Daddy in Cowboy Boots (Montana Daddies #9) - Laylah Roberts Page 0,89
his face even if his words sounded abrupt.
“No.”
He watched her for a long moment. “You wouldn’t lie to me?”
She shook her head. “I’m not. Really. He didn’t assault me or anything. He didn’t get that chance.”
“But he threatened to. That can be terrifying.”
“It was.”
“If you want someone to talk to, I know a passably good therapist.”
“You’re recommending a passably good therapist?” she asked with surprise.
“It’s my brother. I can’t give him too much praise. His head is big enough as it is and I have to live with him. For some reason, Caley loves him.”
She had to bite back a grin. “Can I think about it?”
He gave an abrupt nod. “You’re happy staying with Linc? I don’t think he’d pressure you into anything . . .”
“He hasn’t,” she said quickly. “He’d never do that.”
“Good,” he said softly. “Is there anything else?”
“No, I don’t think so.”
“Are you on birth control? Would you like to talk about options?”
“I’m not . . . I haven’t . . . yes, maybe,” she changed direction quickly, thinking it over. It would be the sensible thing to do.
“Do you notice that your blood sugars fluctuate more around your period?”
She nodded.
“Let’s talk through your options then you can have a think about it. All right?”
They spent the next ten minutes discussing everything.
“Any more questions?” Doc asked her.
“No. Thank you.”
“Good. We’re finished here,” Doc said abruptly. He stood. “Let’s go find Linc. Think he’s gotten lost looking for imaginary cookies.”
Oh, he was terrible.
He strode from the office but she took a bit longer and by the time she stepped out of the waiting room and into the hallway, he had disappeared.
“Urgh! This is so annoying!”
Marisol watched in shock as a gorgeous, blonde-haired woman stomped into the hallway. Recognizing her instantly, she froze.
CJ Bennett.
Okay, so she’d already met her. But she hadn’t known who she was. This was her favorite author. Her idol. And she currently had her forehead pressed to the wall of the hallway, her fists slamming against the walls.
“It’s a terrible story, with a horrible plot. Everyone is going to hate it! This is going to be the end of my career.”
“I’m sure it’s not,” Marisol said quietly. She felt like she had to say something. How could Caley think her book would be terrible when Marisol devoured every word she wrote as though they were water drops and she was dying of thirst?
“What?” Caley whirled, her feet stumbling over nothing as her arms wind-milled in the air. “Ohh.”
Marisol jumped for her, but it was too late, she fell to the floor with a thump.
“Ouch.”
“Oh God! I’m so sorry. This is all my fault. I shouldn’t have frightened you and made you fall. Are you hurt? What can I do?” Marisol crouched down beside her, her breath coming in sharp pants.
“Whoa. First of all, honey, take a breath. I’m fine. I just fell on my butt. Happens all the time. Basically a daily occurrence.”
“It is,” a deep voice agreed from behind Marisol. She turned to find a tall man with chestnut-colored hair had walked through the door from the waiting room and she hadn’t even noticed. “What did you trip over this time, poppet?”
“My own feet,” Caley said dryly. “As per usual. You’re home early. Finished with your head doctoring?” The man stepped around Marisol then leaned down, effortlessly picked Caley up and set her on her feet.
Marisol scrambled up as well.
“Archer, this is Marisol. Remember, I told you about her, she came from the spa to do our nails for Charlie’s bridal shower? And now she’s staying with Linc.”
“Ahh, yes. Nice to meet you, Marisol.” Archer had kind eyes and a warm handshake. After he let her hand go, he glanced down at Caley. “How sore is your butt? Does it need a rub? Maybe a magic kiss? Perhaps I should inspect it and see.”
Caley rolled her eyes. “Don’t mind him, he thinks he’s a comedian.”
But she could see Archer was rubbing Caley’s bottom for her. Caley sighed, leaning into him.
“You stopping for the day, poppet?” Archer asked.
“My book is terrible,” Caley wailed. “I can’t make any of it work. At this stage, I’m never going to get it ready in time to send it to Daisy. It’s just one, giant crappy mess. I’m going to be up all night trying to fix it.”
“You’ll be going to bed at your usual time,” a familiar bark came from down the hall. Marisol peered round to find Doc walking towards them with a frown. Linc was behind