Page 28 of Tempting Fire

“I need space. I know you want to fix me, just like Trenda and Zoe want. But it’s too much, too soon. Take your damn flowers, candy and dog and go to hell!” Here she was yelling, and she wanted to cry. So much for an escape.

“Honey, calm down. What can I do for you? Food? Rest? Bathroom? Batting Cage?”

“Don’t try to play me, dammit.”

“I’m not, I swear.” But he was. He was watching her intently, it was clear that he planned to counter every one of her complaints or arguments. Or he was going to try to placate her. She needed away from him, before she just started crying and letting him comfort her.

“Show me where the guest bedroom is.”

“Chloe, you should eat something besides pecan and caramel candy.”

“If I get hungry during the night, I’ll raid your kitchen. Just show me where I’m sleeping,” she requested quietly.

Zarek must have seen her resolution, because he nodded. He continued to keep his arm around her as he guided her down the hall towards a bedroom decorated in blue and cream.

“The bathroom is across the hall, and my bedroom is at the end of the hallway. I’m going to keep my door open in case you need me.”

“I won’t.”

“Slayer will be up roaming the halls. If you don’t want him to check on you, keep your door closed.”

Chloe watched as Zarek put down her suitcase on the bed. As he was leaving the room, he turned to her. “Do you want the door open or closed?”

“Closed.”

He sighed as he closed the door.

It was an hour later after struggling to go to sleep that Chloe got up from bed and opened the door. She found Slayer right there waiting for her.

“What are you doing?”

The big dog huffed.

Slayer followed her into the room as she went back to bed. He laid down on the floor, his head resting on his paws looking up towards her. If he could talk, Chloe was sure he would be telling her that it was okay for her to go to sleep, he would keep her safe. With that thought in mind, Chloe closed her eyes.