Page 8 of Protector Book Boyfriend

I swallow hard, holding my composure. “Hi, there,” I say, my voice embarrassingly too high. “I was just asking for directions.”

Asa steps forward. “You lost?”

A look of worry clouds his face, though his presence is both comforting and overwhelming. “I can help you with that,” he offers. “I know the area.” He walks over and towers over me. I can’t believe it. The kid, who when I saw him last stood shoulder to shoulder with me, now hovers over me like a protective, slim-thick giant.

“She’s looking for a lot somewhere near Highway 87,” the chief says. Asa nods.

“I can take you,” he says.

I hesitate, glancing at the chief, who nods in agreement. “That would be great,” I say finally, my heart pounding in my chest. “Thank you.”

We head back to my car, and Asa hops in the passenger seat, directing me through the winding roads. His proximity is intoxicating, and I can’t help but steal glances at him, admiring his strong jawline and hazel eyes.

“So, you’re really going through with this move?” he asks, breaking the silence. “I think you’ll love it out here. It’s a good place for a fresh start.”

We drive in silence for a few more minutes until we reach the lot. “Wow, it’s close to you guys,” I say.

“Headquarters? Yeah. Good thing, too.” He winks at me mischievously.

The lot’s perfect—spacious, with a stunning view of the mountains and surrounding by trees and greenery. The land’s well kept, the grass cut low and I can already picture my new home here, a place where my daughter and I can finally feel settled.

“Hawthorne Road,” Asa says, his voice soft. “What do you think?”

I step out of the car, taking in the view. “It’s beautiful,” I whisper, peace washing over me. Asa stands beside me, his presence calming.

“I’m glad you like it,” he says. “If you need any help with the move or anything else, you know where to find me.” I smile.

“I appreciate it.”

Asa walks me around the lot, pointing out distinct features and explaining what work would need to be done to clear it for building. “You’ll need to remove a few of these trees,” he says, gesturing to a cluster of pines. “And grading the land will be important to ensure proper drainage. Living out here means you’ll have to stay on top of things, like maintaining access roads and dealing with wildlife.”

I nod, absorbing the information. “It sounds like a lot of work, but I’m ready for it. This place is perfect.”

The warmth of his smile echoes in his voice. “I’m glad you think so. It’s a beautiful area, and I think you and your daughter will love it here.”

We walk back to my car, the sun setting behind the mountains, casting a golden glow over everything it touches. I lean against the back of my car, enjoying the view. Asa stands next to me, close but not too close.

“So,” he begins, a hint of hesitation in his voice. “Can I ask you a question?”

“Sure.”

“Why’ve you been ignoring my messages on the dating app?”

I take a deep breath, feeling a little guilty and nervous. My bad. “It’s not that I don’t want to talk to you, Asa. I just... I’m not ready for something serious right now. I joined the app because I wanted to have some fun, release some steam. I didn’t expect...I don’t know.”

He turns to face me, his expression sincere. “You can release some steam with me,” he says. “No pressure, no expectations. Just two people enjoying each other’s company.” I look into his eyes, feeling a pull I can’t deny. We sit on the back of my car, watching the sun dip lower in the sky. The rumble of thunder interrupts this peaceful moment and the sight of storm clouds rolling in. Before we know it, the rain starts in a torrent. “Let’s get inside,” Asa yells, jumping off the hood of my car and helping me down. He opens the passenger door and helps me in, my clothes already getting soaked. “I’ll drive,” he says, climbing into the driver’s seat. Asa starts the car and carefully navigates the winding roads, the rain pounding against the windshield. Despite this torrential downpour as we drive through mud and gravel along a winding mountain road, I’m calm. I don’t know if it’s Asa’s presence, or maybe the realization that I don’t have to figure everything out right now. I can take things one step at a time, starting with my sudden and unexpected journey with Asa.

Chapter Five

Asa

“IT RAINS LIKE A SON of a bitch out here,” I warn Porsha. “You sure you’re ready for this?”

“You say that like I didn’t grow up out here,” she mocks.

“P, you didn’t grow up out here. You grew up in town.”

“So did you,” she says.

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