Addie grabbed Snaggles out of her backpack, which she’d put on the single chair in the room. She also took out the squishy that Cash had given her and set it on the bedside table. Pulling back the covers, she climbed in carefully and slowly so she didn’t disturb Monroe.
But her sister didn’t even stir. A light snore escaped Monroe, and Addie had to smile.
Hugging Snaggles tight, she stared up at the ceiling. She should have fallen straight asleep, she was so exhausted. Butinstead, her brain just kept rolling over and over what had happened.
It didn’t help that this room wasn’t right. The sheets didn’t feel right. The smell was different. She thought that sleeping with Monroe might help, but instead, it just felt strange to have her sister in here with her.
The disruption was a constant itch under her skin, and frustration built inside her. Why couldn’t she just fall asleep?
Her throat burned with pain, and she squeezed her eyes shut as tears formed. One dripped down her cheek.
This wasn’t good. She was going to wake up Monroe if she stayed in here. So she crawled back out of bed and grabbed her backpack, Snaggles, and the squishy.
She headed into the bedroom she’d been given, coming to a sudden stop as she realized someone was inside the room. Addie let out a raspy cry and took a step back, nearly tripping up over her own feet in her haste to get away.
“Baby girl, it’s me.”
What? Why was this man calling her baby girl? Wait. Someone who had broken in to hurt them wouldn’t call her baby girl.
And she wouldn’t recognize their voice. That was Cash.
“It’s me. It’s Cash, baby. I’m just setting up a humidifier. I was going to try and sneak it into the other bedroom when I realized that you were sleeping with Monroe, but I didn’t want to wake you, so I was setting it up in here.”
Why was he setting up a humidifier?
“I read that it could be good for your throat.” He eyed her for a long moment “What’s wrong? I thought you were sleeping with Monroe?”
She hugged Snaggles tight, unsure what to tell him.
“Were you having trouble falling asleep?” he asked.
Addie nodded. She ran Snaggle’s fluffy ear under her nose, trying to comfort herself.
“Well, I think it’s better that you sleep in here with the humidifier for your throat anyway. I put a bottle of water on the bedside table, as well as some painkillers and a heating pad. I got that delivered too, just in case you got your period. You’ll find some personal items in the bathroom.”
And now she was bright red again. Why did he sound so matter-of-fact about her period? Were all men like this? Caring? Somehow, she didn’t think so.
“Tomorrow, I’ll get some more things from LittleLand for you, all right?”
She felt overwhelmed by how much he was doing for her when she barely even knew him. They were essentially strangers.
To her horror, tears started to drip down her face, and she wiped them away hastily, burying her face into Snaggles’ fur.
“Hey, hey, hey. What’s wrong? That was meant to make you feel better, not worse. What can I do?”
She could feel Cash hovering in front of her, but not touching her. Addie wanted to lean forward and bury herself in his chest.
Could she do that? It wouldn’t be right, would it?
And yet, her body was moving before she could stop it. She pressed herself against him.
Cash slowly wrapped his arms around her. “My poor baby. You’re overwhelmed, aren’t you? Just let it out. I have you. Be my good girl and let it all out.”
She sobbed. She so wanted to be his good girl. It was an ache inside her that wouldn’t go away.
Cash ran his hand up and down her back as he held her.
“Just let it all out. You’re safe now. I’m not going to let anything bad happen to you. I promise.”
