Page 11 of Wild Runaway
I make myself another cup of coffee and a tomato and cheese sandwich and eat them with my feet tucked under me on the couch. I try Hailey again, but the call doesn’t connect. If she was going away on a big vacation, she would have told me, so it’s likely this trip is only a weekend break and she’ll be back tomorrow.
Then what?
When I left the trailer, I didn’t have a plan past getting the hell away from Ian. I knew my sister would take me in, and I could figure out my next move from there. It’s hard to make plans when you’re fighting for survival.
I guess I’ll look for a job and a place to stay. Hailey’s got her own baby on the way, so I don’t want to intrude on them for any longer than I have to.
If only I could stay here forever. It’s so peaceful and Joseph is so kind, not to mention the way my core tightens whenever he’s nearby.
I’m pulled out of my thoughts by the sound of a car. My gut clenches, and I duck behind the couch with my heart racing. My hands grip the top of the couch, and I’m about to make a dash to the bedroom to get Rose when I recognize Joseph’s pickup.
It’s just Joseph returning.
Of course it is. You’re safe here.
I get out from behind the couch before he can see me. My heart’s still racing, and I check on Rose. The sight of her sleeping peacefully calms my nerves.
I pull the door almost shut so we don’t wake her, then head outside to help Joseph with the shopping.
“I’ll give you a hand.”
He grunts and nods, which I’m learning means thank you. He’s a man of few words, and I like that. I’m also learning that he might not talk much, but he thinks a lot. Behind his quiet demeanor, his brain is working overtime.
I grab a shopping bag from the back and gasp in surprise when I see the name on the bag.
“You went to Babyland?” It’s a franchise of baby gear that’s way out of my price range.
“Noticed you need a few things.”
By a few things, he means two big shopping bags worth. My heart warms at his thoughtfulness. I’ve never felt so cared for, and I still can’t believe it’s a complete stranger that’s looking after me and Rose.
In the bags are baby clothes, toys, a changing mat, and a sling, which will save my sore arm. Joseph must have noticed how I’m always carrying her around, how she cries whenever I put her down. The thoughtfulness makes my eyes sting and I blink quickly, not wanting to cry again.
“This will have to do for now, until I can build you a proper one.”
Joseph holds a box that says ‘travel crib’ on the side. It must have cost a fortune.
“You didn’t have to do this.” My eyes are welling up, and damn this man who makes me cry and makes my body tingle and makes me feel safe and normal for the first time in months.
“You’re mine to look after Trish, you and Rose.”
His words are confusing again, because Rose is not his baby and her biological father isn’t interested in caring for her, so why would this stranger be? But I like the idea of being his.
“Here.” He hands me a small package. “This one’s for you.”
I open the brown wrapping paper and turn the object over in my hand.
It’s a hair comb, a polished bronze design with a cluster of pink roses on the side. It’s beautiful and not what I was expecting from a man like Joseph.
“So you can keep your hair pinned back. It gets in the way when you’re feeding the little one.”
Tears sting my eyes. It’s the most thoughtful gift anyone’s ever given me, and it’s from a virtual stranger.
“Thank you.” But I can’t say anything else or I’ll cry again.
Joseph must sense that, because he takes the clip off me. “May I?”
I love that he asked before he touched me, because I probably would have flinched if he hadn’t. His rough hand slides over my silky hair, and the sensation sends sparks of heat through my body. He’s so close his woodsy scent tickles my nostrils and make me want to pull him closer.
