Page 13 of Make Me Whole
Chapter Seven
HAILEY
"Ugh!" I threwmy arm over my face and groaned. Yet again, sleep had been elusive. And it was that stupid cowboy's fault. As if it hadn't been enough that he'd tipped my world onto its axis with a simple touch, he just had to look at me with contempt and accusation.
His questions were warranted. I knew this. Didn't mean I had to like them. I'd hated that I had to escape the room last night. That I had to open the window in my room to get enough air into my lungs to breathe properly.
I was also fully aware that I couldn't react in that manner every time someone asked me a personal question. It was rude and…suspicious.
If only I could find some way to share bits of me without having my past taint my present. I wanted to yell and cuss but settled for another groan while I stared at the ceiling; trying to build up the strength to get up and face the day. It was my first official workday. Yesterday, Talia had shown me around so I could familiarize myself with the surroundings.
There certainly were worst places to work. Walker Ranch was something else. Talia hadn't lied when she's said their hiking trails were beautiful. I'd felt a sense of calm wash over me as we trekked through the bush, making me wish I'd been alone.
Oddly enough, it was the horses I'd felt most drawn to. I'd spent almost an hour at their pen, taking in their magnificence. Watching them had given me something I hadn't had in a long time: A feeling of peace.
"Better get my butt in gear." I rolled out of bed and gathered up my shower supplies. For all its beauty, there was one thing I didn't like about my new accommodation. The master bedroom was the only one with an en suite.
After securing the belt on my robe, I opened my door a smidge. Just enough to poke my head out to make sure the coast was clear. I didn't want to have another run in with Bandit or any humans for that matter. When I saw no one, I hurried down the hall.
Before I could reach out to open the bathroom door, it swung open. And so did my mouth. I quickly swallowed the squeak that wanted to break free when a half-naked Bradley filled my vision.
My gaze latched onto a water droplet making its way down the center of his broad chest. I followed it as it slid down his well-defined abs and got absorbed into the towel hanging way too low on his hips.
He was all tanned skin and hard muscle.
Well…damn.
"Eyes up top."
The instant I looked up; I couldn't help but gulp. The intensity in his eyes as he stared down at me was enough to make my heart do backflips. I balled my hands into tight fists to stop myself from reaching up and brushing the damp strands from his forehead.
I didn't want to squirm in front of this man. Not after what had happened last night. But if he kept looking at me like this, I would. Deciding it would be safer, I focused on the rest of his features.
That proved to be a mistake.
His slightly crooked nose had me wondering how he broke it. Did it happen during a fight? Did he get into an accident? His lips drew my attention next. They were tilted into an almost half-smile. Framed by a few days' worth of dark stubble.Would I like the feel of it scraping along my skin?
I clenched my fists even tighter.
He had no right to rob me of my senses in this way. No damn right at all.
"Do you mind?" I didn't miss the hint of amusement in his voice. "I'd like to get dressed, but you're blocking my path."
Fan-freaking-tastic. How long was I standing there, gawking at the man while he tried to get out?
Heat crept up my neck and settled in my cheeks. Without uttering a word, I stepped to the side, allowing him to pass. He took two steps and then stopped, his arm almost touching mine. "Enjoy your shower, Hailey."
I wanted to close my eyes and savor the way my name rolled off his tongue. But I didn't. Instead, I pulled my shoulders back and casually entered the bathroom.
Only after I closed the door did I blow out the breath I was holding. I was certain I would not be enjoying my shower since it was probably going to be a very cold one.
Cautiously, I walked into the kitchen twenty minutes later. I was relieved when the only people in there were Mr. Walker, Talia and Mavis. "Morning," I greeted as I made my way to the brewing coffee.
Talia's smile was sweet before she asked, "Sleep okay?"
"Like the dead." I didn't like the taste of the lie on my tongue, but I couldn't tell her that thoughts of her brother kept me from a peaceful slumber.
Mavis stopped working the dough in front of her to hand me a coffee. She then gestured toward the counter where Mr. Walker and Talia were. "Sugar, cream, milk…it's all there." For a second, all I could do was stare at her. And not because I was an imbecile who couldn't understand her.
