Chapter Seven
Thomas watched her pick at her food, disliking the fact she was so anxious. He began to wonder if it was him who made her feel that way, or if it was the whole situation. He knew a lot was new to her, and he wanted to make the transition as easy as possible.
She ate half a bowl of soup and only one-fourth of the sandwich before pushing the plate away. He wanted to encourage her to eat more, but he didn’t want to push her too much so soon, afraid she’d try to run.
“If you’re done, let’s go for a walk. It’s really nice outside,” he said.
Angel nodded, stood, and grabbed her dishes. He followed with his own plate and bowl.
“That was delicious, Daisy, thank you,” she said. “Can I help with the dishes or anything else?’
Daisy smiled and shook her head. “Not right now. You go with Thomas and let him show you around.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Thomas took her hand. “Let’s get your shoes on.”
“They’re still upstairs,” Angel said.
“Go on up and get them, and I’ll wait for you down here.”
She nodded and started to run up the stairs.
“Slow down,” Thomas yelled.
He smiled when she froze and then walked up the rest of the steps sedately.
It was less than a minute before she came back to him.
He took one look at her shoes, with tears and holes in them, and knew before the day was done, he planned to order her some things.
With time, he’d add more, but he didn’t want to overwhelm her, and he knew she wouldn’t feel comfortable taking things from him.
Thomas held her hand the whole time he showed her around.
He could tell how nervous she was and tried his best to put her at ease.
He was pleased to see a smile on her face when Jaxx ran up to her with a happy bark.
Angel got down on her knees and hugged the large dog.
She pressed her nose into its neck and then grinned up at him.
“He smells so good, and he’s so soft.”
“David knows dogs. He’s trained the ones we have here at the ranch. The two we have now have been able to assist us with the cattle. It’s helped tremendously,” he said.
“I wonder if Jaxx can help?” she asked.
“I’ll see what David says,” he told her.
Angel hugged the dog one more time before standing. He was pleased when she automatically took his hand without him prompting her.
They spent the next few hours outside. He showed her all the buildings and introduced her to his men. When he showed her the garden, her face lit up.
“I know how to do this,” she exclaimed.
“That’s wonderful, Sweetheart. I know Daisy has trouble keeping up with it. Do you know how to can, too?”
She nodded. “I really like it.”
“Daisy will be pleased.”
“How would you like to watch a movie in my office while I get some work done?” he asked.
“Oh, I’ve never seen a movie.”
Jesus, he doubted this woman had any enjoyment in her life. First at the convent and then while on her own. Every day had to have been a struggle for her.
“I’ll find one I think you’ll like.”
He led her into the office and sat her down on the sofa. He sat next to her with the remote. He ran through several channels before deciding on a lighthearted Disney movie.
“See what you think of this, Sweetheart.”
Her eyes were wide as she stared at the TV. “Oh, um, I’ll watch it.”
Thomas smiled and kissed the side of her head, which she didn’t seem to notice. “Okay. I’ll be at my desk doing work if you need me.”
She nodded, but her eyes remained entranced by the movie.
He walked to his desk, sat down, and started his computer.
He pulled up a popular online site and started ordering the clothing she needed.
He was not going overboard this time because he didn’t want to make her uncomfortable.
So, a few pairs of jeans, socks, panties, bras, several button-down shirts, a pair of boots, tennis shoes, a fall jacket, and a winter coat.
When she became comfortable, they’d sit down together and buy some things she wanted. But at least he got a good start on what she absolutely needed.
He studied her delicate features before he focused on the work he needed to do. Thomas continued to glance at her periodically. He knew it was taking time away from work, but he couldn’t get over how peaceful it was having her near him. He was content for the first time in his life.
Now, he just had to wait and hope she would learn to care for him as much as he was coming to care for her, and want to try a relationship. He wouldn’t push her into anything, but he wanted her to be aware of the type of relationship he needed.
Everything he’d learned about her made him think she would be perfect for the Big/Little connection he craved. He was a bit worried about what would happen if she didn’t. He bet he’d still want her, but was worried he’d come to a point where he wouldn’t be as fulfilled as he wanted to be.
Until he knew, he’d try his best to teach her what a good life she’d have with him and how happy she would be to not worry about anything but making her daddy happy.