Page 46 of Guarded By Death

I leave Pierce sleeping on my bed, thankful he doesn't snore because mom would kill him if she found him in here.

I change and head downstairs. "Hey, mom," I say as I stretch my sleepy body.

"Hey, honey! I'm glad you're up, I wanted to talk to you."

Does she know he’s upstairs? Trying to hide my nerves I ask, "Yeah, what's up?"

"I know you only got to meet Brian and Kayla for a brief moment and we need some time away, would you want to go to the beach house for a little vacation? I know it's last-minute, but I think you could use the rest and relaxation."

I want to scream ‘Yes!’ but I have to think about the safety of everyone. "I would love to, but Pierce-"

My stomach drops as she holds her hand out in front of her, "About that," she says, with a smile. "I wanted to invite him too!"

"Really?" I squeal.

She points an accusatory finger in my direction. "He sleeps on the couch, of course."

"Yes!" I agree.

She sighs while pulling a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "I know you're an adult now and I respect what you two have, he seems like a great kid. Well, man." She laughs at herself. "And you will be leaving for college so soon, I just will miss you so much and I want to spend as much time as possible with you."

I'm beaming. "I think it would be good for both of us to get away."

She claps her hands together "Then it's settled, we leave Friday!" Friday, oh man. I need to go back to work.

I shrug in her direction. "I need to call Mike," I say quietly.

"Already talked to him." She admits with an innocent smile. "Don't freak out though, you have to remember I've known him my whole life Scarlett. He was your dad’s best friend and he’s so understanding. He’s overstaffed with all the high schoolers trying to make quick cash and I know you don't need the money; you save like crazy. He said if you want to take any shifts just to call him."

I playfully roll my eyes. "I appreciate that mom, I could have called him myself, but I am thankful.”

"I'm going out for the day, call me if you need me." She grabs her purse off the counter and heads outside. When the garage door closes shut, I rush up the stairs. I'm too excited about this vacation for him to be sleeping.

"Get up!" I yell as I jump on top of him.

"Your happiness woke me up minutes ago, what's going on?" He beams.

I smile at him, a cheesy grin. "Do you want to go on vacation with my mom and Brian?" I squeal.

He sits up and stretches his arms out wide. "Of course, where to?" he asks.

"He has a beach house," I say, bringing myself closer to him.

"Sounds like fun." He yawns but I notice his jaw twitch.

A frown takes over my face, "Are you sure? You don't seem too excited." I pout and he playfully flips me underneath him.

"You... in a bikini for a week? No distractions? I'm all in." He plants a lingering kiss on the crook of my neck.

Twenty-six

Vacay

Iglance at the calendar as I pull a brush through my wet hair, failing to get the tangles out but too excited to pay too much attention. It's already Friday and I'm so thankful the past few days have been safe. I haven't left the house out of fear but I'm excited about going to Brian's beach house today.

Pierce is sleeping soundly on my bed; his dark hair is tousled against my pink pillowcase which makes me giggle. He's been here every night; we haven't left each other's sides. The only time he goes to work - if that's what you call it, I keep telling myself it's work so I don't worry myself more – is when I'm asleep.

I tiptoe around the quiet room, so I don't wake him as I get dressed and meet Mom downstairs for breakfast. I'm so thankful Pierce doesn't snore, or our charade would be up.

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