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“I’m talking about wanting you. Caring about you. Having . . . other feelings for you.”

She attempted to grab hold of the cup. For some reason, her hand was shaking, though.

With a grunt, he reached out and took hold of the cup. Then he placed one hand gently behind her head and held the cup to her mouth so she could take small sips.

Oh, that felt so much better.

The honey soothed her poor throat.

He drew the cup back just as his phone rang. He set the cup down and answered the call.

“Kirsten? Yeah, she’s awake and doing well. Sore throat. Kevin?”

She held her breath.

Please let him be all right. Please let him be all right.

She couldn’t tell what Ammo was thinking as he ended the call. His face was blank.

Please.

“She found him.”

Aimee let out a small sob.

“Kevin’s all right,” Ammo said quickly. “Kirsten searched around the bushes with his favorite treats and actually found him. He’s at her place. He must have found a way to escape.”

Tears dripped down her face. “Oh thank God. Yeah, there’s plenty of spots for him to escape outside, I was just worried he didn’t find one.”

“This is good news,” he told her as she kept crying.

“I know. I know. I just would have been so sad without him.”

Ammo sat on the bed, facing her, and carefully placed his large arms around her, hugging her gently.

God that felt so good.

As he moved away, she opened her mouth to speak only a cough worked its way up her throat.

Shoot. She coughed until more tears slid down her cheeks.

He leaned her forward and lightly patting her back.

Once her coughing fit was under control, he grabbed a glass of water and held it so she could sip it.

“Just take it slow now. That’s right, slowly. Good girl. You’re doing such a good job.”

Shock filled her at the praise, and she gazed up at him. He grabbed a tissue and wiped her eyes and nose for her. His movements were so gentle.

Something had changed. She could sense it. There was something different between them.

“What’s going on?” she said as he leaned her back.

“What’s going on is that you need to stop talking and just rest. Do as you’re told.”

She narrowed her gaze at him. “I don’t have to do what you tell me. You’re not my father.”

“No? Well, what if I wanted to be your Daddy?”