Figure that was gonna happen.You’ve got the next week off, Kreed.Don’t wanna see you at the garage.Dad and Tank were gonna stop in.They can help us deal with everythin’,” Reckless says as he stands and walks over to take his daughter in his arms.“She’ll be wakin’ up soon and I’ll need to get her to the bathroom.She’s almost completely potty trained now.”
“That’s great news!I’m so proud of her,” I say as I hand over the little girl to her daddy.
For the rest of the day, I hang out in the common room with everyone.The need to run away and disappear never once shows as I join in on conversations and try not to be as socially awkward as I feel.This is something I have to work on and I could only do so much on the ranch.It’s just something I’m going to have to learn as I find myself in each new situation.The entire club eats dinner together in the common room and music plays as we all talk and laugh.No one really asks me too much about my time away and I’m thankful for that.It’s not long before I’m ready for bed though.I’ve had a huge day and Kreed can tell.He takes me out of the clubhouse after we say goodbye to everyone and we head to the house I knew he had on the compound.It’s the first time I’m seeing it and I can’t wait.
Chapter Eighteen
Link
WALKING IN MY house, I try to envision it as Annistyn would.The porch has a swing and rocking chairs along the short length with a small table because Roger told me she loved to sit out there at night and watch the sun set.Usually she’d have a bottle of water with her, but every now and then she’d drink an orange soda or hot tea.Annistyn doesn’t drink coffee and won’t even try it.I have a feeling there’s a reason for it, but she’ll tell me when she’s ready.I wasn’t lying when I said everything is on her pace and timeline.Anyway, the front door opens to a foyer where a coat rack and bench for shoes sits.There’s a plaque for keys because Annistyn doesn’t drive yet, but I’ll be teaching her at some point.If she wants to learn that is.Everything on the first floor is an open floorplan so we can see each room and communicate if we’re cooking or watching a movie.The only room that isn’t included in the open floorplan is my office.
“To the left is my office.Everythin’ else is open and spacious.I’ve got the kitchen stocked with everythin’ Roger said you seem to like.There’s soda and water in the refrigerator and snacks fill the pantry.You can go in my office anytime you like.I’m not hidin’ anythin’ in there.Downstairs is a space for you.The main room is set up as a game room with a pool table, dart board, small bar, and a TV.I’ve been debatin’ addin’ an air hockey table.It’s somethin’ we can talk about.The other half of the space has been closed off and set up as a work room for you.There’s a desk, computer, printer, and anythin’ else you might need for your photography,” I tell her not sure if she wants a full tour of the house tonight since I can see how exhausted she is.
“This is really nice, Kreed.Everything blends in together and I love that if one of us is in the kitchen we can still talk to one another without yelling or anything like that.I’ve been working on some new recipes while on the ranch.Roger let me cook whenever I wanted to and seemed to enjoy the food I made unless he was lying to me,” she says, her smile getting larger as I laugh at her words.
“I doubt he’d lie to you about your food, Pixie.You want to see where your room is?”I ask her because she’s yawning and can’t hide it.
“Please.I’m ready for a hot shower and bed,” she admits as I lift the bags in my hands higher and lead her to the stairs that are between the kitchen and dining room.
“Up here, there are six bedrooms.The master is at the end of the hallway with three bedrooms on one side and two across the hall.The third door on the left is a bathroom.Three of the rooms have their own bathroom and the other three will have to share.There’s also a bathroom down here and a laundry room.They’re by my office over there,” I tell her, pointing out to the right of the house where the rooms are.
Annistyn follows me upstairs and I take her to the room right next to mine.It’s almost as large as the master bedroom with a private bathroom and walk-in closet.I thought she’d be the most comfortable in this room.I’ll also be able to hear her if she has a nightmare or something during the night.Roger did tell me she’s not having nightmares as often as she was, but they do still happen occasionally when she’s really tired or has had a bad day.The thought of her getting a full night of rest makes me happy because it’s what she’s needed for so damn long and she’s finally getting it.
I set the bags on the end of the bed and move to the closet of the room.Opening the door, Annistyn looks in to find it almost completely full of the clothes I’ve been buying her over the last month based on what Roger told me she seemed to like.There’s everything from long summer dresses to jeans, shorts, tee-shirts, and hoodies.Half of the hoodies are mine because Annistyn always seems to find them and wear them.I don’t mind her wearing my clothes at all.I’ve also got a few of my tee-shirts in one of the dresser drawers because she did sleep in them from time to time.
“What’s all of this?”she asks, looking between the clothes and me.
“I didn’t want you to come home to an empty room.I’ve been buyin’ you new clothes for the last month or so.If you don’t like anythin’, you don’t have to wear it,” I explain to her as I point out a few things.
“Are those your hoodies?”she asks, laughter filling her voice as she reaches out to touch one of them.
“They are.You were always stealin’ them before you left so I just put them in here when I moved more of my stuff in here from the room in the clubhouse.Out here is the dresser and there’s more clothes in here.I’m not gonna lie and say I didn’t buy you panties and bras, because I did.Also put a few things in there I saw and thought you would look amazin’ in.You don’t have to use any of it,” I tell her, knowing the lingerie might be a bit too much for her at this point.
Annistyn’s face turns red with the blush covering her cheeks and neck as I reach out and run my finger down her cheek.She doesn’t shy away from me at my blatant touch because I can’t get enough of her.
“Thank you, Kreed.You didn’t have to do all of this,” she says as we move and she closes the closet door.
