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“All right.” Derek moved back behind his desk. “Let’s figure out how to have the best of both worlds.” He typed his password, and the monitor sprang back to life. “Would you be able to work remotely for a couple of weeks?”
Dante squinted at the other man and pulled his phone from his pocket. “I might.” He scrolled through his calendar. “I have one court hearing scheduled. I will need to be back in the city in nine days for that, but I have my laptop and can do most of my other work remotely. I have an appointment on Wednesday, but I can reschedule that, and a function on Saturday, which I can skip. You suggest we both prolong our stay?”
“That’s exactly what I’m suggesting. Work with her and let her volunteer for room and board. I believe the responsibility will serve as a type of therapy for Rebecca. Of course, I’ll comp your room if you can agree to stay for let’s say”—Derek trailed off, clicking through some keys and then studying a spreadsheet on his computer—“I can offer you your current room for the next three weeks.”
CHAPTER 18
As Rebecca neared Master Derek’s office, a heaviness settled in her shoes. Each step was laborious, as if she trudged through thick mud. The door before her seemed like a threshold to the verdict of her fate. With a steadying breath, she knocked, waited for the brisk “Come in,” and pushed the door open to step inside. In the midst of her nervous anticipation, she was treated to a mild shock when she saw Master Dante seated there.
She declined the offer of refreshments with a polite shake of her head. She took a seat on the edge of the chair, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. Her gaze fell to the floor, unable to meet the eyes that bore news of her future.
The room hummed with a silent tension. Her mind buzzed with a swarm of questions and fears. Master Derek’s words cut through the haze, yet she almost missed them in her whirlpool of thoughts.
“We’ve discussed your future. If you’re interested, I would like to offer you an extended stay here at Rawhide Ranch. You’ve been very helpful the last two days, Rebecca.”
The compliment warmed her but didn’t ease her anxiety.
“I’m offering room and board in return for six hours of labor each day with Tuesdays off.” Master Derek’s voice was steady, cutting through her fog of worries.
The words hung in the air like a lifeline thrown her way. One moment she was adrift in a sea of uncertainty, and the next she was anchored by a solid offer of continued stay.
“Stay and work here?” Her voice trembled as she tried to keep her hope at bay.
“Yes, little one.” Master Derek’s voice carried a softness she hadn’t expected. “Would you like that?”
The flutter in her chest was like a bird discovering its wings. It soared with newfound hope, yet as it ascended, a shadow of doubt clouded her joy. “By... by myself?” Her eyes darted towards Dante.
Dante extended his hand towards her, a gesture that pulled her from the turbulent waters of doubt. Before her mind caught on, she was on her feet and at his side. He pulled her onto his lap, and she nestled into his embrace. Her fears vanished in the warmth of his arms.
He hummed in her hair. “If it’s okay with you, I will stay as well.”
“With me?” The words ignited a warmth that spread through her being.
“Yes, darling. Master Derek offered me an extended stay and I accepted.”
Dante’s affirmation soothed her restless heart.
The tears that pricked her eyes were a blend of relief and joy. The emotion choked her words as they trembled out, “I would love that.”
Rebecca’s days morphed into a dream she lived with her eyes wide open. Each morning brought a fresh canvas, waiting for her to paint her stories. Whether it was the fragrant aroma of coffee and pastries and happy smiles that greeted her in the cafeteria or the gentle hum of the computer and soft conversations as she helped arriving guests, every little detail was a note in the symphony of her happiness.
The mornings were busy with newfound responsibilities. Whether it was behind the cheerful front desk, among the heavenly aroma of fresh food in the kitchen, or amidst the crisp linen as a chambermaid, each day brought new experiences.
Masters Derek and Dante had discussed the opportunity to speak with a therapist about what had happened to her. Though initially reluctant to do so, she’d agreed. Now she could admit that with each session she attended, she found pieces of herself she never knew existed. She grew stronger and healthier and gained confidence. Her reflection smiled back at her with sparkles in her eyes.
After a three-hour shift in the morning, she always returned to their room to find Dante working. Whether he was on the phone or typing away on his laptop, Dante always welcomed her with a smile. He finished his call or whatever work he was doing, and they would have lunch and an hour of free time together.
The afternoons were a sweet escape with Dante. The world seemed to slow down as they explored the sprawling meadows on horseback, the wind playing with her hair, carrying with it laughter that echoed the unspoken joy blooming within. The trails they walked were not just of gravel and grass but of shared smiles. Despite the chill that hadn’t yet faded from winter, their silent glances and camaraderie were as comforting as the warmth of the sun shining on them from above.
Sometimes he took her to the gym for sweat, strength, and soft smiles. Every drop of perspiration seemed to wash away the layers of self-doubt, every lift and stretch served to mold not just her body but her spirit, forging it with a blend of grace and grit. And through it all, there was Dante.
Other days, they used the pool to relax and exercise, and especially on chillier days, she enjoyed the warm waters of the heated pool. Each stroke in the water was a glide into self-assurance, each ripple a reflection of her growing self-esteem.
His presence was a steady anchor in her whirlpool of experiences. When uncertainty threatened to sway her, the encouragement he offered was the lighthouse guiding her ashore. In the midst of learning and adapting, his protective aura was the shield against any storm, real or imagined.
And then, there were those tender moments when his hand found hers, a gentle hold that seemed to say, “I’m here.” It was in those silent exchanges, the warmth that enveloped her hand, and the soft squeeze that carried with it an unspoken promise of support, that Rebecca found comforting reassurance. It was more than just a physical touch; it was an unspoken promise of being there, a tender harbor between daily life and a bustling city. Through each shared smile, every guiding whisper, and the protective veil of his presence, Dante was the gentle thread weaving through the tapestry of her days, making the unknown journey feel like a path leading to home.
But...
