Page 39 of Maliea's Hero
Jones grinned. “Those along with Pearl Harbor and Fifty First Dates.”
Rex met Reid’s gaze. “Well, with that settled, we’ll leave you to your meal. If you need anything, let us know. We’re only a shout away.”
“Thanks,” Reid said.
After the men left the cabin, Maliea felt she could breathe again. So many large men in one tiny room was a bit overwhelming.
“You could’ve passed us off on Jones,” Maliea said softly.
Reid shook his head. “Couldn’t.”
“Why?” Maliea asked.
Instead of answering, Reid opened the bag and dug out one of the wrapped hamburgers. “Let’s eat, shower and get some rest. I’ll take the sofa. You and Nani can have the bed. And, for the love of Mike, don’t argue.”
“Who’s Mike?” Nani asked.
Maliea laughed, a feeling of relief washing over her. She and Nani were beginning to get to know this man and felt safe with him around. That went a long way in Maliea’s books after everything that had happened.
She hoped he’d be around long enough for them to figure out what was going on and who was behind it. Until then, she couldn’t let down her guard. Not even with this man she might foolishly be starting to trust.
CHAPTER 9
Reid ate his burger while studying Maliea as she worked with Nani to ensure the child ate enough to fill her little belly.
Nani was tired and cranky, ready to lay down and go back to sleep despite her short naps in the SUV getting to the cabin.
Maliea barely touched her sandwich, too wrapped up in taking care of her little girl. The dark circles under her eyes gave testament to the lack of sleep she’d had in the past two days.
Once satisfied that her daughter had eaten enough, she gathered her into her arms and carried her into the little bathroom. Fifteen minutes later, they emerged. Nani was bathed, her long dark hair combed and braided down her back. She wore an oversized T-shirt that hung down to her ankles.
She ran to Reid and held up her arms.
Reid lifted the little girl and inhaled the scent of innocence, his heart pinching hard in his chest. “Hey, cutie. You smell like popcorn.”
She frowned. “Do not. I smell like shampoo. Mama washed my hair.”
Reid made a show of sniffing her hair again. “I believe you’re right. You do smell like shampoo. How smart of your mother to wash your hair with shampoo and not popcorn.”
Nani giggled. “You don’t wash your hair with popcorn. That would be silly.”
“Is it?” he asked, raising his eyebrows. “Then I better stop washing mine with popcorn.”
Again, Nani giggled. She hugged his neck and planted a kiss on his cheek. “I like you, Mr. Reid.”
He smiled down at Nani, his heart fuller than it had been in a long time. “I like you, too, Nani.”
“Can you tuck me in?” she asked.
“I’d be honored,” Reid responded and carried her to the bed, laying her on the side furthest from the door. He pulled the sheet and light blanket up to her chin and tucked it loosely between the mattress and box spring. “That feel all right?”
She nodded.
Before he could straighten, she wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. “Good night, Mr. Reid.”
“Good night, Nani,” he said, holding onto the hug a little longer.
When he let go, she turned to her mother. “Mama, will you read to me from Papa’s book?”