Page 66 of Daddy's Little Farmer

Chapter Thirty-One

Mara opened her eyes and squinted at the sun entering the room. Her head throbbed enough that any light sent piercing pain through her head. She’d only been awake a few minutes when there was a knock at the door.

“Come in.”

Alex walked in. “I’m glad you’re up.” He studied her. “Do you need some aspirin, honey?”

She struggled to sit up and nodded. “Yes, please.”

Alex was back with a glass of juice and pills. “Take these.”

“Thank you.” The pills and glass of juice slid down her throat, making it feel better.

“I need to look at your feet.”

“Okay.”

He pulled back the blanket and unwrapped her feet. He studied them and touched a few of the injuries.

“I’d like to wrap them again just for today. A few were deep enough that I’m afraid of infection.”

“Okay.”

She giggled at one point when he touched a ticklish spot, making him grin.

“I’m done. Let’s get you up to use the restroom and then come in for breakfast.”

The thought of food did not sound appealing.

He must have caught her look because he set a hand on her ankle. “You’ll try to eat for me. Okay?”

She sighed and nodded.

“All right. Good. I’ll meet you in the kitchen.”

Mara walked into the bathroom off the hallway. She used the toilet and then washed her hands. The first look at her face made her grimace. Her eyes were swollen and red, and her skin was blotchy and pale. God, she looked awful.

She washed her face with cold water, which helped with the color and the swelling. When she was finished, she moved toward the sound of pots. His house was large but not as big as Rafael’s.

“Ah, there you are. Are you allergic to anything?” Alex asked.

She shook her head.

“Can you eat an egg and toast?”

“I’ll try, but my tummy hurts.”

“I know. But this will help.”

She nodded and started taking little bites.

He set a glass of juice in front of her.

When she set her fork down, she pushed it away. She’d been able to take several bites, but she could feel it churning in her stomach. But she drank the rest of her juice.

Alex took the plate from her without a word. She watched him tidy the kitchen before he sat down beside her.

“What do you want to do today?”

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