Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 22544 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 113(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22544 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 113(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
“Why would you do that?” he asked curiously. “Is it part of your job, or funded through the state or something?”
I sighed and gave him a warm smile. “No, nothing like that. I just want to help you, Dalton. I promised that I was here for you every step of the way, and I mean it. I care about you.” His answering look of confusion broke my heart. He’d probably never been shown kindness without conditions.
“Thank you,” he answered quietly. “I’m trying hard to find a job. Nobody wants me because of what I’ve done, and I understand; really, I do. But I’ll keep trying, and I’ll pay you back one day.”
I squeezed his hand, smiling when he squeezed back. While I believed his promise, it was unnecessary. What belonged to me also belonged to him, and if things went to plan, he’d be living with me soon anyway. But before I could jump into any explanations, I was surprised by a loud growl coming from Dalton’s stomach.
“Have you eaten today?” I asked, and I got my answer before he said a word by the way his gaze flitted away again. When he shook his head, my stomach knotted up. What if he hadn’t eaten since he left prison? How could I let him go without? I should have taken better care of him. I was going to correct that immediately.
“Come with me,” I said as I stood up from my seat. Dalton gave me a questioning look as he stood up as well, so I explained, “We’re going out to lunch; my treat.” I’d cleared my schedule to concentrate on my mate, and I was happy to treat him forever.
Dalton followed me out of the building and into the parking lot, where I led him to a black SUV. It belonged to the police force; I typically walked everywhere I went, as my speed and endurance allowed, plus I enjoyed it, but these vehicles were at my disposal if I needed to transport a human.
I received a pretty half-smile when I opened the passenger door for Dalton. Once he was settled, I closed his door, circled the vehicle, and sat behind the steering wheel. "Where would you like to eat? It's your choice."
"Really? Wow, thank you! Okay, hmm…" Dalton thought hard about a simple question, but I assumed that he didn't go out to eat often, and I was grateful to take him. "I can't remember what it's called, but there's a burger place on Galley Street. I haven't been there in a long time, but I remember it being good."
"I know the place," I told him with a smile. "It's called Galley Street Grub, and it's one of my favorites." I wasn't surprised that we enjoyed the same foods, but it still made me happy.
I drove us across town to the diner, which wasn't the fanciest place in town, but it was clean and welcoming. I led Dalton to my usual spot, a padded booth in the back corner. I sat across from him, and he immediately began scanning the menus on the table.
"Hey there, Hutch," a familiar voice greeted me when Jeremy, the young man who generally waited on me, reached our table. "Good to see you again. Are you having your usual?" I probably came here far too often, but the bacon cheeseburger and fries were too good to pass up.
"I am," I told him with a grin.
Jeremy nodded and looked at Dalton. "How about you?"
"I'll have a Coke to drink, and a double cheeseburger with extra pickles and an order of fries. Oh, and some onion rings too; those sound really good. And can I add an order of mozzarella sticks?"
The waiter quickly pulled a notebook from his pocket to jot down the large order so he wouldn't forget it. After Dalton added on an order of jalapeno poppers, Jeremy stared at my mate with wide eyes.
When Dalton looked up to see Jeremy's expression, his own face turned sheepish and embarrassed. My chest ached for him; he was even hungrier than I imagined. Since he had no income, he was probably trying to stuff himself since he didn't know when he'd get his next meal.
I never wanted my beloved to feel ashamed, and I didn't want to draw attention to the size of his order, so I turned my attention to Jeremy and said, "Actually, that sounds great. I'll have the same." The waiter seemed surprised, but he didn't say anything; he just nodded once more before heading back towards the kitchen.
Dalton appeared somewhat relieved, but still a little concerned, so I tried to change the subject by asking, "Have you always lived in the city?"
He nodded. "I grew up in the same apartment building where I live now, but on a different floor. When my mom left, Andrew and I got kicked out; I couldn't afford the rent, and a larger family needed to move in. But the landlord said he had a one bedroom available. I picked up extra hours at work, and we were able to take it."