Page 59 of Diamonds & Deception

He strokes my hair and my back and lets me cry. When my breathing is finally steady, he pulls back a little. “You need to eat something. Will you come out into the kitchen with me?”

My throat is hoarse and sore. “I’m thirsty, but I don’t think I can stomach any food.”

“How about some soup?”

“Maybe.”

He stands up and offers me his hand. I take it and follow him down the hall. It’s not until he’s pulled out a stool at the counter that I realize I’m braless and wearing his boxers and undershirt.

Drake doesn’t seem to notice and rounds the counter to pour me some water. “Start with this. I have apple juice, milk, coffee, and tea.”

“Tea would be great.”

He fills a kettle with water and takes down two mugs. “I’m sending out for some things. What kind of dog food does Daisy eat?”

I tell him the brands Jen wrote down for me this morning. He takes out his phone and sends a rather long text to someone. When he’s done, he pockets his phone and makes our tea.

I sit at the counter in silence while I sip it and watch him assemble a plate of grapes, cheese, and crackers.

He doesn’t command me to eat but slides the food in front of me. I pick off one grape and roll it in my palm. I’m not ready to talk, and he doesn’t force me. When we’re done with our tea and the snacks haven’t been touched, he goes into the living room and turns on the television.

Drake runs through the channels stopping at a home improvement station that’s flipping houses. I’d once told him how obsessed I am with watching these shows even though I don’t own a house.

“Come lay on the couch.” He opens a blanket and holds it out for me.

I slowly slide off the stool and go into the living room. When I’m seated, he tucks the blanket around me. Daisy sits at my feet.

“I don’t mind if she wants up on the furniture.”

Well, hell. That simple statement shouldn’t make me sob. I choke out another round of tears. Daisy cuddles on one side of me, and Drake drops to the other side. I have no idea how long I sit there and cry.

When I open my eyes, the room is dark and I’m incredibly warm. A large body wraps around me from behind, and a smaller, furrier one is anchored against my chest. Drake’s fingers trail up and down my arm, and I feel him stir behind me.

I don’t want to get up, but my bladder needs to be emptied. I kiss Daisy on her snout and drop my legs to the floor. She hops off the couch and shakes out her body. I’m stiff and sore and take my time pushing myself to a seated position.

“You okay?” Drake asks from behind me, rubbing my back.

“I need to use the bathroom.” I don’t look at him as I stand on wobbly legs and head down to the guest room.

I do my business and look in the mirror. There are dark circles under my eyes, and my hair is matted down on one side. My moves are mechanical as I slide my elastic off my wrist, fluff my hair a little, then pull it back into a ponytail. I splash cold water on my face then go back into the room and put on his sweatshirt and joggers.

They’re huge on me, but now I’m not as exposed. I wrap my arms around my middle and pad down the hall to the living room. My stomach growls, but I don’t think I can eat. Drake stands at the dining table, unloading one of the three bags in front of him.

He takes out a bag of dog food, two bowls, and a box of dog treats. Without saying anything, he makes a food and water station for Daisy. She has no problem taking food and drink from strangers and gobbles down her feast.

“I’ve asked Nolan to come up to take Daisy out. Is that okay?”

“I can take her out. I don’t want to be any more of an inconvenience—”

“No. It’s not— You need to rest. Nolan doesn’t mind.”

There’s a knock on the door and Drake goes to open it. I can’t hear the soft exchange between the men. When he steps into view, I recognize him as the man who busted me snooping around Drake’s office a few days ago.

He doesn’t make eye contact with me and crouches in front of Daisy. “Hey, girl. Up for a little evening stroll?”

Drake hands him a leash, newly purchased, then Nolan and my dog leave. So much for her being my guardian angel. I have no idea what to say or do now that I’m completely alone with Drake. I still owe him an apology for all the lies I told him.

“Drake. I’m sorry. I never meant—”

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