Page 47 of Johnathan

“We can’t. Not tonight. I want to hold you as we sleep, but I can’t do anything else. Not after what you’ve been through. I want the first time we’re together to be really special. You deserve that.”

“I wouldn’t regret it,” she sighed as she snuggled back down into his chest. “I’ve wanted this for so long, John. For so long. But I understand.”

“You’re safe with me, Abby. Always.”

“I know I am.”

“I needed to say it, baby, in case somewhere in your mind you’re thinking you’re not. I would never do anything to hurt you.”

“John, I know you wouldn’t. I trust you. You saved me. You’re always there to save me.”

Fourteen

Itrust you. You saved me. You’re always there to save me.

Those words had come out from Abby’s mouth no louder than a whisper, but they seared right through his skin to be branded on his heart. She’d fallen back asleep, breathing right along with the rise and fall of his chest. But John couldn’t get his eyes to close. He wanted to track down the asshole who’d drugged her. The fucker who thought he could take something that wasn’t his to have.

Undressing her in such a vulnerable state had ripped his fucking heart out. He’d tried to be as respectful as possible. She wasn’t consenting to his gaze, only to his help. So he worked quickly to remove her shoes, and her dress, and hoped that the shirt he’d found was comfortable enough against her skin. Fuck, he loved the idea that she was fully surrounded by him; in his house, in his clothes, and now, in his arms.

John must have dozed at some point because now, as his eyes cracked open, the bright light of morning was flooding his room.

The front door opened and John sat straight up in bed as the familiar pitter-patter of feet came rushing down the hall. The warmth from being next to Abby cooled as he jumped out of bed and tried to cover her.

“Ms. Abby?” Katy’s eyes lit up, and a smile beamed across her face. He turned to see Abby now sitting up, her hair messy and sticking up in all directions. Her face paled as she pulled the covers up over her more.

“Daddy?” Katy’s head swiveled between John and Abby. “You live here wif us?”

“No, Katy,” Abby choked out. “I needed some help last night, and your dad came to my rescue. He was just doing his job as a sheriff’s deputy.”

“Katy, who are you here with?”

“Grammy!”

“And where is your Grammy?”

Just as he asked, Nellie came running down the hallway. “Oh shoot. I’m so sorry. I didn’t think she would come barreling this way! We just stopped to grab her dance bag. It’s not by the door to the garage with her school stuff and I told her to be quiet and stay with me. I didn’t think she would dart right for your room.”

“You have dance class on Saturday?” Abby asked.

“Nope. I show Grammy and Grampy my dance moves.”

“And you couldn’t do that without your class stuff?” John asked.

“No! I needs my ballerina dress!”

He sat back on the edge of the mattress and raked his hand over his face.

“Mom, could you take Katy and wait out in the living room?”

“Of course, John. I’m so sorry. She was insistent and I thought we could get it without an issue,” she laughed, lifting Katy up to sit on her hip. “So nice to see you again, Abby.”

“Nice to see you too, Mrs. Boone.”

“Oh goodness, please call me Nellie! I hope you are doing alright after last night. You know, Tom and I would love for you to come to family dinner sometime. It’s usually Saturday nights at our house. Maybe tonight if you’re up to it?”

“Mom,” John growled.

“Yes, yes. Okay, going. I’ll just shut this so you two can…well, we’ll just be waiting to say bye in the living room. And even if you’re not feeling up to it today, the offer stands any time, honey!”

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