“Thanks, man,” Jameson said, rising to follow him out. Julio volunteered to cover his shift and watch Caroline tonight. Maybe Matthew’s advice held some merit. If he wanted Caroline to see him in a different light, Jameson must prove he’s the man she needed.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Caroline winced as she sat at the table for a late dinner with her father.
“Are you all right?” Thomas asked her. “Victoria worked you to the bone. What did your doctor say about this vigorous training?”
“I’m fine, Dad. My doctor said I can resume normal activities. I’m surprised to learn I have muscles I didn’t know existed, and each one of them hurts,” she said, uncomfortably.
Nancy smiled and rose, heading into the kitchen. A minute later, she returned with two acetaminophens.
“Take these. I can’t promise it’ll take away all of your pain, but it might help. Why don’t you soak in the pool?” she asked, dishing out a portion of chicken pot pie.
“Thank you. I’m not a swimmer. I fell into a pool as a child and never got over the fear of water,” she confessed, picking up her fork and taking a bite of the flaky crust.
“Honeybee, I never realized it scared you enough to not try it again,” her father said, seeming upset.
“It’s not like I’ve ever owned a pool to really need swimming lessons,” she dismissed him. “I doubt my arms will move by morning. Victoria plans to kill me.”
“Give me her number,” Thomas ordered angrily. “You’ve recently recovered, and it’s not right for her to push you this hard.”
Caroline laughed and stopped abruptly when pain shot through her stomach muscles. Her arms screamed in agony as she lifted the fork to her mouth.
“I’m not a little girl. At times, I thought I’d die, but it feels good when I accomplish what she taught me. Jameson asked her to come. I don’t think he’d ask her for nothing,” she said, knowing her father disapproved of her argument with the man the night before.
“I’m certain he knows what he’s doing,” he replied confidently.
“How’s the chicken?” Nancy said, winking at her while she changed the subject.
“It’s delicious. Thank you for taking pity on me and making dinner. I promise I’ll make it up to you,” she said, taking another bite.
“It’s no problem. You’re a refreshing change in our routine. Victoria and Ivan seemed like an interesting couple,” Nancy said, gently taking the napkin and wiping her father’s chin.
“They are,” she agreed. “I get the sense people don’t push them around.”
“She grew strong after she fled James Stanton. It brings me great hope she’s taken you under her wing,” Thomas said, taking another bite of his dinner.
Caroline smiled and finished her meal. When she rose to take her plate, Nancy took it from her.
“I heard Victoria say she’ll be back early in the morning. Why don’t you get some rest? I put some Epsom salt in your bathroom. Soak in a warm bath, and it’ll help with the soreness.”
“Nancy, you’re a lifesaver,” she breathed. “I think I’ll do it now. I’m exhausted. Good night, Dad,” she said, kissing him on the cheek.
“Goodnight, Honeybee. Your friend, Rebecca, called us. Jameson will be on duty this evening. Try to give him the benefit of the doubt. He’s very protective of you,” Thomas informed her.
“I doubt I’ll even see him. I’m heading straight to bed,” Caroline said, feeling weary after the long day. She left through the back door and stared at the pool. The water appeared inviting, yet the thought of getting into it terrified her. Her dad believed her story about her fear of the water after a childhood mishap, and she felt relieved.
Her mind drifted back to her first week with Cain after he purchased her from James.
Cain rushed her when she refused to take her clothes off in front of the strange men crowding her in the bathroom.
Yanking on her hair, he pulled her down to her knees.
“Didn’t I tell you to take a bath? You smell like piss and vomit,” he said, getting into her face.
“I will. Tell them to leave, and I’ll bathe,” she pleaded, watching the men leering at her.
Before she knew it, he dunked her head under the water. Panic flooded her when she couldn’t breathe. Caroline thrashed in the water, attempting to claw at his hands around her neck. He jerked her up by the wet strands while she coughed and choked.
