“I think we only have one egg left. I’m sorry. Today, I’d planned to go to the grocery.”
“Let’s wash our faces, and I’ll take us out for breakfast.”
“Can I go without makeup?” she asked.
“Only if I can.” When she laughed, he added, “You’re beautiful, little girl. Wear makeup if you wish, but I like the natural you.”
“You mean that,” she said, staring at him in wonder.
“Of course I do. Be prepared. I plan to stare at you a lot.”
“Is that all you’re going to do?” she asked with a suggestive smile.
“That’s for me to know and for you to find out.” Max smacked her bottom sharply. “Let’s go. You’ve got five minutes.”
“No way!” she said and immediately rolled out of bed.
Max bent an arm and propped up his head to watch her scurry nude across the bedroom. Her sweet curves jostled enticingly before she disappeared into the bathroom. He threw back the covers, ignoring his cock. A cold shower would take care of that. Hopefully.
* * *
After breakfast, Max drove them to the doctor’s office. He could feel her body tense next to him. Max picked up her hand and linked their fingers together without saying anything.
“Thanks for going with me. I’m scared.”
“What’s the worst thing that could happen?”
“I don’t know. I guess she could laugh at me and think I’m crazy,” Saylor mused.
“Are you?”
“Crazy? No, I don’t think so.”
“I don’t think so either. I bet she’ll think you’re pretty smart in getting some help so you can move on,” Max suggested, squeezing her fingers.
“I hate getting so upset. My heart pounds, and I become hyper aware of all the sounds around me. Noises bombard me like physical blows,” Saylor shared.
“That sounds awful. I’m sorry, baby. I wish I had a magic wand to erase the trauma you experienced.”
“Me, too.”
“Just talk to her. If the doctor doesn’t help or you aren’t comfortable talking to her, we’ll find someone that you mesh with better.”
“Oh, that’s a great thought. She’s not the only counselor in town.”
Max glanced over at her face. Saylor looked much more comfortable and her shoulders had settled down from her ears. His concern for her eased a bit. “How did you find her?”
“Artists have a reputation for being high-strung or completely laid-back. I asked a few of the more anxious staff members I know well enough. Three out of the four recommended this counselor.”
“What a great way to find someone. I’m proud of you, Saylor,” he told her as he pulled into the parking lot.
“Oh, we’re here,” Saylor said, looking around.
Glad he had distracted her, Max said, “We have the perfect amount of time to park, potty, and put our butts in the waiting room. The PPP trifecta.”
“What are you going to do while I talk to her?”
“I’m going to chip away at my email. That’s my least favorite chore to do after being deployed.” He’d also order a delivery of groceries to arrive in the afternoon.
