Chapter 99

Zachariah gently applied the ointment to Laurelle's ankle. He treated her with the tenderness reserved for something precious. ... The next morning, Laurelle woke after barely three hours of sleep. However, she found Zachariah's side of the bed empty. After the night's rain, the scent of wet earth drifted through the window. As she looked around, her eyes landed on her clothes, which were scattered and torn on the floor. The memories of their passionate night made her cheeks flush crimson. She quickly gathered the clothes and checked the time, then rushed to get ready for work. Laurelle could not believe Zachariah had not woken her before leaving for work. She was two hours late, and the morning was almost over. It was embarrassing. As Laurelle settled at her desk, Sydney leaned over and asked, "Do you know Mr. Patterson personally?" "What?" Laurelle looked at her in confusion. "This morning, he said you called in sick. Are you two friends?" Laurelle realized this must have be