Page 21 of Protector

“Call me tomorrow so we can set up a time to get together. Whenever it is, I’ll make it. I want things to be right between us.”

For the first time, his words feel genuine. We were close friends once. Hung out in groups and alone. Crossing the line was probably a mistake for both of us.

“Fine. But I can’t promise tomorrow.” But to cover my moment of weakness, I give a little head shake with an eye-roll. “Just give me space, and I’ll reach out soon.”

He nods like an obedient boy before skulking away.

I turn just as Margo comes up behind me, grabbing my shoulders.

“Handled like a boss, girl.” Then she looks over at Brooks and smiles. “Uncle Todd looked like he wanted to kick some Rio ass.”

Everyone laughs, but when I look at Brooks and our eyes lock, my face falls. He’s not smiling. Not that I expected anything from him, but I suddenly feel like an immature loser. I bet this whole high school musical drama is tiresome for someone like him who has such a serious job. Embarrassed, I turn to Margo and say, “Can I meet you back at the table?”

“Wait, we don’t get to meet your uncle?”

I point to Brooks and rush an introduction. “This is my Uncle Todd.” When he nods with an awkward grin, I add, “And this is Margo and Deena.” He already met Cal, and Deena’s roommate, who often hangs with us, is back at the table.

Deena is a bit on the shy side—and Brooks’s imposing presence doesn’t help—so she smiles and gives a little wave.

Margo, on the other hand, looks as though she’s about to unwrap her birthday present. If this is how all the women in my life are going to react to him, I’m not sure I want to deal with it. “So nice to meet you,” she says with a sly smile. “I’m sorry Shay banished you to the bar. I hope it’s not because of me.”

Brooks shows no reaction to her eyelash batting or the deep breath she takes that elevates her full breasts.

“I’m good, thanks. I’m going to head back over to finish my drink.”

He turns to go, and Margo mouthsOh my Godbefore I rush to catch him.

“Uncle Todd…”

We stop just short of the bar, and he turns to me.

“I’m sorry about—” I quickly change gears and my mind. Why should I apologize for anything? He works for me. When am I going to stop feeling like I have to be a certain way for people? “You know I had it handled. You didn’t have to come over.”

His eyes scan around the bar before returning to me. “I don’t take any chances. This whole thing is happening too fast. I don’t like the lack of prep. Tonight was supposed to be you and I sitting down and talking about everything.”

“I know, and Iamsorry about that. But I forgot about Margo’s birthday. I couldn’t let her down.”

“If I’d known who that guy was, I might not have jumped up so quickly. I get you want to live your life, and you’re in demand, but you need to make this a priority. I need to know everything you know. I need to know everyone you interact with, every place you go. Things will go more smoothly from there.”

“Tomorrow, I promise.” Instinctively, I touch his arm. “I work out in the morning but right after that.”

The hard lines around his eyes lessen, and he nods. “That’s fine,” he says but then slips his hand into his pocket, out of my reach.

“And I won’t be much longer tonight. I just wanted to make an appearance. I already asked Cal to go home with one of the girls.”

He smiles then, and I can’t help but return it.He’d make an awesome uncle. And an even better—

“Go have fun with your friends. I’ll wait until you’re ready.”

“Thank you.” I turn and go to join the others, whom I now see were watching me the whole time. My pulse kicks up as I wonder what they might have seen from me that could make them suspicious. It’s not the end of the world if they find out who he is, but I want to make this work, and I want to try to do things the way Brooks wants.

The first thing I notice is Margo’s scowl.

“What?”

She tugs on the long hair draped over my shoulder. “Holding out on me, Shay Bae.” Her eyes flit over to the bar as she sips a glass of wine. “Why are you hiding your uncle? You know I’m attracted to older men.”She’s not the only one.

“That’s probably why,” Cal cuts in. “Family is off-limits, girl.”

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