Chapter 44

She mumbled "thanks" as she chomped on some bread. It took all she had to resist eating all of the food he made for her.

Carl ate in quiet next to her, always pushing more food in her direction as she chewed. She pushed the dish aside after eating just enough to quiet her rumbling tummy.

“Done?”

She sprang off the chair after answering yes. After saying "thank you," she walked back into the living room.

Wait, Carl yelled.

She stood very still, waiting for him to continue speaking. But he didn't say a word.

She sighed and said, "I hate this," avoiding his gaze.

He then said, "Hate what?"

She shut her eyes tightly and inhaled deeply. You're making me feel like an outsider. Thanks for treating me like a guest and letting me stay in your spare bedroom. Moments later, a warm hand grabbed her upper arm and whirled her around, at which point she came to a halt. Huge, powerful arms encircled her and drew her in. Oh, how she longed for his aroma to wrap her again.