Page 178 of Her Daddies' Everything

Then she watched as he walked back to the mini-fridge and drew out another bottle of water. Heading over to her, he kneeled in front of her and undid the bottle. Then he held it out to her.

Reaching out, she took hold but her hand was shaking so badly that it nearly slipped through her grip.

“Sorry. Sorry.”

“Immy, you have nothing to be sorry about. Nothing at all.”

“I . . . I . . . I was ch-choking,” she said, tears dripping down her cheeks again.

She’d nearly died and what the heck did she really have to show for her life?

Not much. She’d barely lived. In fact, sometimes she thought she was a bit scared of life. Worried that she’d mess up. Scared to take a chance for fear of failure.

Always careful.

Always safe.

She’d never take off into the unknown like Maeve. Or get herself noticed by a criminal leader like Cat had done.

Maybe it was time to do something adventurous.

Immy just wasn’t sure she was made for adventurous. She thought she was likely just made for hot cocoa and fluffy socks.

“S-sorry,” she managed to get out.

“Nothing to be sorry about,” he told her, putting the bottle to one side. “I’ll help you.”

He stood and she let out a small whimper, worried that he was leaving. Instead, he picked her up and sat back down with her sideways on his lap. Then he grabbed the water and held it to her mouth.

“Tissue,” she whispered, knowing she probably looked like a complete disaster.

“In a moment. Drink some water. Nice and slow. Good girl. Another sip. That’s it. What a good girl you’re being.” After she’d had enough to drink, he set the bottle aside, he grabbed some nearby tissues. Then he tried to wipe her face.

But she was feeling more together now and she took the tissues, wiping her face herself.

“Thank you,” she whispered tiredly.

Why was she so exhausted now? Must be an adrenaline crash. She pressed her face into his chest.

“All good, Immy-girl. Just glad I was here to help.”

So was she.

“Wish I had a time travel spell or a reversing spell.”

“Don’t think those things actually exist, Cherry.”

“You never know. Don’t be a doubter,” she warned him.

He just shot her a skeptical look.

“Magic exists,” she advised him. “You just have to be open to it.”

“Is that so?”

“Uh-huh. Stick with me. I’ll teach you all about it. Do you know what house you are?”

“Uh, don’t have a house, Cherry.”

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