Page 45 of Stables

But what if the next one is like Matt? Could I walk away without vetting whoever she wants to see?

I’m not her father.

I’ll just protect her for a while. Keep tabs. Be there if she needs me.

Or wants me.

Begs me.

Stop.

When I get back to her house, I pull past the house and around the side to get as close to the broken kitchen door as possible.

“Knock, knock.” I make sure to announce myself before climbing the porch steps.

Char glances up and a tint of pink blooms on her cheeks.

Better than the yellow of the healing injuries.

Paisley twists around from where she’s sitting on the floor. At first, her eyes are wide with the threat of tears pinching them, but when she sees me, a toothy smile spreads across her face.

That’s a plus.

“I brought something to cover this hole.” It looks like Char has been busy, there isn’t any glass left in the frame or on the floor.

Dammit. I was going to do that. Well, that was before I acted like a fool.

Char rises from the couch, and I see her grab something off the end table and put it on the shelf over the TV.

A pistol.

Good girl.

“I felt bad I didn’t even send you off with a cup of coffee this morning.” Her blue eyes dance around without ever looking directly at me.

Boy, I fucked up.

“Don’t. I’m fine, honest.” I rarely drink it anyways. Only when I have back to back shifts in the emergency room.

“Um, do you want a glass of tea? I can put it over ice?” She doesn’t wait for my response, but pulls a mason jar out of the cupboard.

Rolling her bottom lip between her teeth, a frown tinges the corner of her mouth. “I don’t have any regular cups. I used to have a nice set…” She trails her words off with a flicker of pain tightening her cheeks.

It makes me wonder if Matt broke them. From the way her forehead knots, that would be my bet.

Bastard. I wish I got a hold of him last night.

Fast little prick.

I’m tempted to buy her new dishes, but is it to spite him?

Or to please her?

I wouldn’t mind putting that smile back on her face. Maybe that “O” she made with her lips.

Jesus, fuck.

“Tea would be fine. I’m not picky about the cup.” I need to get this damn door fixed so I can get out of here.

---