Page 52 of Protection for Nichole

Jesse nodded. “Ah, yeah. I remember that.”

One of the guys she didn’t know came up behind Jessica and put his arms around her. She realized it must be Jax. “Hey, everything okay?”

Jessica turned her head enough to kiss his arm. “Yeah. Just talking about what happened.”

“Oh yeah, I guess you two had similar situations. Those medical units are needed, but something needs to be done.” Jax paused for a few seconds. “Burgers are done. Who would like one?”

Nichole glanced over at the guys manning the grill and it looked like they were pulling the meat off the grill. Her stomach decided to growl very loudly at that moment. They all laughed.

“Thank you for telling us. I’ll come over and get mine. I think I need it.”

Jax led Jessica away, and Jesse pulled her closer. “You really okay?”

“Yes. I didn’t know what to think about all these people, but they’re good.”

“They are. I think you’ll get along with the women.”

She put her hand on his chest, stopping him from moving. “At first, I wasn’t so sure, but just the brief conversations we’ve had I’m impressed. None of them are treating me differently though they all know who I am. I’m so used to people wanting to use me for my connections, but these women all just seem like they’re happy I’m here.”

Jesse glanced at the group and then leaned in closer, keeping his voice low. “They’ve all been through stuff like Jessica and you. Some of it is not as bad, some worse. They have their issues, but I can tell you this, they are all good people. They understand you’re a person, too, even if you have been on most of the morning shows and a few evening news shows, too. They will treat you like you’re a person, not an object.”

She nodded. “I’m getting that now.”

Apple came over to them, hugging both of them around the neck. She was surprised he seemed happy to see her. “Hey, you two, better come get a burger while you can.”

“Thanks.” It was nice to have Apple accepting her as part of their group. It was a vast improvement to how he’d felt before. She knew they probably still had work to do to be friends, but at least he wasn’t challenging her at their get togethers.

The food was great, and the conversation light. The four kids who were older were funny and asked silly questions. All themen were patient and kind with the kids. None of them seemed annoyed when the youngest girl asked them all to pick which rock in her hand was the best. They all gave thoughtful answers, mentioning something about the rock like they liked the shape or the color. It was sweet.

When it was Jesse’s time to judge the rocks, he picked the one in her left hand, telling her he thought it was kind of heart-shaped. Nichole agreed, that the heart-shaped rock was best. It was a nice set up. The parents watched their kids, but having twelve men and eight women keeping an eye on four kids gave them all time to relax and enjoy their time together.

After they finished eating and cleaning up, the men went out and played tag with the kids while the women packed stuff up. There were only a few buns left over, and she gave them to Ava, who was taking the leftover meat.

“What are you working on next?” Ingrid asked.

“I don’t know. I don’t want something that will take me into a dangerous area. I mean, I enjoy travel, and I like adventure, but ending up being held captive by those terrorists wasn’t my idea of fun.”

Ava leaned against one of the picnic tables and crossed her arms over her chest. “What about writing a book about your experiences?”

She shrugged. “Well, maybe. There’s a publisher I’m talking to. The contract would have to be good.”

“I hope it is a good contract.”

“Me, too. I’d like to spend some time here. I mean, I’m sure I’ll travel for work again, but I like spending time with Jesse.”

“Agreed,” Rory said as she came over to grab something. “I like being here with my guy. I mean, I used to be in the Marines, and work was great, but I like having time with my guy.”

Nichole laughed. “I never figured myself for the type of person who would be happy with a quiet life, but I am.”

“So you two are serious then?” Ava asked.

Her lips spread into a wide grin as she nodded. “We are.”

Danika came over. “These women have been so kind to me. I’m glad you’re with Jay. He’s a good man, and I like you.”

Ava pulled Danika into a hug. “Yeah, we don’t get together with your team enough. I do enjoy seeing you.”

Nichole hadn’t realized that when she agreed to come out and spend time with Jesse, she would gain an awesome group of friends who were just good people. Having Jesse in her life was great, and these people as friends was icing on the cake. She could see herself being friends with them. It was nice to have a support system in place, and women she actually got along with.

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