Page 2 of Garr

But he also knew that Garr wasn’t stupid. That was evident by the kid having the audacity to push his own son and then point out his father and grandfather to give a fair warning to the man. He knew who the Slater kids were. Hell, they all knew who the men of Belle Fleur were. He’d begged to get his son into their school because of issues he’d had with him at other schools. He looked down at his son, who was expectantly waiting for his father to throw a punch or shove the younger boy.

“Did you touch that girl?” he asked his son. The boy said nothing, staring at his father, then back at Macie and her father. “I asked you a question, and don’t lie to me, boy.”

“It was all in fun,” he said, shrugging. “I just touched her bottom.”

“No, you rubbed it and slapped me,” sniffed Macie. Garr nearly lost his shit again. His father and grandfather held him back as the man gripped his son’s neck, pulling him backwards.

“I’ll handle this,” he said to the adults. “Macie, I’m sorry for what my son did.”

Macie said nothing, realizing there was nothing to say. She just wanted it all to go away. She found out Monday morning that her bully had decided to transfer to another school. His fourth in as many years.

But for her, it was learning that she had a hero, always on her side. Someone who watched out for her, followed her, and asked about her. He was always there. When he left for the military at the end of the school year, she was nearly heartbroken.

Five years later, he was home on leave the same weekend she was graduating from high school and headed to college. She’d never forgotten about Garr. How could she? He was her savior. He was the face she dreamed of when other girls talked about music or movie stars.

“So, you’re off to college, huh, Macie?” he smirked.

“I am. Not far for right now. I hope to work for G.R.I.P. one day.” He laughed, shaking his head. “Is that funny?”

“No. No, not all. It just seems like yesterday I was wanting to beat the shit out of your bully. You’re all grown up.”

“Am I?” she smiled.

“You are,” he grinned.

“Then kiss me,” she said quietly.

“What?”

“Kiss me. If I’m all grown up, kiss me, Garr.”

“Macie, you’re still five years younger than me. I’m a grown man with a grown man’s experiences, life, and combat experience. That changes a man. You’re still just a kid.”

She stared at him, the look of hurt evident on her face. Finally, she stood, looking down at him. Her long auburn hair brushed his arm, and he froze. The curve of her body in the sundress nearly sent him straight for those lips.

“In case you haven’t noticed, Garr, I haven’t been a kid for a while now. Let me know when you’re ready to be an adult. With me.”

He watched as she walked away, then felt his cousin nudge his shoulder.

“She put you in your place,” laughed Brix.

“Shut up,” he frowned. Brix raised his hands in self-defense, shaking his head.

“You can be pissed all you want, but she’s right. She’s not a kid anymore, Garr. You don’t have to be intimate with her, but if you don’t show that girl the interest I know you have, she’s going to find someone else.”

“That’s what she should do,” he said, standing. “I’m headed to The Well.”

“Getting drunk won’t help you, Garr,” said Brix. “Talking to Macie will. She’s a brilliant, talented young woman. She won’t last five minutes at college without some asshole scoping her out and taking her home to mommy.”

“No asshole is going to scope her out!” he said in a gruff tone. He walked away, and as he did, Sebastian and Leif watched him.

“Still stuck on Macie?” smirked Leif.

“Yep. About the same as you are with Ellie.” Leif shoved his shoulder, Sebastian laughing at him.

“He’ll figure it out. Let’s go.”

“Where are we going?” asked Sebastian.

---