“I know one day you’ll let me go with you into town.” She gave him the sweetest smile she could as she trailed her fingers up his arm to his shoulder. Soft caresses gained her a low groan as he closed his eyes. She repositioned herself behind him and began massaging his shoulders. “And some day, we’ll go hiking together.”

“Mmmm.”

“You’ll show me where to go so that I won’t get hurt again.”

“One day. Not yet. You’re not ready.” He let his head fall forward so she could rub higher on his neck. She obliged with a look of annoyance.

“How much longer? I’m going stir crazy down here. I sit on this bed all day long, just waiting. And you just now let me stay out of the restraints, I guess because of the exercises. I mean, could I at least have a book?” The whiny tone registered and Sloane made an effort to tone it down. She leaned down, slipping her arms around his front. “Or you could spend more time with me.”

Carter’s back vibrated against her chest as he let out a low chuckle. “If I spent as much time with you as I wanted, I’d never get anything done. I’m already behind as it is.” He grabbed one of her arms and pulled her to come around.

She fell across his lap, sad puppy dog eyes staring up at him. Her lower lip even protruded a little.

“But what kind of books do you like?”

A small feeling of victory burned in her chest; he hadn’t said anything about her having to go back into the padded cuffs or the shackle and he was asking what kind of books she liked. He had to be starting to trust her.

“I love horror novels.” Springing to her knees beside him, she leaned forward to rest her hands on his thigh. She didn’t waste a second thinking about her answer, but as soon as the words were out, she wasn’t quite sure that had been a good idea. She was living a horror story at the moment. “But I also really love romance, thrillers, science fiction, fantasy. I guess I like pretty much anything.”

He watched her expressions shift from excitement to thoughtfulness to wonderment. He had some old westerns his uncle used to read. He would bring them down to her, along with her clothes, after dinner.

“Do you like to read?”

“Yeah. I used to read those Scholastic books from school when I was in elementary and middle school. In high school, I liked the Lord of the Rings books. Now…” He stopped to think about it. “I haven’t read anything in a while.”

“You can come read with me. We can cuddle together and maybe take turns reading our book to each other.”

Her eyes sparkled and her sweet voice was enticing.

“Sounds nice. But for now, I have to go do some work. I’ll be back for dinner.” He gave her a quick kiss before standing up and stretching. A smile spread on his face as he felt her eyes on him. He reached a hand down to her cheek, rubbing his thumb over her cheekbone before leaning down to kiss her. “My Sloane.”

She closed her eyes when his lips touched hers. Her expectation was that it would be sensual, but it was gentle and made her stomach flutter. When he pulled away, her eyes fluttered open to see him grab the tray and retreat to the stairs. The door closed behind him, but she continued to look, not sure what she should do.

He had said that it was a late lunch, more of a snack. So she assumed it wouldn’t be too much longer before he returned with dinner. And perhaps some books or cards, something to do besides sit and stare at the walls or the ceiling beam. I’m surprised I haven’t burned a hole in it by now. She scoffed at herself and decided to do some light exercises while she waited.

She went through the same process as before and realized she was a little sore. Once she finished, she made sure to stretch, hoping that would help keep her body loose.

It didn’t seem like much time had passed before Carter pushed open the door, a wide grin on his face. “I have something for you.”

“What?” She sat on the edge of the bed when he motioned.

“Take a peek.” He sat a box down beside her and stepped back, clasping his hands behind his back.

Sloane looked down to see a collection of books by Louis L’Amour nestled on top of her clothes. “Oh!” She grabbed the books and began flipping through them before setting them aside to pull out her clothes. It was strange to think that just a day ago she’d complained about being naked all the time, but now it didn’t faze her at all; she’d become accustomed to roaming around in the nude. She clutched the soft material close to her, trying to show as much appreciation as she could. “Thank you.”

“Sure. I guess I should have asked if you wanted anything sooner. Sorry.” He looked a little sheepish and even averted his eyes.

After pulling the long sleeve shirt, panties, and shorts on, she stepped up to him and gave him a peck on his jawbone. “It would have been nice, but maybe we wouldn’t have talked the way we have.”

He watched her shrug as if none of it was a big deal. “You might have a point.”

She smiled and went back to the bed, trying to figure out if she had to read a certain book first or if they were standalones.

“We aren’t gonna stop talking, are we?” He furrowed his brow, unsure if she would pay him no attention now that she had a stack of books.

“What? Why would you ask that?” She didn’t take her eyes away from the work she was doing, but she made a face.

“I guess since you have the books.”

“I did suggest that you spend time with me.” At this, she raised her head to look at him.

“True.” A relief he hadn’t even expected washed over him. “I was gonna wait until after we ate to give you that stuff, but I was kinda excited.”

Her heart skipped a beat at the admission and the sincerity in his voice. “I’m glad you didn’t. Thank you again.”

“If I may…” He motioned to the books.

“Oh. Please.” She laid the two she had in her hands down and sat back on her heels.

“This one was always Uncle Vick’s favorite.” Carter held up one that had a cracked spine, several creases on the cover, and even smudges along the edges of the pages.

“I can tell.” She gave him a wide grin, warming his heart. “Do you know if it’s part of a series?”

“Uh…that I don’t know.” He laughed a little.

“Well, I guess I’ll just go chronologically then.” So she began to check the publication and copyright dates to figure out which book was the oldest.

“Okay. I’ll be back with dinner in a bit.” Carter left her to the presents and went upstairs, still not ready to give her too much freedom.

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