Page 42 of Daddy's Little Farmer

She nodded and then jumped when a door at the other end of the table opened, and four maids walked in carrying plates and bowls. They put a bowl and a plate in front of each, curtsied, and walked out without talking. She looked at Rafael, and he was already eating his soup.

He pointed to her bowl. “Eat, baby. You’ll like it. Ms. Barley is an excellent cook.”

She nodded and picked up the spoon on the same plate as the bowl. She dipped it in and took a cautious sip. It was warm, and the taste burst into her mouth.

“Mmm, this is good.”

Rafael smiled at her. “I’m glad you like it.”

They ate the soup and then started on a small noodle salad.

She moved a few things around on the plate. “What’s this?”

He looked down at what she was poking at and grinned. “That’s lobster.”

She picked a piece up. “Oh. I’ve never had it.”

“You’ll like it unless you hate seafood.”

“I think I like about anything.” She took a bite and smiled. “I like this.”

He chuckled. “Good.”

Another plate was brought out, and their dishes were taken. This was some kind of meat and tiny potatoes. She ate half before the girls returned, taking the plate from her.

“Thank you.”

They looked shocked and wondered at it.

“Thank you, girls,” Rafael said.

The girls walked away hurriedly.

“Why can’t they talk?” she asked him.

He grinned. “They can talk. It’s just I like it quiet when I’m eating. I got that from my parents.”

“So, I shouldn’t talk either?”

He placed his hand on hers. “Baby, there is nothing you can’t do. I just need to know you’re safe at all times.”

She nodded and eyed what looked like a fancy tiny cupcake. She reached for it but saw Rafael pick up another fork and eat with it. Her eyes almost rolled back at the rich chocolate taste.

When they finished, he helped her to stand. “Let me show you our suite.”

She was almost out of breath when they finally came to double doors. He opened one and led her through. It looked like a small family room and office on the other side of the room. It was cozier but still the size of one of her barns.

“We’ll spend our time at home here, mostly.”

She nodded.

“Let me show you our bedroom.”

He opened another door, and the huge bed was the first thing she was. The color scheme was soothing with its golds and blues. This room also had a seating arrangement but just two chairs and a table.

“Come this way,” he said.

She walked over to him, and he opened another door. Good Lord, how many doors were in the place?

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